1A kráľ Dávid bol starý a sošlý vekom, a hoci ho prikrývali rúchom, nezohrial sa. 2Preto mu povedali jeho služobníci: Nech pohľadajú môjmu pánu kráľovi devu pannu, ktorá by stála pred kráľom a opatrovala ho, a bude ležať v tvojom lone, a tak bude môjmu pánu kráľovi teplo. 3A tak hľadali krásnu devu po všetkých krajoch Izraelových a našli Abizagu Sunamitskú a doviedli ju ku kráľovi. 4A deva bola náramne krásna a opatrovala kráľa a posluhovala mu, ale kráľ jej nepoznal. 5A Adoniáš, syn Chaggity, sa pozdvihoval a vravel: Ja budem kraľovať! A zadovážil si vozy a jazdcov a päťdesiatich mužov, ktorí behali pred ním. 6A jeho otec ho nikdy nezarmútil, aby bol povedal: Prečo to robíš? A on bol tiež veľmi krásnej postavy, ktorého porodila po Absalomovi. 7A mal dohovor s Joábom, synom Ceruje, a s Ebiatárom, kňazom. A pomáhali za Adoniášom. 8Ale Cádok, kňaz, a Benaiáš, syn Jehojadov, a prorok Nátan a Šimei a Rei a iní hrdinovia, ktorých mal Dávid, neboli s Adoniášom. 9A Adoniáš nabil oviec a volov a iného tučného dobytka pri kameni Zochelet, ktorý je vedľa studne Rogel, a povolal všetkých svojich bratov, synov kráľových, i všetkých mužov Júdových, služobníkov kráľových. 10Ale proroka Nátana a Benaiáša a hrdinov ani Šalamúna, svojho brata, nepovolal. 11Vtedy povedal Nátan Bat-šebe, matke Šalamúnovej, a riekol: Či si nepočula, že kraľuje Adoniáš, syn Chaggity? A náš pán Dávid nevie o tom. 12Preto teraz poď, prosím, nech ti dám radu, a zachráň, svoj život i život svojho syna, Šalamúna. 13Iď a vojdi ku kráľovi Dávidovi a povieš mu: Či si ty, môj pán kráľ, neprisahal svojej služobnici povediac: Šalamún, tvoj syn, bude kraľovať po mne, cele iste, a on bude sedieť na mojom tróne? Nuž prečože kraľuje Adoniáš? 14A hľa, kým ty tam budeš ešte hovoriť s kráľom, vojdem ja za tebou a doplním tvoje slová. 15A tak vošla Bat-šeba ku kráľovi do izby. A kráľ už bol veľmi starý, a Abizaga Sunamitská posluhovala kráľovi. 16A Bat-šeba sa zohla a poklonila sa kráľovi. A kráľ povedal: Čo chceš? 17A riekla mu: Môj pane, ty si prisahal svojej služobnici na JeHoVaHa, svojho Boha, povediac: Šalamún, tvoj syn, bude kraľovať po mne, cele iste, a on bude sedieť na mojom tróne. 18A teraz hľa, Adoniáš kraľuje, a teraz ty, môj pán kráľ, nevieš o tom. 19Nabil volov a vytučeného statku a drobného dobytka množstvo a povolal všetkých synov kráľových aj Ebiatára, kňaza, i Joába, veliteľa vojska, ale Šalamúna, tvojho služobníka, nepovolal. 20A ty, môj pán kráľ, vieš, že oči celého Izraela obrátené sú na teba, aby si im oznámil, kto má sedieť na tróne môjho pána kráľa po ňom. 21Lebo ináče stane sa, keď raz bude ležať môj pán kráľ so svojimi otcami, že ja i môj syn Šalamún budeme hriešnikmi 22A hľa, kým ona ešte hovorila s kráľom, prišiel prorok Nátan. 23A oznámili kráľovi a riekli: Hľa, prorok Nátan! A keď vošiel pred kráľa, poklonil sa kráľovi na svoju tvár k zemi. 24A Nátan povedal: Môj pán kráľ, či si ty povedal: Adoniáš bude kraľovať po mne a on bude sedieť na mojom tróne? 25Lebo dnes odišiel dolu a nabil volov a tučného statku a drobného dobytka množstvo a povolal všetkých synov kráľových i veliteľov vojska i Ebiatára, kňaza, a hľa, jedia a pijú pred ním a hovoria: Nech žije kráľ Adoniáš! 26Ale mňa, tvojho služobníka, ani Cádoka, kňaza, ani Benaiáša, syna Jehojadovho, ani Šalamúna, tvojho služobníka, nepovolal. 27Jestli sa stala táto vec od môjho pána kráľa, nuž neoznámil si svojim služobníkom, kto bude sedieť na tróne môjho pána kráľa po ňom. 28A kráľ Dávid odpovedal a riekol: Zavolajte mi Bat-šebu! A vojdúc pred kráľa stála pred kráľom. 