God’s Sovereign Plan Amidst Human Struggle (1 Kings 1:28-53)

In this passage, we witness the dramatic unfolding of God's sovereign plan amidst political chaos, human scheming, and the struggle for power. King David’s reign is coming to an end, and a contest for succession arises that brings great tension to the kingdom. We now see the “old” David, the one who acts decisively and “saves the day.” David called in Bathsheba and confirmed that Solomon was his choice as heir. We will see in this God's control and His ability to bring about His will despite the schemes of men. Also as we go through this passage, we will reflect on how God works in our own lives today, even in the midst of struggles and uncertainty.

I. God’s Timing is Perfect (1 Kings 1:28-30)

28 Then King David answered and said, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. 29 And the king took an oath and said, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from every distress, 30 just as I swore to you by the LORD God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ so I certainly will do this day.”

A. David steps in with a clear response.

David responded immediately to the crisis and told Nathan to call Bathsheba back to his bedside. The two were alone (v. 32). David spoke to Bathsheba and reaffirmed the fact that her son Solomon was to be the next king of Israel. He had sworn this to her privately and would not back down on his oath. But then David went even further and made Solomon king that very day!

If David waited too long, Adonijah’s rebellion could grow in strength; and after David died, who would have authority to act? By making Solomon king immediately, David could stay in control and Solomon would do his bidding. Solomon was no longer merely prince or even heir he was now king with his father over Israel.

Imagine a chess game, where the opponent seems to be winning, and all the pieces are in place for defeat. Yet, at the very last moment, the player makes the perfect move and checkmates the opponent. That’s the beauty of God’s timing! It may seem like things are spiraling out of control, but God knows exactly when to step in and make the decisive move.

B. David gives instructions.

Despite his well-chronicled physical problems, David rises to the occasion. He summons the woman he once risked his kingdom for and swears by the Lord that he will make Solomon king.

David steps in at the perfect moment, fulfilling God's promise to Bathsheba. Solomon, though the younger son, is chosen because God’s plan was always for him to be king. This teaches us that no matter how our situation looks, God’s timing is always perfect. His plan is never late, and He will accomplish His will in His perfect time.

II. The Danger of Replacing God’s Plan (1 Kings 1:31-37)

31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and paid homage to the king, and said, “Let my lord King David live forever!” 32 And King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33 The king also said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord, and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and take him down to Gihon. 34 There let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel; and blow the horn, and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then you shall come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, and he shall be king in my place. For I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah.” 36 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king and said, “Amen! May the LORD God of my lord the king say so too. 37 As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”

A. David instructed his loyal servants.

As David declares Solomon as his successor, Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan work together to ensure Solomon's installation as king. But Adonijah, thinking he had the support of the nation, continues his rebellion. However, this rebellion is short-lived. Nathan and Bathsheba act to remind David of his promise, and David responds decisively.

David then asked them to call his loyal servants—Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the head of his personal bodyguard—men he knew he could trust. He instructed them to proclaim Solomon king in a public demonstration at Gihon. This was an important place of springs on the eastern slope of Mount Zion less than a mile up the valley (north) from En Rogel where Adonijah was hosting his great feast.

Think of a person who tries to take a role or position that they were never intended to have—perhaps a child trying to take the position of a parent, or an employee attempting to do a manager's job without the qualifications. The result is often chaos or disaster. In Adonijah’s case, his attempt to usurp the throne of Israel is an example of how human plans, no matter how carefully orchestrated, can never thwart God’s ultimate will.

B. David still possesses a keen mind.

David knows exactly how to carry out his promise. Without hesitation he summons the men who can counter Adonijah’s supporters. Solomon is to be placed on the king’s own mule to demonstrate his new status. Next, Zadok and Nathan will anoint Solomon king, which will give him divine approval in addition to his royal approval. Finally, he is to be placed on David’s throne

Adonijah’s plan was an attempt to make himself king without God’s approval. God, however, was not fooled by human scheming. The path of rebellion against God's will is dangerous and leads only to downfall. This reminds us that we cannot rush or manipulate God’s will to suit our desires. His plan is always better than our own.

III. God’s Sovereignty Over Human Affairs (1 Kings 1:38-53).

38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon. 39 Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him; and the people played the flutes and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth seemed to split with their sound. 41 Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the horn, he said, “Why is the city in such a noisy uproar?” 42 While he was still speaking, there came Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest. And Adonijah said to him, “Come in, for you are a prominent man, and bring good news.” 43 Then Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, “No! Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites; and they have made him ride on the king’s mule. 45 So Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon; and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Also Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom. 47 And moreover the king’s servants have gone to bless our lord King David, saying, ‘May God make the name of Solomon better than your name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ Then the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 Also the king said thus, ‘Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne this day, while my eyes see it!’ ” 49 So all the guests who were with Adonijah were afraid, and arose, and each one went his way. 50 Now Adonijah was afraid of Solomon; so he arose, and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 And it was told Solomon, saying, “Indeed Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon; for look, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’ ” 52 Then Solomon said, “If he proves himself a worthy man, not one hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent them to bring him down from the altar. And he came and fell down before King Solomon; and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”

A. The Lord informed Israel.

Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, protected by David’s personal troops, obeyed David’s instructions to the letter and announced to all Israel that Solomon was king. The people were ecstatic as they played their musical instruments and shouted “God save King Solomon.” This shout echoed down the valley and reached En Rogel where the people were shouting “God save King Adonijah”

Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest who had assisted David during Absalom’s rebellion arrives. Adonijah thought that Jonathan was bringing good news, but it turned out to be the worst possible news for Adonijah, Abiathar, and Joab. Jonathan’s report is that of an eyewitness who saw Solomon riding the king’s mule and watched as Zadok and Nathan anointed the new king. Jonathan made it clear that Solomon was at that very moment the king of Israel.

Consider a grand symphony orchestra. The conductor directs the entire performance, ensuring that each musician plays their part at just the right moment. While each musician has the freedom to play, they do so under the guidance and direction of the conductor. In the same way, God orchestrates the events of history—though people act freely, His sovereign plan is never thwarted. God’s sovereignty is both comforting and challenging. It comforts us in knowing that even when the world seems chaotic, God is in control. At the same time, it challenges us to trust in His plan, even when we cannot see the full picture. God may allow struggles and challenges, but He will ultimately bring about His purposes for His glory and our good.

B. Adonijah sits alone, the kingdom snatched from his grasp.

We see a portrait of a kingdom in turmoil, human attempts to seize power, and God’s sovereign hand at work. Despite the scheming and chaos, God’s plan unfolds perfectly. Solomon, though not the most likely candidate, is appointed as king by God’s will.

What does this mean for us today? Just as God was in control of Israel’s history, He is in control of our lives. When we face difficulties, disappointments, or even moments of confusion, we can trust that God’s plan will unfold in His perfect timing. Though others may seek to disrupt His plan, nothing can thwart God’s purposes. Let’s take comfort in God’s sovereignty, knowing that even when the world seems out of control, God is at work, and His perfect will is being accomplished. We need to surrender ourselves to His plan, trusting that His timing, His ways, and His will are always good.