Bible Discussion Thread

Why did Solomon have Adonijah put to death

Abishag's story continues after David's death. David's son Solomon had been chosen to take the throne, but another of David's sons, Adonijah, styled himself as king instead ( 1 Kings 1:5). He was older than Solomon and had plenty of followers, so Adonijah posed a real threat to Solomon's succession. Even as Adonijah was celebrating his coronation as king, David had Solomon anointed king at Bathsheba's and Nathan's (David's prophet) request. Hearing the news of his brother's installation as king, Adonijah was afraid and appealed to Solomon that he be allowed to live in spite of his designs on the throne. Solomon granted him mercy ( 1 Kings 1:5-53). Unfortunately, Adonijah did not stop scheming for long, and he had his eye on Abishag.

When David passed away and Solomon began his rule, Adonijah approached Bathsheba and requested that she go before King Solomon and ask him to give him Abishag as a wife ( 1 Kings 2:13-17). She relayed the request, but Solomon saw through Adonijah's plot. To marry a former king's wife was to lay claim to the throne, and, since Abishag was considered one of David's concubines (even though they had never been intimate), Adonijah's request to marry her was full of intrigue. In short, Adonijah was renewing his bid for Solomon's throne. This was the last straw, and Solomon ordered that Adonijah be executed immediately (verses 19-25).

Just Google: Solomon and Adonijah. Choose the "Got Questions" link

I knew there was a struggle for the Throne. I just didn't remember it was one of Solomons sons.