1 Reis 1

1 Reis 1

Maclaren - “Joab and Abiathar tarnished a life’s devotion and broke sacred bonds, because they thought of themselves rather than of God’s will.” Abiathar, was co-priest with Zadok under David, a descendant of Eli and the only survivor of the slaughter at Nob (1Sa 22:20). However because of his treachery in following Adonijah, Abiathar would be the end of the lineage of Eli in the priesthood, just as had been foretold to Eli because of his sins and sins of his sons as priests - see 1Sa 2:27-36+ Rod Mattoon - Notice Joab is still consistent, seeking his own self-interests. Decisions that are based upon the "Finger in the Air to See Where the Wind is Blowing" mentality will eventually get you into trouble. Joab was attracted to the false king. He is like the lost man who has a natural attraction to follow sinful ways. People who follow sinful living or Satan, instead of Christ, do so because they belong to Satan. John 8:44—Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. They offered sacrifices to make the coronation official. Sealing an action with religious ceremonies does not make it approved by God or God's will. Labeling something as Christian does not make it necessarily Christian, Christlike, or approved by the Lord. Christian Day at Bikini Beach does not make the event Christian. Many people who claim to be Christians are not, because they have never truly been born again. Churches are filled with religious people who are not born again. Any activity, entertainment, or relationship with a person that contradicts Bible teaching or principle is not God's will. God never leads us to contradict His Word! NEVER! Dating, marrying, or going into business partnerships with unsaved people contradicts God's Word and is not the will of God for the believer. In the years that I have been preaching, I have seen multitudes, who thought they knew more than God on this matter. They were greatly distressed, disappointed, and depressed because they did not obey God in this matter. Some have had to bear their disobedience for the rest of their lives. 2 Corinthians 6:14—Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (Mattoon's Treasures – Treasures from 1 Kings.) QUESTION - Who was Joab in the Bible? ANSWER - Joab was a son of Zeruiah, King David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:13–17) and was therefore one of David’s nephews. Joab’s brothers were two of David’s brave warriors, Abishai and Asahel. Joab was positioned as commander of David’s armies because of his victory over the Jebusites, resulting in the possession of the city of Jerusalem. It was through this victory that Jerusalem became “the city of David” (1 Chronicles 11:4–9). Joab fought and won many battles for the king, but his personal lack of self-control was problematic. In a war against the forces of Ish-Bosheth, Joab’s brother Asahel was killed by Abner, the commander of Ish-Bosheth’s armies. Joab was furious and pursued Abner to kill him, but Abner escaped (2 Samuel 2:12–32). Later, after Abner swore allegiance to David, Joab’s fuse blew, and his desire to avenge his brother’s blood drove him to deceive and murder Abner (verses 26–27). This action deeply grieved David, but the king felt unable to bring justice against the mighty Joab (verse 39). Instead, David pronounced a curse over Joab and his future descendants: “May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab’s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food” (verse 29). As the commander of David’s armies, Joab was provided many victories by God, but Joab caused much grief to the king and to Israel. His anger and perhaps the power of his position drove him to poor decisions at times. In addition to his murder of Abner, Joab killed his own cousin, Amasa—and his betrayal was Judas-style, accompanied by a kiss: “Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died” (2 Samuel 20:9–10). Joab disobeyed King David’s command to spare Absalom’s life, himself striking Absalom with three javelins (2 Samuel 18:1-33). David mourned the death of his son Absalom, a response that was sternly reprimanded by Joab (2 Samuel 19:1–8). It was also Joab who, in accordance with David’s command, placed Uriah the Hittite at the front of the battle to be killed, so that David could feel justified in marrying Uriah’s widow (2 Samuel 11:1-27). Joab, for all his faults, was obviously a capable man of war and valiant on the battlefield. And he ought to be given credit for his loyalty to David for almost four decades. Joab also counseled David when David sinfully desired to take a census; if David had heeded Joab’s advice, he could have spared his nation the plague that befell Israel (2 Samuel 24:1-25). When David was on his deathbed, Joab conspired with Adonijah to install Adonijah as the next king, instead of Solomon (1 Kings 1). This action, plus Joab’s other rash decisions, vengeful murders, and inability to take certain important orders, finally drove David over the edge. David commanded Solomon to ensure Joab’s execution, an act that was carried out by Benaniah as Joab was clinging to the horns of the altar in hopes of finding clemency (1 Kings 2:5–6, 28–34). GotQuestions.org QUESTION - Who was Abiathar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Along with Zadok, Abiathar served as one of the chief priests during David’s reign as king. Abiathar’s name means “father of excellence” or “father of abundance” in Hebrew. Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who served as a priest at Nob (1 Samuel 21:1; Mark 2:26) until he and the other priests were murdered by King Saul (1 Samuel 21:1–19). Being the only son of Ahimelech to escape the massacre at Nob, Abiathar fled to David and was promised protection by the future king (1 Samuel 21:20–23). Because Abiathar served David and acted as priest for all of David’s men in hiding, he was made high priest along with Zadok once David began his reign as king (1 Chronicles 15:11). This was a natural role for him to take on, as he had kept the ephod and administered the Urim and Thummin when David sought direction from the Lord (1 Samuel 23:6; 30:7). When Absalom rebelled against his father and attempted to usurp the throne, Abiathar remained loyal to David. Abiathar was among those who fled the capital city with David (2 Samuel 15:24). Zadok and the Levites carried the ark of the covenant, “and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city” (2 Samuel 15:24). Although David admired the loyalty and faithfulness of the priests, he ordered them to return to the city with the ark. This proved helpful because they were then able to send word to David about Absalom’s plans (2 Samuel 15:27–29; 17:15–16). David was restored to his throne and Abiathar to his priestly office. Things changed as David’s son Solomon took the throne. Abiathar was not loyal to the new king. Adonijah, another one of David’s sons, put himself forward as king with the help of Joab (one of David’s nephews) and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:5, 7). Once the threat from Adonijah was neutralized, King Solomon dealt with the conspirators. One of Solomon’s actions was to remove Abiathar from the priestly office. This fulfilled the Lord’s word of judgment over Eli and his descendants, which impacted Abiathar since he was related to Eli (1 Samuel 3:12–14; 1 Kings 2:27). It was only because of the priest’s loyal service to David that Solomon did not kill him. Solomon told Abiathar, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships” (1 Kings 2:26). Zadok replaced Abiathar as priest under Solomon (1 Kings 2:35). Abiathar lived most of his life in faithful service to the Lord, but he did not finish well. Instead of siding with the rightful king of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 1:17), Abiathar assisted one of David’s rebellious sons who desired to rule. He allowed earthly matters to become his focus, which cost him the priestly office. Like Abiathar, we can easily get caught up in worldly schemes and lose sight of God’s plan. Rather than seeking our own way or chasing what seems politically expedient, we should seek to faithfully follow God. Then, when our time on earth is done, we can state with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7, NLT). Abiathar - 22v - 1 Sam. 22:20; 1 Sam. 22:21; 1 Sam. 22:22; 1 Sam. 23:6; 1 Sam. 23:9; 1 Sam. 30:7; 2 Sam. 8:17; 2 Sam. 15:24; 2 Sam. 15:27; 2 Sam. 15:29; 2 Sam. 15:35; 2 Sam. 15:36; 2 Sam. 17:15; 2 Sam. 19:11; 2 Sam. 20:25; 1 Ki. 1:7; 1 Ki. 1:19; 1 Ki. 1:25; 1 Ki. 1:42; 1 Ki. 2:22; 1 Ki. 2:26; 1 Ki. 2:27; 1 Ki. 2:35; 1 Ki. 4:4; 1 Chr. 15:11; 1 Chr. 18:16; 1 Chr. 24:6; 1 Chr. 27:34; Mk. 2:26 1 Kings 1:8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. Zadok: 1Ki 2:35 2Sa 8:17,18 20:25 1Ch 27:5,6 Eze 44:15 Nathan: 2Sa 7:2-4 12:1-15 Shimei: 1Ki 4:18 Zec 12:13 the mighty: 2Sa 23:8-39 1Ch 11:10-47 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 23:23 He (BENAIAH) was honored among the thirty, but he did not attain to the three. And David appointed him over his guard. CONTRASTING BEHAVIOR THOSE LOYAL TO DAVID But - This term of contrast introduces a dramatic contrast in the players in this unfolding drama. This "but" is a little hinge word that in context open will open a huge door to prepare the way for God's chosen successor of David. Keep your eyes peeled for this little hinge word but as it often opens "big doors" of understanding. (See discussion of importance of "but" in article HOW UNDERSTANDING ONE WORD CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU READ THE BIBLE!) Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah - This Shimei is not the one mentioned in 2Sa 16:5-8 or in 1Ki 2:36-46 and no more is known about him. See diagram above showing Zadok and Abiathar, the two priests in 1 Kings 1-2. This is the only mention of Rei in Scripture so nothing else is known about him. When Absalom revolted and David fled from Jerusalem, Zadok and all the Levites bearing the ark accompanied him. Zadok - He is first mentioned in 2 Sa 8:17. His ancestry is given in 1 Chr. 6:4-6. He was son of Ahitub and one of the two chief priests in the time of David, Abiathar being the other. Zadok was of the house of Eleazar the son of Aaron, (1 Chronicles 24:3) and eleventh in descent from Aaron. (1 Chronicles 12:28) He joined David at Hebron after Saul's death, (1 Chronicles 12:28) and thenceforth his fidelity to David was inviolable. When Absalom revolted and David fled from Jerusalem, Zadok and all the Levites bearing the ark accompanied him. When Absalom was dead, Zadok and Abiathar were the persons who persuaded the elders of Judah to invite David to return. (2 Samuel 19:11) When Adonijah, in David's old age, set up for king, and had persuaded Joab, and Abiathar the priest, to join his party, Zadok was unmoved, and was employed by David to anoint Solomon to be king in his room. (1 Kings 1:34) For this fidelity he was rewarded by Solomon who "thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord," and "put in Zadok the priest" in his room. (1 Kings 2:27,35) From this time, however, we hear little of him. Zadok and Abiathar were of nearly equal dignity. (2 Samuel 15:35,36; 19:11) The duties of the office were divided, Zadok ministered before the tabernacle at Gibeon, (1 Chronicles 16:39) Abiathar had the care of the ark at Jerusalem, until he proved disloyal to Solomon Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada of Kabzeel (compare Josh 15:21), was a man of "mighty deeds" and was more honorable than any of the mighty men of David except the three chiefs. Therefore David made him his chief counselor (2 Sam 23:23; compare 1 Ch 27:34 where the order of names seems to be reversed) and set him over the Cherethites (compare Carites, 2 Ki 11:4 ff and margin) and Pelethites and he was made the 3rd captain of the host and chief over the course of the 3rd month (1 Ch 27:5 f; 2 Sam 8:18; 20:23; 1 Ch 18:17; 2 Sam 23:20 ff; 11:22 ff). Being a true friend of David (compare 2 Sam 15:18) he did not take part in the usurpation of Adonijah (1 Ki 1:8,10,26), and was therefore with others chosen by the king to proclaim Solomon king over Israel (1 Ki 1:32 ff) and later by Solomon to execute Adonijah (1 Ki 2:25), Joab (1 Ki 2:29 ff), and Shimei (1 Ki 2:46). In recognition of his services Solomon appointed him over the host in Joab's place (1 Ki 2:35; 4:4). QUESTION - Who was Zadok in the Bible? ANSWER - Zadok son of Ahitub was a Levite priest during the time of King David. For a long time, he was co-high priest with Abiathar. Zadok was a descendant of Aaron and a leader over his family of Levites (1 Chronicles 27:17). When Absalom conspired against his father, David, David was forced to flee from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Zadok and his son Ahimaaz, and his co-priest Abiathar and his son Jonathan accompanied David, with Zadok leading a procession of Levites who carried the ark of the covenant. As the people exited the city, Zadok’s Levites set down the ark, and Abiathar offered sacrifices (verse 24). Once the people had vacated Jerusalem, David ordered Zadok and Abiathar, along with their sons, to return with the ark to Jerusalem (verse 25). Zadok was to send word to David with any news of what was happening in the kingdom under Absalom. David had also sent his friend Hushai back to Jerusalem to listen in on Absalom’s plans, and it was through him that Zadok and Abiathar heard that Absalom planned to seek out David and destroy him and the people who were with him. Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar sent Ahimaaz and Jonathan to find David. After hiding in a well from Absalom’s men, Amimaaz and Jonathan were able to escape the city and bring the message to David: “Do not spend the night at the fords in the wilderness; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up” (2 Samuel 17:16). David escaped, and it wasn’t much longer before David’s commander, Joab, killed Absalom (2 Samuel 18:1–15). Heartbroken at the death of his son, David returned to Jerusalem. Years later, when King David was very old, his son Adonijah set himself up as king, even though David’s other son Solomon was to take the throne at David’s death (1 Kings 1:5). Adonijah had some supporters, including Abiathar the priest, but Zadok, Nathan the prophet, and several other important