1 Kings 2:22

KJV

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he [is] mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} answered {H6030} and said {H559} unto his mother {H517}, And why dost thou ask {H7592} Abishag {H49} the Shunammite {H7767} for Adonijah {H138}? ask {H7592} for him the kingdom {H4410} also; for he is mine elder {H1419} brother {H251}; even for him, and for Abiathar {H54} the priest {H3548}, and for Joab {H3097} the son {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo answered his mother, "Why are you asking Avishag the Shunamit for Adoniyah? Ask the kingdom for him too! After all, he's my older brother! Yes, for him, and for Evyatar the cohen and for Yo'av the son of Tz'ruyah!"

Berean Standard Bible

King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”

American Standard Version

And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's incisive response to his mother Bathsheba marks a pivotal moment in the consolidation of his nascent reign. He immediately perceives that Adonijah's seemingly innocuous request for Abishag the Shunammite as a wife is, in fact, a thinly veiled and politically charged attempt to assert a claim to the throne, leveraging his status as the elder brother and his past alliances with powerful figures like Abiathar and Joab. This verse highlights Solomon's profound discernment and decisive action in securing his kingdom against lingering threats, demonstrating his early grasp of the intricate power dynamics inherent in royal succession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at a critical juncture following the death of King David and the tumultuous transition of power to Solomon. In [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Rebellion and Solomon's Anointing"), Adonijah, David's eldest surviving son, had prematurely declared himself king, gathering significant support from key figures such as Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, a prominent priest ([1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Adonijah's Supporters")). This attempted coup was swiftly thwarted by the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, leading to David's immediate anointing of Solomon as king ([1 Kings 1:32-40](/1_kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32-40 - Solomon Anointed King")). Though Adonijah was initially spared by Solomon on the condition of loyalty ([1 Kings 1:52-53](/1_kings/1-52 "1 Kings 1:52-53 - Adonijah Spared by Solomon")), his underlying ambition evidently remained. The narrative then progresses to Adonijah's cunning approach to Bathsheba, requesting Abishag, David's former companion, as his wife ([1 Kings 2:17](/1_kings/2-17 "1 Kings 2:17 - Adonijah's Request to Bathsheba")), which Bathsheba, perhaps naively, presents to Solomon ([1 Kings 2:19-21](/1_kings/2-19 "1 Kings 2:19-21 - Bathsheba Intercedes for Adonijah")). Solomon's sharp and immediate response in [1 Kings 2:22](/1_kings/2-22 "1 Kings 2:22 - Solomon's Sharp Reply") serves as the decisive turning point, revealing his instant comprehension of the true danger and setting the stage for the swift and comprehensive elimination of these lingering threats to his divinely appointed reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal succession was frequently a precarious and often violent affair, characterized by intense intrigue and challenges to the new king's authority. A crucial aspect of consolidating power involved eliminating potential rivals and asserting control over all symbols of the previous king's reign. One such potent symbol was the royal harem or those intimately associated with the former king's household. To take possession of a deceased king's concubines or companions was widely understood as a public declaration of one's claim to the throne and a direct usurpation of the previous king's authority. This cultural norm is vividly illustrated by Absalom's actions during his rebellion against David, where he publicly lay with his father's concubines on the rooftop, signaling his claim to the kingship ([2 Samuel 16:20-22](/2_samuel/16-20 "2 Samuel 16:20-22 - Absalom's Public Usurpation")). Abishag, though described as a companion and caregiver rather than a concubine in the sexual sense ([1 Kings 1:3-4](/1_kings/1-3 "1 Kings 1:3-4 - Abishag, David's Companion")), was intimately associated with King David's household and person during his final days. Her close proximity to David made her a symbolic extension of his royal authority. Therefore, Adonijah's request for her was far from a mere romantic overture; it was a deliberate and profound political maneuver, a subtle yet unmistakable challenge to Solomon's legitimacy and rule, calculated to garner support from those who might still favor Adonijah's claim based on primogeniture.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several key themes critical to understanding the early Solomonic reign. Firstly, **Solomon's Discernment and Wisdom** is paramount. Despite his youth, Solomon immediately grasps the true, sinister intent behind Adonijah's seemingly innocent request, demonstrating a sharp political acumen that profoundly foreshadows the divine wisdom he would later receive and for which he would become renowned ([1 Kings 3:9-12](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")). Secondly, **Adonijah's Persistent Ambition** is laid bare. Despite having been granted clemency, his desire for the kingship remains unchecked, manifesting in this subtle but dangerous attempt to undermine Solomon's authority, highlighting the destructive and relentless nature of unbridled ambition. Thirdly, the **Gravity of Royal Succession and the King's Absolute Authority** is profoundly emphasized. Any perceived challenge to the king's authority, no matter how indirect or seemingly benign, was treated as treason and met with severe, decisive consequences to maintain the stability and order of the kingdom. Solomon's firm and immediate response establishes his absolute authority and his unwillingness to tolerate any lingering threats to his divinely appointed rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ask (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** (H7592) While the primary meaning is "to inquire" or "to request," Solomon's use of this word here carries a strong undertone of demanding or presuming. He perceives Adonijah's "request" as a veiled assertion of a right or a direct challenge to his authority, rather than a humble petition. This highlights Solomon's immediate recognition of the manipulative and politically charged nature of Adonijah's approach through Bathsheba.
