### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂdônîyâh**, represented by `{{H138}}`, means "lord (i.e. worshipper) of Jah." It is formed from the words **ʼâdôwn** `{{H113}}`, meaning lord or master, and the divine name Jah. It appears **26 times** in **26 unique verses** and is the name given to three distinct individuals in the Old Testament, most notably the fourth son of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent biblical figure named `{{H138}}` is the son of King David and **Chaggîyth** `{{H2294}}`. As David grew old, Adonijah **exalted** `{{H4984}}` himself and attempted to secure the throne, saying, "I will be king" [[1 Kings 1:5]]. He gathered political and military allies, including **Joab** `{{H3097}}` the son of Zeruiah and **Abiathar** `{{H54}}` the priest, who helped him [[1 Kings 1:7]]. He held a great feast, slaying **oxen** `{{H1241}}` and **sheep** `{{H6629}}` by the stone of **Zoheleth** `{{H2120}}`, and his guests proclaimed, "God save king **Adonijah**" [[1 Kings 1:25]]. However, key figures like **Zadok** `{{H6659}}` the priest, **Benaiah** `{{H1141}}`, and **Nathan** `{{H5416}}` the prophet were not with him [[1 Kings 1:8]]. When Solomon was declared king, **Adonijah** `{{H138}}` **feared** `{{H3372}}` for his life and fled to the **tabernacle** `{{H168}}`, catching hold of the **horns** `{{H7161}}` of the **altar** `{{H4196}}`. He was later put to death after making a request for Abishag the Shunammite, which Solomon interpreted as a final grasp for the kingdom [[1 Kings 2:23-24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the narrative of `{{H138}}`:
* `{{H113}}` **ʼâdôwn** (lord, master, owner): This root word for Adonijah's name is frequently used in the narrative to refer to King David, as characters repeatedly ask, "Didst not thou, my **lord**, O king, swear..." [[1 Kings 1:13]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): Adonijah's identity as a **son** `{{H1121}}` of David and **Chaggîyth** `{{H2294}}` is the basis for his claim to the throne [[1 Kings 1:5]]. Solomon is also identified as David's **son** `{{H1121}}` who was promised the kingdom [[1 Kings 1:13]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This verb is central to the conflict. Adonijah's ambition was to **reign** [[1 Kings 1:5]], and Nathan's question to Bathsheba, "why then doth **Adonijah** `{{H138}}` **reign**?" [[1 Kings 1:13]], sets the plot in motion.
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H138}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key principles:
* **Divine Appointment over Human Ambition:** Adonijah **exalted** `{{H4984}}` himself [[1 Kings 1:5]], attempting to take the kingdom through his own power and political maneuvering. However, the throne had been divinely promised to Solomon [[1 Kings 1:13]].
* **The Consequences of Usurpation:** Adonijah's attempt to secure power ultimately led to his demise. His final request for Abishag was seen as a treasonous act, prompting Solomon to declare that **Adonijah** `{{H138}}` had "spoken this word against his own life" [[1 Kings 2:23]] and was to be put to death that very **day** `{{H3117}}`.
* **The Name in Other Contexts:** While the son of David is the most prominent, the name **ʼĂdônîyâh** `{{H138}}` was also used for a Levite sent to teach the law in Judah [[2 Chronicles 17:8]] and for one of the chiefs who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 10:16]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĂdônîyâh** `{{H138}}` is a name forever linked with the story of a failed royal coup. The narrative of David's son is a stark illustration of the conflict between self-exaltation and God's sovereign will. Despite gathering influential supporters and making a public claim, his efforts were futile against the divine promise made to Solomon. His life serves as a biblical archetype of ambition that challenges God's authority, resulting in judgment and death [[1 Kings 2:24]].
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