men supported David’s choice and opposed Adonijah (verse 8). Nathan told David’s wife Bathsheba what Adonijah was planning and advised her to apprise King David of the situation. She did so, and David ordered that Zadok and Nathan immediately take Solomon to Gihon and anoint him as king (verses 32–34). When Zadok the priest anointed Solomon’s head with oil at Gihon, a trumpet was sounded, and all the people assembled began to shout and rejoice (1 Kings 1:39–40). The noise was so great that Adonijah, who was feasting nearby, heard it and wondered what was happening. At that moment, Abiathar’s son Jonathan arrived and told Adonijah that Solomon had been anointed king (verses 41–45). Adonijah fled to the temple and grabbed the horns of the altar, begging Solomon to spare his life (verses 50–51). Solomon did so, but Adonijah later renewed his designs on the throne, forcing Solomon to execute him (1 Kings 2:13–25). Even though Abiathar had spurned King David’s wishes and supported Adonijah, Zadok stayed true to David and supported Solomon. Abiathar lost his priesthood as a result, but Zadok was rewarded with a position as one of Solomon’s chief officials (1 Kings 4:4) as well as being recognized as the sole high priest. There are several other men named Zadok in the Bible, but they are only mentioned in one or two verses apiece. They can be found in 1 Chronicles 6:12 (Zadok the descendant of Zadok the priest), 1 Chronicles 9:11 and Nehemiah 11:11 (Zadok the Levite), 2 Kings 15:33 and 2 Chronicles 27:1 (Zadok the father of Jerusha), Nehemiah 3:4 (Zadok the son of Baana), Nehemiah 3:29 (Zadok the son of Immer), Nehemiah 10:21 (Zadok the Israelite leader), Nehemiah 13:13 (Zadok the scribe), and Matthew 1:14 (Zadok, an ancestor of Jesus Christ).GotQuestions.org QUESTION - Who was Nathan in the Bible? ANSWER - Nathan was a prophet in the Bible who lived during the reign of King David in Israel. God spoke to David through Nathan on several occasions. Nathan was a member of David’s royal court and one of his closest advisers. Nathan apparently also knew Bathsheba well enough to speak to her about Adonijah’s attempt to usurp David’s throne from her son, Solomon (1 Kings 1:11) and to enlist her help in bringing the matter to the king. There are three or four stories in the Bible featuring Nathan that occurred during some of the darkest and most emotional times in David’s life. The first mention of Nathan establishes his relationship with David as a trusted adviser. David decides to build God a house, because the king is living in a beautiful cedar palace and thinks it wrong that the Ark of the Covenant should be housed in a lowly tent (the tabernacle). David tells Nathan about his plans to build a house for God, and Nathan says he should go ahead and do it because the Lord is with him (2 Samuel 7:2–3). Then God visits Nathan in a vision and tells him to return to David and inform him that God doesn’t need the king to build him a house; rather, God would establish David’s dynasty, through his son, forever. His son Solomon would be the one to build God’s house (2 Samuel 7:4–17). Nathan relays this important message to the king, and David utters a grateful and beautiful prayer to God for His grace (2 Samuel 7:18–29). The next time Nathan is mentioned, it is after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and brought about her husband’s death to hide her pregnancy (2 Samuel 12:1). At that point, David had made Bathsheba his wife and had seemingly gotten away with his sin, but the Lord knew about it and told Nathan to rebuke David. Nathan went to David and wisely told the king a fable about a rich man and a poor man: the rich man was visited by a traveler, so he took the poor man’s only possession, a little ewe lamb that he loved as a pet, to feed his guest—rather than taking a lamb from his own extensive flocks. David was enraged at the story and declared that the rich man had no pity and deserved to die. Nathan then points to David and says, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7). Nathan reveals that David’s sin was like that of the rich man, because David took away Uriah’s wife. Nathan then prophesies to David, in God’s own words: “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife” (2 Samuel 12:7–10). David confesses to Nathan that he has sinned against the Lord, and Nathan comforts him, saying that the Lord has forgiven his sin and that David’s life will not be required of him. Nonetheless, David’s child by Bathsheba was to die. David, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, pens Psalm 51 after this encounter with Nathan the prophet. After the death of David’s child, his wife Bathsheba became pregnant again, this time with a son whom they named Solomon. The Lord sent Nathan to David again, this