Bible Commentaries

The two Books of Kings appear in the Hebrew Bible as one. Together they practically cover the whole period of kingly rule over the ancient people. The first Book deals mainly with events centering around two persons, Solomon and Elijah.

The opening verses of this chapter give the account of the days of David's feebleness. These days created the opportunity for rebellion under Adonijah. A remarkable statement concerning the training of this son of David throws light on his action (verse 1 Kings 1:6). It may be that the bitterness of his sorrow over Absalom was the cause of his foolish indulgence of Adonijah.

As a result of this rebellion Solomon was crowned before the passing of David. Thus, while the life of David was shadowed to the last, the satisfaction of seeing the divine will carried out in the accession to the throne of Solomon was granted to him.

Solomon's action toward Adonijah was characteristic of the best side of his nature, in which clemency and dignified authority were alike manifest. From the beginning of the story of Solomon it is well to remember he was the child of Bathsheba and David. In some sense, therefore, his inheritance was against him; but it is equally true that he inherited excellences as well as defects. Moreover, what was of greater value was that God was ever on his side when he answered the call of the good within him. Had he completely yielded it he would have found sufficient strength to overcome the evil.