TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Kings 2 verses 12–25
Here is, I. Solomon's accession to the throne, Kg1 2:12. He came to it much more easily and peaceably than David did, and much sooner saw his government established. It is happy for a kingdom when the end of one good reign is the beginning of another, as it was here.
II. His just and necessary removal of Adonijah his rival, in order to the establishment of his throne. Adonijah had made some bold pretensions to the crown, but was soon obliged to let them fail and throw himself upon Solomon's mercy, who dismissed him upon his good behaviour, and, had he been easy, he might have been safe. But here we have him betraying himself into the hands of Solomon's justice, and falling by it, the righteous God leaving him to himself, that he might be punished for his former treason and that Solomon's throne might be established. Many thus ruin themselves, because they know not when they are well off, or well done to; and sinners, by presuming on God's patience, treasure up wrath to themselves. Now observe,
1.Adonijah's treasonable project, which was to marry Abishag, David's concubine, not because he was in love with her, but because, by her, he hoped to renew his claim to the crown, which might stand him in stead, or because it was then looked upon as a branch of the government to have the wives of the predecessor, Sa2 12:8. Absalom thought his pretensions much supported by lying with his father's concubines. Adonijah flatters himself that if he may succeed him in his bed, especially with the best of his wives, he may by that means step up to succeed him in his throne. Restless and turbulent spirits reach high. It was but a small game to play at, as it should seem, yet he hoped to make it an after-game for the kingdom, and now to gain that by a wife which he could not gain by force.
2.The means he used to compass this. he durst not make suit to Abishag immediately (he knew she was at Solomon's disposal, and he would justly resent it if his consent were not first obtained, as even Ishbosheth did, in a like case, Sa2 3:7), nor durst he himself apply immediately to Solomon, knowing that he lay under his displeasure; but he engaged Bathsheba to be his friend in this matter, who would be forward to believe it a matter of love, and not apt to suspect it a matter of policy. Bathsheba was surprised to see Adonijah in her apartment, and asked him if he did not come with a design to do her a mischief, because she had been instrumental to crush his late attempt. "No," says he, "I come peaceably (Kg1 2:13), and to beg a favour" (Kg1 2:14), that she would use the great interest she had in her son to gain his consent, that he might marry Abishag (Kg1 2:16, Kg1 2:17), and, if he may but obtain this, he will thankfully accept it, (1.) As a compensation for his loss of the kingdom. He insinuates (Kg1 2:15), "Thou knowest the kingdom was mine, as my father's eldest son, living at the time of his death, and all Israel set their faces on me." This was false; they were but a few that he had on his side; yet thus he would represent himself as an object of compassion, that had been deprived of a crown, and therefore might well be gratified in a wife. If he may not inherit his father's throne, yet let him have something valuable that was his father's, to keep for his sake, and let it be Abishag. (2.) As his reward for his acquiescence in that loss. He owns Solomon's right to the kingdom: "It was his from the Lord. I was foolish in offering to contest it; and now that it is turned about to him I am satisfied." Thus he pretends to be well pleased with Solomon's accession to the throne, when he is doing all he can to give him disturbance. His words were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart.
3.Bathsheba's address to Solomon on his behalf. She promised to speak to the king for him (Kg1 2:18) and did so, Kg1 2:19. Solomon received her with all the respect that was due to a mother, though he himself was a king: He rose up to meet her, bowed himself to her, and caused her to sit on his right hand, according to the law of the fifth commandment. Children, not only when grown up, but when grown great, must give honour to their parents, and behave dutifully and respectfully towards them. Despise not thy mother when she is old. As a further instance of the deference he paid to his mother's wisdom and authority, when he understood she had a petition to present to him, he promised not to say her nay, a promise which both he and she understood with this necessary limitation, provided it be just and reasonable and fit to be granted; but, if it were otherwise, he was sure he should convince her that it was so, and that then she would withdraw it. She tells him her errand at last (Kg1 2:21): Let Abishag be given to Adonijah thy brother. It was strange that she did not suspect the treason, but more strange that she did not abhor the incest, that was in the proposal. But either she did not take Abishag to be David's wife, because the marriage was not consummated, or she thought it might be dispensed with to gratify Adonijah, in consideration of his tame submission to Solomon. This was her weakness and folly: it was well that she was not regent. Note, Those that have the ear of princes and great men, as it is their wisdom not to be too prodigal of their interest, so it is their duty never to use it for the assistance of sin or the furtherance of any wicked design. Let not princes be asked that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request or appear in a bad cause.