29A kráľ prisahal a riekol: Ako že žije JeHoVaH, ktorý vyslobodil moju dušu zo všetkých úzkostí, 30že jako som ti prisahal na JeHoVaHa, Boha Izraelovho, povediac, že Šalamún, tvoj syn, bude, cele iste, kraľovať po mne a že on bude sedieť na mojom tróne miesto mňa, tak aj učiním tohoto dňa. 31Vtedy sa sklonila Bat-šeba svojou tvárou k zemi a poklonila sa kráľovi a riekla: Nech žije môj pán kráľ Dávid na veky! 32A kráľ Dávid povedal: Zavolajte mi Cádoka, kňaza, a Nátana, proroka, a Benaiáša, syna Jehojadovho! A prišli pred kráľa. 33Vtedy im povedal kráľ: Vezmite so sebou služobníkov svojho pána a vysaďte Šalamúna, môjho syna, na moju mulicu a zaveďte ho dolu do Gichona. 34A tam ho pomaže Cádok, kňaz, a Nátan, prorok, za kráľa nad Izraelom, a zatrúbite na trúbu a poviete: Nech žije kráľ Šalamún! 35Potom pojdete za ním sem hore, a prijde a sadne na môj trón a on bude kraľovať miesto mňa, a jemu som prikázal, aby bol vodcom nad Izraelom i nad Júdom. 36A Benaiáš, syn Jehojadov, odpovedal kráľovi a riekol: Ameň! Tak nech povie i JeHoVaH, Bôh môjho pána kráľa! 37Jako bol JeHoVaH s mojím pánom kráľom, tak nech je aj so Šalamúnom a nech zvelebí jeho trón nad to, jako bol zvelebený trón môjho pána kráľa Dávida! 38A tak odišiel dolu Cádok, kňaz, a Nátan, prorok, a Benaiáš, syn Jehojadov, a Keréťania a Peléťania a vysadili Šalamúna na mulicu kráľa Dávida a zaviedli ho na rovinu Gichon. 39A Cádok, kňaz, vzal roh na olej zo stánu Božieho, pomazal Šalamúna, a zatrúbili na trúbu, a riekli, všetok ľud: Nech žije kráľ Šalamún! 40A všetok ľud išiel za ním hore, a ľud pískal na píšťaly, a všetci sa radovali veľkou radosťou, tak, že sa až zem trhala od ich radostného kriku. 41A počul to Adoniáš i všetci povolaní, ktorí boli s ním, keď boli práve dojedli. A keď počul Joáb zvuk trúby, povedal: Prečo ten zvuk mesta búrlivý? 42No, kým on ešte hovoril, tu hľa, prišiel Jonatán, syn Ebiatára, kňaza. A Adoniáš mu povedal: Vojdi, lebo si chrabrý muž a nesieš dobrú zvesť. 43A Jonatán odpovedal a riekol Adoniášovi: Áno, ale náš pán kráľ Dávid ustanovil za kráľa Šalamúna. 44A kráľ poslal s ním Cádoka, kňaza, a Nátana, proroka, a Benaiáša, syna Jehojadovho, a Keréťanov a Peléťanov, a vysadili ho na mulicu kráľovu. 45A pomazali ho Cádok, kňaz, a Nátan, prorok, za kráľa v Gichone a odišli odtiaľ hore radujúci sa tak, že až hučalo mesto. To je ten hukot, ktorý ste počuli. 46Ba už sa aj posadil Šalamún na tróne kráľovstva. 47Áno, aj služobníci kráľovi prišli, aby dobrorečili nášmu pánu kráľovi Dávidovi a riekli: Nech učiní tvoj Bôh meno Šalamúnovo ešte lepším než tvoje meno a nech zvelebí jeho trón nad to, jako bol zvelebený tvoj trón! A kráľ sa poklonil na posteli. 48A ešte aj takto povedal kráľ: Požehnaný JeHoVaH, Bôh Izraelov, ktorý dal dnes toho, ktorý by sedel na mojom tróne, a moje oči to vidia. 49Vtedy sa predesili a vstali všetci pozvaní, ktorí boli za Adoniáša, a išli každý svojou cestou. 50A Adoniáš bojac sa Šalamúna vstal a odišiel a chytil sa rohov oltára. 51A oznámili Šalamúnovi a riekli: Hľa, Adoniáš sa bojí kráľa Šalamúna a hľa, drží sa rohov oltára a hovorí: Nech mi prisahá dnes kráľ Šalamún, že nezabije svojho služobníka mečom. 52A Šalamún riekol: Ak bude statočným mužom chrabrým, ani jeho vlas nepadne na zem, ale jestli sa najde na ňom zlé, zomrie. 53Potom poslal kráľ Šalamún, aby ho doviedli od oltára dolu. A keď prišiel, poklonil sa kráľovi Šalamúnovi. A Šalamún mu povedal: Idi do svojho domu.
Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible Commentary 1 ABISHAG CHERISHES DAVID IN HIS EXTREME AGE. (
1Kgs 1:1-4)
Now king David was old--He was in the seventieth year of his age (
2Sam 5:4-5). But the wear and tear of a military life, bodily fatigue, and mental care, had prematurely, if we may say it, exhausted the energies of David's strong constitution (
1Sam 16:12). In modern Palestine and Egypt the people, owing to the heat of the climate, sleep each in a "separate" bed. They only depart from this practice for medical reasons (
Eccl 4:11). The expedient recommended by David's physicians is the regimen still prescribed in similar cases in the East, particularly among the Arab population, not simply to give heat, but "to cherish," as they are aware that the inhalation of young breath will give new life and vigor to the worn-out frame. The fact of the health of the young and healthier person being, as it were, stolen to support that of the more aged and sickly is well established among the medical faculty. And hence the prescription for the aged king was made in a hygienic point of view for the prolongation of his valuable life, and not merely for the comfort to be derived from the natural warmth imparted to his withered frame [PORTER, Tent and Khan]. The polygamy of the age and country may account for the introduction of this practice; and it is evident that Abishag was made a concubine or secondary wife to David (see on
1Kgs 2:22).
3 a Shunammite--Shunem, in the tribe of Issachar (
Josh 19:18), lay on an eminence in the plain of Esdraelon, five miles south of Tabor. It is now called Sulam.
5 ADONIJAH USURPS THE KINGDOM. (1Ki. 1:5-31)
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself--Nothing is said as to the origin or rank of Haggith, so that it is probable she was not distinguished by family descent. Adonijah, though David's fourth son (
2Sam 3:4;
1Chr 3:2), was now the oldest alive; and his personal attractions and manners (
1Sam 9:2) not only recommended him to the leading men about court, but made him the favorite of his father, who, though seeing him assume an equipage becoming only the heir-presumptive to the throne (
2Sam 15:1), said nothing; and his silence was considered by many, as well as by Adonijah, to be equivalent to an expression of consent. The sinking health of the king prompted him to take a decisive step in furtherance of his ambitious designs.
7 he conferred with Joab--The anxiety of Adonijah to secure the influence of a leader so bold, enterprising, and popular with the army was natural, and the accession of the hoary commander is easily accounted for from his recent grudge at the king (see on
2Sam 19:13).
and with Abiathar the priest--His influence was as great over the priests and Levites--a powerful body in the kingdom--as that of Joab over the troops. It might be that both of them thought the crown belonged to Adonijah by right of primogeniture, from his mature age and the general expectations of the people (
1Kgs 2:15).
8 But Zadok the priest--He had been high priest in the tabernacle at Gibeon under Saul (
1Chr 16:39). David, on his accession, had conjoined him and Abiathar equal in the exercise of their high functions (
2Sam 8:17;
2Sam 15:24,
2Sam 15:29,
2Sam 15:35). But it is extremely probable that some cause of jealousy or discord between them had arisen, and hence each lent his countenance and support to opposite parties.
Benaiah--Distinguished for his bravery (
1Sam 23:20), he had been appointed captain of the king's bodyguard (
2Sam 8:18;
2Sam 20:23;
1Chr 18:17), and was regarded by Joab as a rival.
Nathan the prophet--He was held in high estimation by David, and stood on the most intimate relations with the royal family (
2Sam 12:25).
Shimei--probably the person of this name who was afterwards enrolled among Solomon's great officers (
1Kgs 4:18).
Rei--supposed to be the same as Ira (
2Sam 20:26).
and the mighty men--the select band of worthies.
9 En-rogel--situated (
Josh 15:7-
Josh 15:10) east of Jerusalem, in a level place, just below the junction of the valley of Hinnom with that of Jehoshaphat. It is a very deep well, measuring one hundred twenty-five feet in depth; the water is sweet, but not very cold, and it is at times quite full to overflowing. The Orientals are fond of enjoying festive repasts in the open air at places which command the advantage of shade, water, and verdure; and those fetes champetres are not cold collations, but magnificent entertainments, the animals being killed and dressed on the spot. Adonijah's feast at En-rogel was one of this Oriental description, and it was on a large scale (
2Sam 3:4-5;
2Sam 5:14-16;
1Chr 14:1-7). At the accession of a new king there were sacrifices offered (
1Sam 11:15). But on such an occasion it was no less customary to entertain the grandees of the kingdom and even the populace in a public manner (1Ch. 12:23-40). There is the strongest probability that Adonijah's feast was purely political, to court popularity and secure a party to support his claim to the crown.
