1Král David zestárl, dosáhl pokročilého věku. Přikryli ho rouchy, ale nemohl se zahřát. 2Jeho otroci mu řekli: Ať vyhledají mému pánu a králi dívku, pannu; ať slouží králi a je jeho opatrovnicí. Ať leží ve tvém klíně a můj pán a král se zahřeje. 3Hledali tedy po celém izraelském území krásnou dívku. Nalezli Abíšagu Šúnemitskou a přivedli ji ke králi. 4Ta dívka byla převelice krásná. Stala se královou opatrovnicí, sloužila mu, ale král ji nepoznal. 5Adónijáš, syn Chagítin, se vynášel slovy: Já budu kralovat. Pořídil si vozy, jezdce a padesát mužů, kteří běhali před ním. 6Jeho otec ho v životě nepokáral slovy: Proč jsi tohle provedl? Navíc byl velmi hezkého vzezření. Narodil se po Abšalómovi. 7Domluvil se s Jóabem, synem Serújiným, a s knězem Ebjátarem, a ti Adónijášovi napomáhali. 8Ale kněz Sádok, Benajáš, syn Jójadův, prorok Nátan, Šimeí a Reí i Davidovi hrdinové nebyli s Adónijášem. 9Adónijáš obětoval brav, skot a vykrmené dobytče u Eben-zócheletu, který je blízko Én-rogelu, a pozval všechny své bratry, královské syny, i všechny judské muže, královské otroky. 10Ale proroka Nátana, Benajáše, hrdiny ani svého bratra Šalomouna nepozval. 11Nátan řekl Bat-šebě, matce Šalomounově: Slyšelas, že Adónijáš, syn Chagítin, se stal králem? A náš pán David o tom neví! 12Nuže, dobře ti radím, zachraň život svůj i život svého syna Šalomouna. 13Jdi, a až přijdeš ke králi Davidovi, řekni mu: Ty jsi přece, můj pane a králi, přísahal své otrokyni slovy: Tvůj syn Šalomoun bude kralovat po mně, on usedne na můj trůn. Proč se stal králem Adónijáš? 14A když tam ještě budeš mluvit s králem, přijdu za tebou a potvrdím tvá slova. 15Bat-šeba tedy vešla ke králi do pokoje. (Král velice zestárl a Abíšag Šúnemitská sloužila králi.) 16Bat-šeba poklekla a klaněla se králi. Král se zeptal: Co je s tebou? 17Odpověděla mu: Můj pane! Ty jsi své otrokyni přísahal při יהוה, svém Bohu: Tvůj syn Šalomoun bude kralovat po mně, on usedne na můj trůn. 18Ale nyní, pohleď, Adónijáš se stal králem a ty, můj pane a králi, o tom nevíš! 19Obětoval množství skotu, vykrmeného dobytka a bravu, pozval všechny královské syny, kněze Ebjátara a velitele armády Jóaba, ale tvého otroka Šalomouna nepozval. 20A nyní, můj pane a králi, oči všech Izraelců jsou upřeny na tebe, abys jim oznámil, kdo usedne na trůn mého pána a krále po něm. 21Jinak se stane, až můj pán a král ulehne se svými otci, že já a můj syn Šalomoun budeme považováni za hříšníky. 22Ještě když mluvila s králem, přišel prorok Nátan. 23Oznámili králi: Je zde prorok Nátan. Přišel před krále a poklonil se před králem tváří k zemi. 24Nátan se zeptal: Můj pane a králi, ty jsi řekl: Adónijáš bude kralovat po mně, on usedne na můj trůn? 25Neboť dnes sestoupil, aby obětoval množství skotu, vykrmeného dobytka a bravu, a pozval všechny královské syny, velitele armády a kněze Ebjátara. A teď jedí a pijí před ním a volají: Ať žije král Adónijáš! 26Ale mě, tvého otroka, kněze Sádoka, Benajáše, syna Jójadova, ani tvého otroka Šalomouna nepozval. 27Stala se tato věc od mého pána a krále, aniž bys svým otrokům oznámil, kdo usedne na trůn mého pána a krále po něm? 28Král David odpověděl: Zavolejte mi Bat-šebu! Přišla před krále a stála před králem. 