time to say that the Lord loved his son Solomon, and they called Solomon “Jedidiah,” a name that means “beloved of the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:24–25). Solomon later built God’s house, the temple, and became an ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Chronicles 3:5 reveals the fact that King David and Queen Bathsheba named one of their sons born to them in Jerusalem “Nathan.” No doubt, the child’s name is a reflection of the royal couple’s appreciation for the prophet Nathan’s faithfulness, friendship, and tough love through the years. GotQuestions.org QUESTION - Who was Benaiah in the Bible? ANSWER - Several men in the Bible bear the name Benaiah, but one stands out from the rest. Benaiah, son of the chief priest Jehoiada, was one of David’s “mighty men”—his toughest military troop. The Bible describes Benaiah as a fearless warrior noted for his heroic exploits. This Benaiah is the brilliant fighter who famously “went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion” (1 Chronicles 11:22). Benaiah was from the southern Judean city of Kabzeel. Before David became king, Benaiah was making a name for himself through numerous daring military achievements: “He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors” (2 Samuel 23:20–22). When David fled from King Saul, he placed Benaiah in command of “the thirty” (1 Chronicles 27:6), a select group of warriors second only to “the three” of highest rank and bravery. Later, when Joab was made commander-in-chief, Benaiah was appointed to a high place in David’s armed forces as commander of the Cherethites and Pelethites, an elite mercenary company in David’s bodyguard from Crete and Philistia (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23; 23:23; 1 Chronicles 18:17). Benaiah’s loyalty to King David earned him the rank of third army commander, with 24,000 men in his division. This troop served as part of the army rotation system established by King David (1 Chronicles 27:1–6). Benaiah remained devoted to David during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 20:23; see also 15:18) and also when Adonijah attempted to take control of David’s throne (1 Kings 1:8). Benaiah was instrumental in safeguarding the passing of the royal succession to Solomon after David’s death and thus gained the honor of assisting in Solomon’s coronation at Gihon (1 Kings 1:32–40). As Solomon’s supreme army commander and chief bodyguard, Benaiah was responsible for executing those who opposed the new king, including Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei (1 Kings 2:25, 34, 46). Benaiah, a popular Hebrew name, means “the Lord has built.” Other men named Benaiah in the Bible include a warrior from the town of Pirathon, who was also one of David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:30; 1 Chronicles 11:31). This Benaiah was commander of 24,000 troops as well, in the eleventh division of King David’s army (1 Chronicles 27:14). First Chronicles 4:36 mentions a Benaiah as a descendant of Simeon and leader of his tribe. This Benaiah participated in the conquest of Gedor during Hezekiah’s reign. Another Benaiah was one of the musicians and priests who blew the trumpet as the ark of God was brought into Jerusalem by King David (1 Chronicles 15:24). Later, he was appointed to minister in music regularly before the ark of the covenant (1 Chronicles 16:6). At least eight other Benaiahs appear briefly in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 27:34; 2 Chronicles 20:14; 31:13; Ezra 10:25, 30, 35, 43; 11:1, 13). But none of these distinguish themselves like David’s elite warrior, the Benaiah who single-handedly executed Moab’s top soldiers, jumped into a pit in a snowstorm to wrestle and kill a lion, and outmaneuvered an Egyptian giant, slaying him with his own spear.GotQuestions.org Benaiah the son of Jehoiada - 20X - 2 Sam. 8:18; 2 Sam. 20:23; 2 Sam. 23:20; 2 Sam. 23:22; 1 Ki. 1:8; 1 Ki. 1:26; 1 Ki. 1:32; 1 Ki. 1:36; 1 Ki. 1:38; 1 Ki. 1:44; 1 Ki. 2:25; 1 Ki. 2:29; 1 Ki. 2:34; 1 Ki. 2:35; 1 Ki. 2:46; 1 Ki. 4:4; 1 Chr. 11:22; 1 Chr. 11:24; 1 Chr. 18:17; 1 Chr. 27:5 QUESTION - Who were the mighty men of David? ANSWER - 2 Samuel 23:8–39+ and 1 Chronicles 11:10–47 list a group of people known as mighty men of David or David’s mighty men. They are also referred to as the “thirty chiefs” (1 Chronicles 11:15) and simply “the Thirty” (1 Chronicles 12:4). These mighty men of David were a group of David’s toughest military warriors who were credited with heroic feats, including Josheb-basshebeth, who killed 800 men in one battle with a spear (2 Samuel 23:8). Additional notable actions listed include the deeds of a man named Eleazar, who stayed on the battlefield when other warriors fled and killed Philistines until his hand