Adonijah

Adonijah (Hebrew: אדניה, Adonyahu; Greek: Αδωνιας, Ado̱nias; Latin: Adonias), was the fourth born son of king David. He was born to a woman named Haggith, during David's seven and a half year reign in Hebron. When David was nearing his death, Adonijah tried to convince the people that he would be the next king. After hearing about Adonijah’s claims; David formally declared that Solomon would reign in his stead. When Adonijah heard that Solomon would be king; he became fearful for his life. Solomon then promised that Adonijah would remain unharmed, so long as he could show himself to be a worthy man. Solomon also promised that Adonijah would be put to death if any wickedness was found in him. When David had finally passed away, Adonijah decided to meet Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba. Adonijah wanted to have Abishag as his wife, so he asked Bathsheba to request this of Solomon. Instead of asking Solomon directly, Adonijah planned on using Solomon’s mother to get what he wanted. Adonijah was clearly being deceptive; and because of that, Solomon had sentenced Adonijah to death.

Biblical References

1 Kings 1 (KJV)

1 Kings 2 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 3:1-4 (KJV)