29Potom král přísahal: Jakože živ je יהוה, který vykoupil mou duši z každého soužení, 30tak jako jsem ti přísahal při יהוה, Bohu Izraele, slovy: Tvůj syn Šalomoun bude kralovat po mně, on usedne na můj trůn místo mě, tak dnes učiním. 31Bat-šeba poklekla s tváří k zemi, klaněla se králi a řekla: Ať žije můj pán a král David navěky. 32Nato král David řekl: Zavolejte mi kněze Sádoka, proroka Nátana a Benajáše, syna Jójadova. I přišli před krále. 33Král jim řekl: Vezměte s sebou otroky svého pána, mého syna Šalomouna posaďte na mou mezkyni a přiveďte ho dolů ke Gichónu. 34Tam ať ho kněz Sádok a prorok Nátan pomažou za krále nad Izraelem. Nato zatrubte na beraní roh a volejte: Ať žije král Šalomoun! 35Pak vystupte za ním a on ať jde a usedne na můj trůn, on bude kralovat místo mě. Jej jsem ustanovil, aby byl vévodou nad Izraelem a Judou. 36Benajáš, syn Jójadův, králi odpověděl: Amen. Tak ať promluví יהוה, Bůh mého pána a krále. 37Jako byl יהוה s mým pánem a králem, tak ať je s Šalomounem a ať vyvýší jeho trůn nad trůn mého pána a krále Davida. 38Kněz Sádok, prorok Nátan, Benajáš, syn Jójadův, a Keretejci i Peletejci sestoupili, posadili Šalomouna na mezkyni krále Davida a přivedli ho ke Gichónu. 39Kněz Sádok vzal ze stanu roh s olejem a Šalomouna pomazal. Nato zatroubili na beraní roh a všechen lid volal: Ať žije král Šalomoun! 40Všechen lid šel vzhůru za ním, lid hrál na flétny a převelice se radoval, až země jejich halasem pukala. 41Uslyšel to Adónijáš a všichni pozvaní, kteří byli s ním a už dojedli. Když Jóab uslyšel zvuk beraního rohu, zeptal se: Proč je ve městě takový velký halas? 42Ještě když mluvil, přišel Jónatan, syn kněze Ebjátara. Adónijáš řekl: Pojď, vždyť jsi oddaný muž, jistě přinášíš dobrou zprávu. 43Ale Jónatan Adónijášovi odpověděl: Kdepak, náš pán a král David ustanovil králem Šalomouna. 44Král s ním poslal kněze Sádoka, proroka Nátana, Benajáše, syna Jójadova, a Keretejce i Peletejce, posadili ho na královu mezkyni 45a kněz Sádok a prorok Nátan ho pomazali v Gichónu za krále. Pak odtamtud šli radostně vzhůru a celé město se shluklo. To je ten halas, který jste slyšeli. 46Šalomoun již usedl na královský trůn. 47A královi otroci již přišli poblahopřát našemu pánu a králi Davidovi slovy: Ať Bůh učiní jméno Šalomounovo větším nad tvé jméno a vyvýší jeho trůn nad tvůj trůn. A král se poklonil na své posteli. 48Král také promluvil takto: Požehnaný je יהוה, Bůh Izraele, že dal dnes toho, kdo usedl na můj trůn, a mé oči to vidí. 49Nato všichni pozvaní, kteří byli s Adónijášem, vyděšeně vstali a šli každý svou cestou. 50Adónijáš se bál Šalomouna, vstal, šel a chytil se rohů oltáře. 51Šalomounovi bylo oznámeno: Hle, Adónijáš se bojí krále Šalomouna a chytil se rohů oltáře se slovy: Ať mi nejprve král Šalomoun odpřisáhne, že neusmrtí svého otroka mečem. 52Šalomoun řekl: Jestliže bude oddaný, nespadne mu ani vlas na zem. Ale jestliže při něm bude něco zlého, zemře. 53Král Šalomoun poslal, aby ho odvedli od oltáře. Když přišel a poklonil se před králem, Šalomoun mu řekl: Jdi domů.
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.