The fourth son of David, born to his wife Haggith, who attempted to seize the throne as David lay dying, believing himself the rightful heir after Absalom's death. Adonijah gathered supporters including the general Joab and the priest Abiathar, but Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba intervened to secure Solomon's succession. Solomon initially spared Adonijah, but when he requested David's attendant Abishag as a wife—seen as a veiled claim to the throne—Solomon had him executed.
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.1 Kings 1:5 · Berean Standard Bible
Abner's Defection
Abner switches sides to David, then Joab murders him. David mourns publicly — politics and grief tangled in the same breath.
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan…
David is old. The question of succession defines everything that follows — not just for one family, but for an entire nation.
Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. So now I have just one request of you; do not deny me.” Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you…
David dies after giving Solomon a mix of wisdom and unfinished business. Some instructions are noble. Others are settling scores.
Adonijah doesn't appear in the direct line from Adam to Jesus, but stands one step from it through David, who does. See the whole line.
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