Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 1
Adonijah was organising a revolution against his father King David, and against his (Adonijah’s) brother Solomon. However, Adonijah did not want it to look like a revolution.
So, he organised the ceremony to appoint him king as close as he dared to Jerusalem. En Rogel was a spring (supply of water) just 400 yards (350 metres) south of Jerusalem. It was one of the springs that supplied water for the city – only the spring at Gihon (verse 33) was closer to Jerusalem.
Adonijah had arranged for Abiathar the chief priest to lead the ceremony. It was almost certainly Abiathar who led the ceremonies for David to become king (see 1 Samuel 22:20-23). Now, almost 40 years later, he would have the honour to appoint David’s son Adonijah to be king.
The choice of guests at the ceremony was very important to give the right impression. Adonijah invited his younger brothers as special guests, but he did not include Solomon. In the same way, he invited the royal officials from Judah; but he did not invite Nathan, or Benaiah or any of David’s main supporters. He did not want anyone to be there who might oppose him. He only wanted those guests who would support his plans.
Those guests would join in the ceremony, then they would enjoy a splendid meal together. It would give the impression that everyone in Israel wanted Adonijah to be king. Afterwards, anyone who tried to oppose him would be in a very weak situation.
Next part: Nathan warns Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:11-14)
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© 2024, Keith Simons.