4.Solomon's just and judicious rejection of the request. Though his mother herself was the advocate, and called it a small petition, and perhaps it was the first she had troubled him with since he was king, yet he denied it, without violation of the general promise he had made, Kg1 2:20. If Herod had not had a mind to cut off John Baptist's head, he would not have thought himself obliged to do it by a general promise, like this, made to Herodias. The best friend we have in the world must not have such an interest in us as to bring us to do a wrong thing, either unjust or unwise. (1.) Solomon convinces his mother of the unreasonableness of the request, and shows her the tendency of it, which, before, she was not aware of. His reply is somewhat sharp: "Ask for him the kingdom also, Kg1 2:22. To ask that he may succeed the king in his bed is, in effect, to ask that he may succeed him in his throne; for that is it he aims at." Probably he had information, or cause for a strong suspicion, that Adonijah was plotting with Joab and Abiathar to give him disturbance, which warranted him to put this construction upon Adonijah's request. (2.) He convicts and condemns Adonijah for his pretensions, and both with an oath. He convicts him out of his own mouth, Kg1 2:23. His own tongue shall fall upon him; and a heavier load a man needs not fall under. Bathsheba may be imposed upon, but Solomon cannot; he plainly sees what Adonijah aims at, and concludes, "He has spoken this word against his own life; he is snared in the words of his own lips; now he shows what he would be at." He condemns him to die immediately: He shall be put to death this day, Kg1 2:24. God had himself declared with an oath that he would establish David's throne (Psa 89:35), and therefore Solomon pledges the same assurance to secure that establishment, by cutting off the enemies of it. "As God liveth, that establisheth the government, Adonijah shall die, that would unsettle it." Thus the ruin of the enemies of Christ's kingdom is as sure as the stability of his kingdom, and both are as sure as the being and life of God, the founder of it. The warrant is immediately signed for his execution, and no less a man than Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, general of the army, is ordered to be the executioner, Kg1 2:25. It is strange that Adonijah may not be heard to speak for himself: but Solomon's wisdom did not see it needful to examine the matter any further; it was plain enough that Adonijah aimed at the crown, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious turbulent spirits commonly prepare for themselves the instruments of death. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown.
Continue studying 1 Kings 2:17 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 2:17, Adonijah, a son of King David, approaches Bathsheba, King Solomon's mother, with a seemingly innocuous request: that she intercede with Solomon to allow him to marry Abishag the Shunammite. This plea, however, is far from simple; it is a calculated political maneuver, subtly yet profoundly challenging Solomon's newly established reign and revealing Adonijah's persistent, dangerous ambition for the throne, despite having been previously pardoned.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that deepen its meaning and highlight the underlying tensions. Irony is prominently featured, as Adonijah's seemingly humble and personal request for a wife is, in reality, a deeply political and ambitious maneuver, directly challenging the king he claims to respect. His confidence that Solomon "will not say thee nay" is also deeply ironic, as Solomon's response is precisely the opposite of what Adonijah expects, leading to his swift execution. Foreshadowing is also at play; this request immediately signals that Adonijah's threat to the throne is far from over, setting the stage for Solomon's decisive actions to consolidate his power and eliminate rivals. Furthermore, Abishag herself functions as Symbolism. She is not merely a woman Adonijah desires, but a tangible symbol of David's royal prerogative and legacy. To possess her is to symbolically possess a piece of the former king's authority, making the request a direct challenge to Solomon's rightful inheritance and a catalyst for the violent consolidation of his reign.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This episode profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine sovereignty in establishing leadership and the severe consequences of human ambition that opposes God's chosen path. Adonijah's persistent attempts to seize the throne, even after God had clearly designated Solomon as David's successor, highlight a fundamental distrust or disregard for divine ordination. His actions serve as a stark reminder that true authority comes from God, not from human manipulation or political maneuvering. Solomon's decisive response, guided by divine wisdom and a clear understanding of the threat, demonstrates the necessity of upholding God's established order and swiftly dealing with challenges to divinely appointed leadership, ensuring stability and justice within the kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adonijah's request in 1 Kings 2:17 serves as a timeless warning against subtle ambition and the deceptive nature of appearances. What seems like a benign personal desire can often mask deeper, more insidious motives. For believers, this passage underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment, especially when evaluating requests or situations that might subtly undermine established authority, whether in the church, family, or workplace. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to consider the underlying intentions and potential consequences of actions, and to uphold God-given order. Solomon's swift and firm response, though seemingly harsh, demonstrates the necessity of decisive action when faced with threats to peace, stability, and legitimate authority. In our own lives, this calls us to be vigilant against our own hidden ambitions, to submit to rightful authority, and to act with integrity and wisdom, recognizing that true power and blessing comes from aligning with God's will, not from self-serving schemes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was marrying Abishag considered a challenge to Solomon's throne?
Answer: In the ancient Near East, including Israel, marrying a deceased king's concubine or a woman intimately associated with his royal household was a widely recognized symbol of claiming the king's authority and legitimacy. These women were considered part of the royal inheritance. By seeking Abishag, who had served King David in his old age and was part of his immediate royal entourage as detailed in 1 Kings 1:1-4, Adonijah was subtly yet powerfully asserting a claim to David's legacy and, by extension, to the throne that Solomon now occupied. It was a political statement, not merely a romantic desire, designed to gather support and challenge Solomon's reign, much like Absalom's public defilement of David's concubines in 2 Samuel 16:21-22 was a clear act of usurpation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adonijah's persistent, self-serving ambition, culminating in this calculated request for Abishag, stands in stark contrast to the humble, self-sacrificial kingship of Jesus Christ. Adonijah sought to establish his kingdom through political maneuvering, leveraging familial influence, and claiming symbolic ties to the previous monarch. His desire for a "wife" (Abishag) was a means to an earthly throne, a pursuit of power that ultimately led to his demise as recorded in 1 Kings 2:25. In profound contrast, Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" as He declared in John 18:36, and His authority is not seized but freely given by the Father, as seen in John 5:27. The "bride" of Christ is not a political pawn but the Church, redeemed and purified by His own blood, as beautifully described in Ephesians 5:25-27. Christ, the true King, willingly laid down His life, conquering sin and death, and now reigns eternally, inviting all to His spiritual kingdom through His resurrection and exaltation, as proclaimed in Philippians 2:8-11. His reign is characterized by grace, truth, and eternal peace, a stark contrast to the worldly power struggles depicted in 1 Kings.