The Battle for the Throne: Standing on God's Promises (1 Kings 1:11-27)

The story of King David’s final days is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, especially in times of crisis. In 1 Kings 1:11-27, we see a tense moment in the history of Israel as David’s throne is threatened by the ambitions of his son Adonijah. Amidst political intrigue, deceit, and uncertainty, God’s plan for the future of Israel unfolds, showing us how He works through even the most chaotic of circumstances. This passage speaks to us about standing on God’s promises, trusting His timing, and committing to His chosen leaders.

11 So 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? 12 Come, please, let me now give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go immediately to King David and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord, O king, swear to your maidservant, saying, “Assuredly your son Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ 14 Then, while you are still talking there with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.” 15 So Bathsheba went into the chamber to the king. (Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.) 16 And Bathsheba bowed and did homage to the king. Then the king said, “What is your wish?” 17 Then she said to him, “My lord, you swore by the LORD your God to your maidservant, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 So now, look! Adonijah has become king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know about it. 19 He has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army; but Solomon your servant he has not invited. 20 And as for you, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be counted as offenders.” 22 And just then, while she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23 So they told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed down before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, “My lord, O king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down today, and has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons, and the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest; and look! They are eating and drinking before him; and they say, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But he has not invited me—me your servant—nor Zadok the priest, nor Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, nor your servant Solomon. 27 Has this thing been done by my lord the king, and you have not told your servant who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”

I. The Deception of Adonijah.

A. Ambition of Adonijah.

Adonijah, the son of David, seeks to take the throne for himself while his father is still alive but bedridden. He does this with the support of key figures like Joab and Abiathar the priest. Adonijah’s actions were driven by pride and the desire for power.

He didn’t trust in God’s plan or the promise God made to David that Solomon, his son, would succeed him, 9 Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. 10 He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’ (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). Instead, Adonijah sought to push God’s will aside for his own ambition.

Imagine a child, eager to receive a gift, but they refuse to wait for the gift their parents have already promised them. Instead, they go behind their parent's back and try to take it themselves. What they fail to realize is that the gift they try to take for themselves is meant for them, but only in the right time and in the right way. Similarly, Adonijah’s impatience and lack of trust led him down a path of deception and rebellion against God’s appointed plan.

B. Nathan informed Bathsheba.

Though we haven’t read anything about Bathsheba since the birth of Solomon, we must not conclude that she had been unimportant in the affairs of the palace. Her conduct in this chapter alone is evidence that she was a courageous woman who wanted to do the will of God. To be sure, it was her son who was to be the next king, and had Adonijah succeeded in gaining the throne, both Bathsheba and her son would be killed.

Nathan turned immediately to Bathsheba suggests that he knew what the future queen mother could do. It’s unfortunate that too many people think of Bathsheba only as “the adulteress” when it was her intervention that saved Israel from disaster at a critical hour.

In our own lives, we often face moments when God's timing doesn't seem to align with our desires. Like Adonijah, we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands and act impulsively. But God's promises are always worth waiting for, and His plans are always the best. We must trust Him to fulfill His purposes in His time, not in our own.

II. The Intervention of Bathsheba and Nathan.

A. Bathsheba informed David

Bathsheba bowed before the king and then reminded him of his oath that Solomon would be the next king of Israel. She then informed him that Adonijah was hosting a coronation banquet and that Abiathar and Joab were there with all the royal sons except Solomon.

Obviously the banquet was not to honor Solomon! Adonijah had proclaimed himself king, but all Israel was waiting for David’s official word concerning his successor. Her coup de grace was the obvious fact that if Adonijah became king, he would quickly get rid of both Bathsheba and her son. What David did was a matter of life or death.

Consider the role of a coach in a championship game. When the game is on the line and the players start to doubt themselves, the coach calls a timeout and gives them a pep talk, reminding them of their training and the plays they've practiced. The coach’s words, drawing from their experience and wisdom, realign the team’s focus and restore their confidence. Similarly, Bathsheba and Nathan’s reminder to David refocused him on God's promise and the importance of fulfilling His will.

B. Nathan informed David.

Nathan entered the bedchamber. He asked the king two questions: Did David announce that Adonijah would sit on his throne, and had the king done this in secret without telling his servant the prophet. Sandwiched between these two questions was his report that Adonijah was now celebrating his coronation, all the king’s sons except Solomon were at the feast, and so were Abiathar and all the military commanders.

It’s very likely that Nathan’s recitation of these facts brought to David’s memory the terrible days of Absalom’s rebellion and he didn’t want the nation to experience another civil war. Solomon was a man of peace.

Just as the coach provides guidance to the team, God uses His Word—friends, family, mentors, and even —people around us to remind us of His promises and to guide us when we are uncertain. We must be open to these reminders and act according to God's direction, even when the road seems unclear.

III. God’s Sovereignty in the Midst of Uncertainty.

A. God is in Control.

The passage ends with the realization that despite the chaos and Adonijah’s rebellion, God’s plan for Israel will not be thwarted.

God is in control, and He will ensure that His chosen leader, Solomon, takes the throne.

This passage teaches us that no matter the circumstances, God’s sovereignty is never in question. When we face uncertainty, political struggles, or personal challenges, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s plan will prevail. We are called to trust in His control, stand firm on His promises, and take comfort in His faithfulness.

B. The story of Adonijah's rebellion teaches us crucial lessons

Trust God’s timing: Don’t take matters into your own hands. Wait on His plan.

Be open to God’s reminders: Sometimes, we need a Bathsheba or Nathan to remind us of God’s promises and call us to action.

Trust in God’s sovereignty: Even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, God’s plan will unfold according to His will. Let’s walk in faith, standing on the promises of God, trusting that His plans for us are good, and confidently moving forward in His will