was stuck clenched around his sword (2 Samuel 23:9–10); and the exploits of Abishai, the leader of the mighty men, who killed 300 men with a spear (2Sa 23:18). Benaiah was known for going into a pit on a snowy day and killing a lion and for killing a powerful Egyptian man with the man’s own spear (2 Samuel 23:20–21). He also served as leader of David’s bodyguards (23:23). Within this list of mighty men are three men who served as a special elite group: Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah. Their exact roles are not made clear, but they were certainly seen as stand-outs among David’s mighty men. Although the mighty men are called “the Thirty,” a total of 37 men are listed, meaning that not all of these men were on the team the entire time. Some of them, like Uriah, were killed in battle during David’s reign. Another explanation may be that David’s elite group of mighty men numbered approximately 30, a figure not meant to be exact. Some of these mighty men of David had considerable military skill and the blessing of God. David’s mighty men served an important role in protecting the king and fighting for the freedom of their nation, the land of Israel. The full list of the mighty men of David is located in 2 Samuel 23:1-39 (ED: SEE NOTES - 2Sa 23:39 = Uriah the Hittite). GotQuestions.org 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah sacrificed sheep and oxen and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En-rogel; and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah, the king's servants. Adonijah: The Oriental banquet, in consequence of the intense heat, is often spread upon the verdant turf, beneath the shade of a tree, where the streaming rivulet supplies the company with wholesome water, and excites a gentle breeze to cool their burning temples. sacrificed: 2Sa 15:12 Pr 15:8 Enrogel: or, the well Rogel, 2Sa 17:17 invited: 2Sa 13:23-27 15:11 See En-rogel South & East of City ADONIJAH THROWS A "COMING OUT" PARTY And Adonijah sacrificed sheep and oxen and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth ("a crawling thing"), which is beside En-rogel (see map above - then see map of Gihon Springs which must be very close); and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah, the king's servants - This was essentially a coronation banquet (1Ki 1:25; 2Sa 15:12) close to Jerusalem (cf. Josh. 18:16). The guest list included all of Adonijah's brothers (i.e, the king's sons) (of which there would have been up to 19+/-), all the men of Judah (presumably important men or officials) and the king's servants (one has to believe they did not remain the new king's servants!) Ryrie Study Bible (borrow) has an interesting comment - As a prelude to taking over the throne, Adonijah held a feast but failed to invite Nathan and Solomon. He apparently was planning to kill them, for, had they eaten together, he would have been obliged to protect them. (bold added for emphasis) Zoheleth ["that creeps, slides, or draws"] the serpent-stone, a rocky plateau near the centre of the village of Siloam, and near the fountain of En-rogel, to which the women of the village resort for water (1 Kings 1:5-9). Here Adonijah (q.v.) feasted all the royal princess except Solomon and the men who took part with him in his effort to succeed to the throne. While they were assembled here Solomon was proclaimed king, through the intervention of Nathan. On hearing this, adonijah fled and took refuge in the sanctuary (1 Kings 1:49-53). He was afterwards pardoned. Zoheleth projects into or slightly over-hangs the Kidron valley. It is now called ez-Zehwell or Zahweileh. IVP Background Commentary - En Rogel. This spring is only about 650 yards south of the Gihon Spring in the Kidron Valley (see comment on 1:33) and only about a half mile from David’s palace. The choice of this location for the ceremony is probably due to the fact that the spring lies at the junction of the territory of Benjamin and Judah (presumably suggesting both would have access to its water supply). Adonijah’s support base can therefore be inferred as comprising the tribal alliances that brought David to power. His support by Joab and Abiathar would also represent this traditional element. The stone of Zoheleth is sometimes translated Serpent Rock and likely refers to a distinctive rock that had some ritual traditions associated with it. 1 Kings 1:10 But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, and Solomon his brother. 