Bible study on 1 Kings Chapter 1, which details the tumultuous final days of King David's reign and the providential transfer of power to Solomon.

Chapter summary

1 Kings 1 opens with an image of David, now old and physically weak, on his deathbed. The succession of his throne, which God had already determined for Solomon, is thrown into crisis by David's handsome and ambitious son, Adonijah. Adonijah, with the support of powerful figures like the commander of the army, Joab, and the priest Abiathar, attempts a premature coronation.

However, the prophet Nathan intervenes, working with Solomon's mother, Bathsheba, to remind David of his promise that Solomon would be king. In a final, decisive act, David commands that Solomon be anointed king publicly at the Gihon Spring. Adonijah's supporters abandon him in a panic, and he flees to the altar for sanctuary, a desperate appeal for mercy. Solomon spares his life on the condition of future loyalty.

Key themes and theological insights

• Divine providence vs. human ambition: The central conflict of the chapter is the contrast between Adonijah's self-exaltation and God's sovereign plan for Solomon to inherit the throne. Though Adonijah has political and military backing, his coup is swiftly undone by God's plan, revealed through the actions of Nathan and Bathsheba.
• The frailty of human leadership: The physical weakness of the great King David at the beginning of the chapter serves as a stark reminder of human mortality. Even the most powerful and blessed leaders are not exempt from old age and decline. This highlights the need for divine guidance in the transition of leadership.
• Prophetic and faithful counsel: The actions of Nathan and Bathsheba demonstrate the importance of godly counsel. Their courage and wisdom in challenging the status quo and reminding David of his oath were critical in ensuring God's will was fulfilled. This serves as a model for standing for the truth in difficult situations.
• The path to true authority: Adonijah's prideful grab for power is contrasted with Solomon's divinely appointed, and therefore legitimate, anointing. Solomon's installation is not a result of self-promotion but of obedience to a promise made by God and David. The joyous public celebration of Solomon's anointing indicates popular recognition of this rightful authority.
• A foreshadowing of Christ: The anointing of Solomon, the promised heir, is an Old Testament picture of the ultimate Son of David, Jesus. Both rode a royal donkey into Jerusalem, and both ascended to their kingdom amid human treachery. Just as Solomon showed mercy to Adonijah at the altar, Jesus offers mercy to all who seek refuge in him.

Bible study questions

1. Read verses 1 Kings 1:1–4. What does David's physical condition reveal about the nature of human power, and what does it remind us about our own mortality?
2. Read verses 1 Kings 1:5–10. Adonijah prepares chariots and horsemen, and gathers supporters, but deliberately excludes Nathan, Zadok, and Solomon. What does this tell us about his character and his motives for seeking the throne?
3. Read verses 1 Kings 1:11–27. Nathan works with Bathsheba to intervene. How can we apply their courage and wisdom to our own lives when we see a wrong that needs to be addressed?
4. Read verses 1 Kings 1:28–40. David's plan for Solomon's anointing is very public and specific. Why is this public demonstration so important for establishing Solomon's legitimacy and counteracting Adonijah's plot?
5. Read verses 1 Kings 1:41–53. Adonijah's feast is interrupted by the sound of Solomon's anointing. Contrast the mood of Adonijah's gathering with that of the people celebrating Solomon. What does this tell you about the difference between human schemes and divine plans?
6. Reflect on the contrast between Adonijah's self-exaltation and Solomon's humility in receiving the kingship. What are the potential consequences of "exalting ourselves" versus letting God exalt us in his time? (Consider Proverbs 16:18 and James 4:10).
7. Consider Solomon’s decision to spare Adonijah's life. How does this act of mercy, offered at the place of sacrifice (the altar), point forward to the ultimate mercy offered through Jesus Christ?

Prayer and Reflection

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the lessons found in the transfer of power from David to Solomon. Help us to trust in your sovereign plan, even when human ambition and weakness create chaos. Give us the wisdom and courage of Nathan and Bathsheba to speak truth and defend your will. May we never exalt ourselves, but instead, humbly submit to your timing and purposes. Thank you for the mercy shown through Solomon, which points us to the ultimate refuge we find in Jesus Christ, our King. We ask these things in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.