11 Nathan spake unto Bath-sheba . . . let me . . . give thee counsel, &c.--The revolt was defeated by this prophet, who, knowing the Lord's will (
2Sam 7:12;
1Chr 22:9), felt himself bound, in accordance with his character and office, to take the lead in seeing it executed. Hitherto the succession of the Hebrew monarchy had not been settled. The Lord had reserved to Himself the right of nomination (
Deut 17:15), which was acted upon in the appointments both of Saul and David; and in the case of the latter the rule was so far modified that his posterity were guaranteed the perpetual possession of the sovereignty (
2Sam 7:12). This divine purpose was known throughout the kingdom; but no intimation had been made as to whether the right of inheritance was to belong to the oldest son. Adonijah, in common with the people generally, expected that this natural arrangement should be followed in the Hebrew kingdom as in all others. Nathan, who was aware of the old king's solemn promise to Solomon, and, moreover, that this promise was sanctioned by the divine will, saw that no time was to be lost. Fearing the effects of too sudden excitement in the king's feeble state, he arranged that Bath-sheba should go first to inform him of what was being transacted without the walls, and that he himself should follow to confirm her statement. The narrative here not only exhibits the vivid picture of a scene within the interior of a palace, but gives the impression that a great deal of Oriental state ceremonial had been established in the Hebrew court.
20 the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne--When the kings died without declaring their will, then their oldest son succeeded. But frequently they designated long before their death which of their sons should inherit the throne. The kings of Persia, as well as of other Eastern countries, have exercised the same right in modern and even recent times.
21 I and my son . . . shall be counted offenders--that is, slain, according to the barbarous usage of the East towards all who are rivals to the throne.
28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba--He renews to her the solemn pledge he had given, in terms of solemnity and impressiveness which show that the aged monarch had roused himself to the duty the emergency called for.
33 SOLOMON, BY DAVID'S APPOINTMENT, IS ANOINTED KING. (1Ki. 1:32-49)
cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule--Directions were forthwith given for the immediate coronation of Solomon. A procession was to be formed by the "servants of their lord"--that is, the king's bodyguard. Mules were then used by all the princes (
2Sam 13:29); but there was a state mule of which all subjects were forbidden, under pain of death, to make use, without special permission; so that its being granted to Solomon was a public declaration in his favor as the future king (see on
Esth 6:8-
Esth 6:9).
bring him down to Gihon--a pool or fountain on the west of Jerusalem (see on
2Chr 32:30), chosen as equally public for the counter proclamation.
34 anoint him--done only in the case of a new dynasty or disputed succession (see on
1Sam 16:13;
2Sam 2:1).
35 Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne--The public recognition of the successor to the throne, during the old king's lifetime, is accordant with the customs of the East.
39 an horn of oil out of the tabernacle--It was the sacred oil (
Exod 30:25) with which the kings were anointed.
40 all the people came up after him--that is, from the valley to the citadel of Zion.
41 Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating--The loud shouts raised by the populace at the joyous proclamation at Gihon, and echoed by assembled thousands, from Zion to En-rogel, were easily heard at that distance by Adonijah and his confederates. The arrival of a trusty messenger, who gave a full detail of the coronation ceremony [
1Kgs 1:43-48], spread dismay in their camp. The wicked and ambitious plot they had assembled to execute was dissipated, and every one of the conspirators consulted his safety by flight.
50 ADONIJAH, FLEEING TO THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR, IS DISMISSED BY SOLOMON. (
1Kgs 1:50-53)
Adonijah . . . went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar--most probably the altar of burnt offering which had been erected on Mount Zion, where Abiathar, one of his partisans, presided as high priest. The horns or projections at the four corners of the altar, to which the sacrifices were bound, and which were tipped with the blood of the victim, were symbols of grace and salvation to the sinner. Hence the altar was regarded as a sanctuary (
Exod 21:14), but not to murderers, rebels, or deliberate perpetrators. Adonijah, having acted in opposition to the will of the reigning king, was guilty of rebellion, and stood self-condemned. Solomon spared his life on the express condition of his good behavior--living in strict privacy, leading a quiet, peaceable life, and meddling with the affairs of neither the court nor the kingdom.
53 they brought him down from the altar--from the ledge around the altar on which he was standing.
he bowed himself--that is, did homage to Solomon as king.