1Ki 1:8,19 2Sa 12:1-15 GUESS WHO'S NOT COMING TO DINNER? But - Another clear contrast between conspirators and loyalists. he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, and Solomon his brother - Nathanwas a prophet and the confidential advisor of David. His watchfulness put an end to the coup of Adonijah and saved the kingdom for Solomon. Benaiah, a commander of David’s army and a mighty warrior, was fiercely loyal to David. He was also a key military figure who would later support Solomon (1 Kings 1:38-40). The mighty men were David’s elite warriors, known for their unmatched loyalty to him. They would naturally support David’s chosen successor, not someone self-appointed. 1 Kings 1:11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, "Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king, and David our lord does not know it? Nathan: 2Sa 7:12-17 12:24,25 1Ch 22:9,10 28:4,5 29:1 Adonijah: 1Ki 1:5 Haggith: 2Sa 3:4 NATHAN QUERIES QUEEN BATHSHEBA Then - Time phrase in this case marking an important progression in this dramatic narrative of palace intrigue. Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, "Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king, and David our lord does not know it - Apparently Adonijah had by now announced himself as king of Israel and Nathan's question suggests Bathsheba was not yet aware of the situation and the danger it would bring. Note the phrase David our lord does not know it which demonstrates how far removed from power David really was that he did not know what was going on in the inner circles of his own kingdom. Matthew Henry Concise - Verses 11-31. Observe Nathan's address to Bathsheba. Let me give thee counsel how to save thy own life, and the life of thy son. Such as this is the counsel Christ's ministers give us in his name, to give all diligence, not only that no man take our crown, Revelation 3:11, but that we save our lives, even the lives of our souls. David made a solemn declaration of his firm cleaving to his former resolution, that Solomon should be his successor. Even the recollection of the distresses from which the Lord redeemed him, increased his comfort, inspired his hopes, and animated him to his duty, under the decays of nature and the approach of death. QUESTION - Who was Bathsheba in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, was initially married to Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s loyal soldiers (2 Samuel 11:3). However, she later became the wife of King David and the mother of King Solomon (2 Samuel 11:27; 12:24). The name Bathsheba means “daughter of abundance.” The Bible describes her as “very beautiful” (2 Samuel 11:2). Bathsheba is best known for the story of David’s adultery, as described in 2 Samuel 11. This narrative highlights the contrast between the faithfulness of Uriah and Bathsheba and David’s lustful desires. One evening, Bathsheba was taking a bath, probably to purify herself according to the Law of Moses (2 Samuel 11:2, 4). David saw her bathing and desired her. Despite knowing of Bathsheba’s marriage to Uriah, David summoned her to the palace and slept with her. Later, Bathsheba sends word to David that she is pregnant (2 Samuel 11:5). In an attempt to conceal his sin, David called Uriah back from battle, hoping that Uriah would sleep with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:6–10). However, Uriah, remaining faithful to his duty as a soldier, chose not to go home to his wife (2 Samuel 11:11). Frustrated by this, David devised a wicked plan to send Uriah to the front line of the battle. At the same time, David instructed Joab, the army commander, to withdraw, leading to Uriah’s death at the hands of the enemy (2 Samuel 11:14–25). Bathsheba received the devastating news of her husband’s death on the battlefield and mourned for Uriah (2 Samuel 11:26). Subsequently, Bathsheba became David’s wife. Unfortunately, the sorrow did not end there. David and Bathsheba’s newborn baby, unnamed in the narrative, died just seven days after birth as a consequence of David’s sin (2 Samuel 12:18). In Psalm 51 David confesses his sin with Bathsheba and prays for forgiveness. As queen, Bathsheba bore Solomon, her second son, who later became the king of Israel (2 Samuel 12:24). This son was dearly loved by God and given the name Jedidiah, which means “loved by the Lord.” In modern terms, Bathsheba experienced the joy of a “rainbow baby.” Bathsheba recedes from the biblical narrative until later, when she plays a crucial role in securing Solomon’s succession to the throne (1 Kings 1:11–35). When Adonijah, another son of David, declared himself as the king of Israel during David’s old age, the prophet Nathan reminded Bathsheba of David’s oath that Solomon would be his successor. Bathsheba and Nathan promptly approached David to remind him of his promise. Bathsheba bowed before King David and told him of Adonijah’s actions. Then she emphasized the dire situation she and Solomon faced: “My lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to learn from you who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. Otherwise, as