David was now very old so his son Adonijah took his chance to usurp the throne and make himself king without David's knowledge or backing. David was busy being cared for by a beautiful girl called Abishag who used to lay with him to keep him warm though no sex was involved. Adonijah received the backing of many people which they celebrated in a great feast. However Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, went to David to let him know what was going on. David reacted re-confirming his oath to make his son Solomon has successor. So David had Solomon ride his mule, which was an important gesture, and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as David's successor blowing the trumpets and with the people shouting 'Long live King Solomon'! And Solomon was seated on the throne. When word reached Adonijah his party dispersed and he quickly sought clemency from King Solomon. However Solomon made it clear that clemency would depend on how he behaved. So Adonijah bowed before Solomon and then went home.
No comments:
Post a Comment