1 KINGS 1
Some people are gullible and unwilling to learn from the past. Like Absalom, Adonijah was handsome, popular, and proud. His “I will be king!” sounds like another boast that ended in judgment (Isa. 14:12–15). Foolishly, Joab and Abiathar joined Adonijah and opposed God’s man, Solomon, and they paid for it. They should have paid more attention to this pronouncement: “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil” (
Sometimes leaders must be led, and Nathan and Bathsheba did it wisely. David had given up the sword (2 Sam. 21:15–17), and now he must give up the scepter. Wise is the leader who knows when to step aside. Solomon was God’s choice for the throne (
Adonijah fled to the altar for safety, not for sanctity. Religion was something he used only for personal profit, but some insincere people today do the same thing.