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _mᵉlûwkâh'_):** (H4410) This term refers to the royal dominion, the kingship, or the realm itself. Solomon's immediate and direct leap from "Abishag" to "the kingdom" reveals his profound understanding of the symbolic power dynamics at play. He sees beyond the person of Abishag to what she represents: a direct claim to the throne and the very foundation of his newly established rule. This word underscores the magnitude of the threat Adonijah posed.
* **Elder (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** (H1419) Meaning "great" in any sense, and by extension, "older" or "elder." Adonijah's status as the elder brother was the primary basis of his initial claim to the throne ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Claim")). By explicitly mentioning this, Solomon acknowledges Adonijah's persistent reliance on primogeniture as a justification for his ambition, even though God had clearly designated Solomon as king. Solomon's reference to Adonijah's "elder brother" status, alongside his co-conspirators, underscores the calculated and comprehensive nature of Adonijah's ongoing threat to the legitimate succession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Solomon's firm and direct engagement with the situation. He does not hesitate or defer, but confronts the issue head-on, indicating his resolve and the seriousness with which he views the request. This highlights his nascent authority and decisive character.
* **"And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah?"**: This rhetorical question from Solomon reveals his immediate and profound insight into the true nature of the request. He recognizes that the petition for Abishag is far from innocent. He challenges his mother's unwitting participation, implicitly questioning why she would present such a politically charged request to him without understanding its deeper, treasonous implications.
* **"ask for him the kingdom also; for he [is] mine elder brother;"**: This is the very crux of Solomon's discernment and the turning point of the narrative. He explicitly and forcefully connects the seemingly benign request for Abishag to a direct demand for the kingship itself. He understands that Adonijah, by seeking a woman intimately associated with the former king, is attempting to symbolically claim the throne. The reference to Adonijah being his "elder brother" highlights the persistent claim based on primogeniture, which Adonijah continued to leverage despite God's clear choice of Solomon.
* **"even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah."**: Solomon extends his understanding beyond Adonijah alone, implicating his past co-conspirators. This demonstrates Solomon's acute awareness that Adonijah's current move is not an isolated act but part of an ongoing, larger conspiracy involving the powerful and influential figures who had supported his initial rebellion ([1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Adonijah's Co-conspirators")). This comprehensive understanding of the network of opposition solidifies Solomon's resolve to decisively neutralize the entire threat to his reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. Solomon's opening query, "And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah?", functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking information but rather expressing Solomon's immediate and profound understanding of Adonijah's true, malevolent motives. This question serves to highlight the absurdity and underlying malice of what was presented as a simple request. The request for Abishag herself is a clear example of **Symbolism**; she is not merely a woman, but a potent symbol of David's reign and, by extension, the royal succession. By seeking her, Adonijah is symbolically claiming the throne and challenging Solomon's legitimacy. Furthermore, Solomon's response, particularly the cutting phrase "ask for him the kingdom also," demonstrates keen **Irony**. What Bathsheba presents as a humble, perhaps even compassionate, request, Solomon immediately exposes as a bold, treasonous demand for the kingdom. This moment also serves as a strong **Foreshadowing** of Solomon's future reign, characterized by the divine wisdom that would enable him to discern truth from deception and rule with decisive justice, as famously seen in the case of the two prostitutes ([1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wisdom in Judgment")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's swift discernment in [1 Kings 2:22](/1_kings/2-22 "1 Kings 2:22 - Solomon's Discernment") is not merely a display of political shrewdness but an early manifestation of the divine wisdom that would characterize his reign. It underscores the profound theological truth that God is sovereign over kingship and succession, choosing whom He wills, and empowering His chosen with the necessary insight to govern justly and securely. Adonijah's persistent ambition, despite God's clear appointment of Solomon, highlights the futility and inherent danger of resisting God's ordained plan. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that true authority comes from God, and attempts to usurp it, even through subtle means, will ultimately fail and face divine judgment. It also speaks to the nature of spiritual discernment, urging believers to look beyond superficial appearances to understand underlying motives and spiritual realities, recognizing that not all requests or actions are as innocent as they may seem.

* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [2 Samuel 16:20-22](/2_samuel/16-20 "2 Samuel 16:20-22 - Absalom's Public Claim to David's Concubines")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's immediate and profound discernment in [1 Kings 2:22](/1_kings/2-22 "1 Kings 2:22 - Solomon's Discernment") offers a crucial lesson for believers today: the imperative of spiritual discernment in all areas of life. Just as Solomon saw beyond the surface of Adonijah's request to its true, treasonous intent, we are called to develop the spiritual capacity to discern truth from deception, good from evil, and genuine motives from hidden agendas. This applies not only to major life decisions but also to the subtle temptations, half-truths, and manipulative tactics that can seek to undermine our faith, relationships, or the peace of our communities. Unchecked ambition, as exemplified by Adonijah, can lead to destructive outcomes, reminding us to examine our own desires and ensure they align with God's will and not selfish gain. Furthermore, the passage underscores the importance of recognizing and submitting to rightful authority, whether in the church, family, or civil society, understanding that God often works through established order for the sake of peace and justice. Solomon's decisive action, though severe, secured his kingdom and brought stability, teaching us that sometimes firm boundaries and clear consequences are necessary to protect what is right and preserve order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need greater spiritual discernment to see beyond surface appearances and understand underlying motives?**
* **Are there any subtle "requests" or temptations in my life that, if granted, could lead to a deeper compromise of my faith or values, similar to Adonijah's veiled plot?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of wisdom and discernment, similar to Solomon, in my daily interactions and decisions, seeking God's perspective above my own?**
* **Where might unchecked ambition or a desire for control be subtly influencing my actions or attitudes, and how can I surrender these to God's will?**

### FAQ

**Why was Abishag the Shunammite so significant that asking for her was considered a claim to the throne?**

Answer: Abishag was not merely a concubine, but she had served King David as his companion and caregiver in his final days, sleeping beside him to keep him warm ([1 Kings 1:3-4](/1_kings/1-3 "1 Kings 1:3-4 - Abishag, David's Companion")). This intimate association with the king, even if not sexual, made her a symbolic extension of his royal person and household. In the ancient Near East, taking possession of a former king's concubines or those intimately connected to his person was a recognized act of claiming the deceased king's authority and, by extension, the throne. Absalom's public act of lying with David's concubines ([2 Samuel 16:20-22](/2_samuel/16-20 "2 Samuel 16:20-22 - Absalom's Usurpation")) is a prime example of this cultural understanding. Solomon immediately understood that Adonijah's request for Abishag was a subtle but clear attempt to assert his claim to the kingship and undermine Solomon's legitimacy.

**Why did Bathsheba not understand the deeper implications of Adonijah's request?**

Answer: Bathsheba likely acted out of a combination of factors. She may have genuinely believed Adonijah's request was innocent or motivated by a desire to settle down peacefully, perhaps underestimating Adonijah's persistent cunning. Her maternal compassion might have overridden her political acumen, as she had previously interceded for Adonijah's life ([1 Kings 1:50-53](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50-53 - Adonijah's Plea to Solomon")). It's also possible that Adonijah, known for his charm, was very persuasive in presenting his request as a humble desire rather than a political maneuver. She might not have fully grasped the profound symbolic significance of Abishag in the context of royal succession, or she might have simply underestimated Adonijah's persistent ambition and cunning.

**What happened to Adonijah, Abiathar, and Joab as a result of this plot?**

Answer: Solomon acted swiftly and decisively to eliminate these threats to his reign, solidifying his rule and removing all significant opposition. As a direct consequence of this request for Abishag, Adonijah was executed by Benaiah, Solomon's chief of staff ([1 Kings 2:25](/1_kings/2-25 "1 Kings 2:25 - Adonijah Executed")). Abiathar the priest, who had supported Adonijah's initial rebellion, was banished to Anathoth and stripped of his priestly office, fulfilling the ancient prophecy against the house of Eli ([1 Kings 2:26-27](/1_kings/2-26 "1 Kings 2:26-27 - Abiathar Banished")). Joab, the powerful army commander who had also supported Adonijah, fled to the altar for refuge but was executed there by Benaiah on Solomon's command, due to his past treachery and murders ([1 Kings 2:28-34](/1_kings/2-28 "1 Kings 2:28-34 - Joab Executed")). These actions solidified Solomon's rule and removed all significant opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's discerning wisdom and decisive action in [1 Kings 2:22](/1_kings/2-22 "1 Kings 2:22 - Solomon's Discernment") powerfully foreshadow the perfect wisdom and ultimate kingship of Jesus Christ. Just as Solomon, God's chosen king, recognized and dealt with the subtle, insidious rebellion of Adonijah, so too does Christ, the true Son of David, perfectly discern every hidden motive and every challenge to His divine authority. Adonijah's persistent ambition and attempt to seize the throne through symbolic means mirrors humanity's ongoing rebellion against God's rightful King, seeking to establish its own rule apart from Him. However, unlike Solomon, whose reign was secured through the execution of rivals, Christ's eternal kingdom is established not by taking lives, but by giving His own life on the cross, triumphing over sin, death, and the true enemy, Satan ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His discernment is absolute, seeing into the hearts of all men ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")), and His authority is unchallenged, for "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). While Solomon secured an earthly kingdom for a time, Christ reigns eternally over a spiritual kingdom, bringing true peace and justice, and His decisive judgment will ultimately put an end to all rebellion and establish His righteous rule forever ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 3:2

The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

Matthew 20:22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

James 4:3

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.

1 Chronicles 3:5

And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:

1 Kings 1:5

¶ Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

1 Kings 1:7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him].

1 Kings 1:24

And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?