soon as my lord the king is laid to rest with his ancestors, I and my son Solomon will be treated as criminals” (1 Kings 1:20–21). Nathan confirmed Bathsheba’s report. Consequently, David gave the order, and Solomon was officially crowned as the king of Israel. There are a few additional details to note about Bathsheba. After Solomon ascended to the throne, Bathsheba innocently assisted Adonijah in requesting that Solomon allow him to marry Abishag the Shunammite, who had been David’s platonic companion (1 Kings 2:13–21). Solomon rejected the request, recognizing that Adonijah was attempting to use Bathsheba to finagle his way to the throne. Solomon had Adonijah executed along with everyone else who took part in the plot to wrest the throne from him (verses 22–35). Many scholars argue that Bathsheba may have been the mother of Lemuel mentioned in Proverbs 31:1–9. Considering that King Lemuel is believed to be a nickname for Solomon, it is possible that Bathsheba, as his mother, instructed him to walk in reverence of the Lord. Also, in the genealogy of Jesus provided in Matthew 1:1–17, Bathsheba is indirectly referred to in verse 6 as “the wife of Uriah” (ESV). Bathsheba’s story reminds us that God has a plan, and He can work even through difficult situations with imperfect people to bring about something good. Queen Bathsheba, despite the unsavory events surrounding her coming to the palace, became the mother of the wisest and most successful king ever to grace the throne. 1 Kings 1:12 "So now come, please let me give you counsel and save your life and the life of your son Solomon. let me: Pr 11:14 20:18 27:9 Jer 38:15 save: 1Ki 1:21 Ge 19:17 Ac 27:31 the life: Jdg 9:5 2Ki 11:1 2Ch 21:4 22:10 Mt 21:38 Related Passages: Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory. NATHAN WISELY SEES THE "WRITING ON WALL" So now come, please let me give you counsel and save your life and the life of your son Solomon In the Middle East, potential claimants to the throne were often executed. If successful in becoming king, Adonijah would have killed all other claimants to the throne. 1 Kings 1:13 "Go at once to King David and say to him, 'Have you not, my lord, O king, sworn to your maidservant, saying, "Surely Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne"? Why then has Adonijah become king?' Assuredly: 1Ki 1:11,17,30 1Ch 22:6-13 sit: 1Ki 1:17,24,30,35,48 2:12 De 17:18 1Ch 29:23 Ps 132:11,12 Isa 9:7 Jer 33:21 Lu 1:32,33 NATHAN'S COUNSEL: TELL THE KING! Go at once to King David and say to him, 'Have you not, my lord, O king, sworn to your maidservant, saying, "Surely Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne"? Why then has Adonijah become king - Note that David making a promise to Bathsheba that Solomon would be king is not recorded earlier in Samuel. Clearly Nathan knew of this promise which would in part prompt him to come to Bathsheba, reminding her she had an "ace to be played." Guzik on David's promise to Bathsheba - "The specific promise is not recorded before, but we know from 1 Chronicles 22:5-9 that David did in fact intend for Solomon to succeed him as king.This was a remarkable display of grace – that a son of the wife David took through adultery and murder in the most infamous scandal of his life should become his heir to the throne." 1 Kings 1:14 "Behold, while you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words." BGT 1 Kings 1:14 καὶ ἰδοὺ ἔτι λαλούσης σου ἐκεῖ μετὰ τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἐγὼ εἰσελεύσομαι ὀπίσω σου καὶ πληρώσω τοὺς λόγους σου LXE 1 Kings 1:14 And behold, while thou art still speaking there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and will confirm thy words. KJV 1 Kings 1:14 Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words. NET 1 Kings 1:14 While you are still there speaking to the king, I will arrive and verify your report." CSB 1 Kings 1:14 At that moment, while you are still there speaking with the king, I'll come in after you and confirm your words." ESV 1 Kings 1:14 Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words." NIV 1 Kings 1:14 While you are still there talking to the king, I will come in and confirm what you have said." NLT 1 Kings 1:14 And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said." I also: 1Ki 1:17-27 2Co 13:1 NATHAN PLANS A SURPRISE ENTRY Behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou) is used to call attention to something. In this context it draws attention to Nathan’s wordS of assurance and support for Bathsheba. While you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words - NET = "I will arrive and verify your report." Confirm your words is literally "fill up your words." Nathan wisely realizes that two witnesses were necessary to confirm a testimony.