1Král David byl stařec pokročilého věku; dávali mu přikrývku, ale on se nezahřál. 2Tu mu jeho služebníci řekli: „Ať se pro krále, našeho pána, vyhledá nějaká dívka, jež bude králi posluhovat a bude o něho pečovat: bude léhat na tvé hrudi, a králi, našemu pánu, bude teplo.“ 3Když se tedy po celém území Izraele hledala krásná dívka, našli Abišag ze Šunemu a přivedli ji králi. 4Tato dívka byla nanejvýš krásná; pečovala o krále a sloužila mu, ale on ji nepoznal. 5A Hagitin syn Adoniáš si hrál na knížete a říkal: „Vládnout budu já!“ Opatřil si vůz a spřežení a padesát strážců, kteří před ním běhali. 6Otec se mu, pokud žil, nestavěl na odpor a neřekl mu: „Proč se tak chováš?“ I on byl velmi sličný a jeho matka ho porodila po Absalomovi. 7Smluvil se se Serujiným synem Joabem a s knězem Ebjatarem, kteří se k Adoniášovi přidali; 8ale ani kněz Sadok, ani Jehojadův syn Benajahu, ani prorok Natan, ani Šimej a Rej, ani Davidovi hrdinové při Adoniášovi nebyli. 9Když jednou Adoniáš zabíjel u Klouzavého kamene, který je poblíž Valchářova pramene, ovce, býky a tučná telata, pozval všechny své bratry, královské prince, a všechny Judovce v králově službě, 10ale nepozval proroka Natana, ani Benajahua, ani hrdiny, ani svého bratra Šalomouna. 11Tu řekl Natan Šalomounově matce Betsabe: „Nedoslechla ses, že Hagitin syn Adoniáš se stal bez vědomí našeho pána Davida králem? 12Dobrá! Teď mi dovol, abych ti dal radu, abys zachránila život sobě i svému synu Šalomounovi. 13Jdi, vejdi ke králi Davidovi a řekni mu: ‘Což jsi ty, králi, můj pane, nesložil své služebnici přísahu: Tvůj syn Šalomoun bude vládnout po mně a na můj trůn zasedne on? Jak to tedy, že se králem stal Adoniáš?’ 14A ve chvíli, kdy tam budeš a ještě budeš rozmlouvat s králem, vejdu po tobě já a podpořím tvá slova.“ 15Betsabe se odebrala ke králi do jeho komnaty (on byl velice starý a obsluhovala ho Abišag ze Šunemu). 16Poklekla a poklonila se před králem a král řekl: „Co si přeješ?“ 17Ona mu odpověděla: „Můj pane, ty jsi přísahal své služebnici při Jahvovi, svém Bohu: ‘Tvůj syn Šalomoun bude vládnout po mně a na můj trůn zasedne on.’ 18A hle, nyní se králem stal Adoniáš a ty, králi, můj pane, že bys o tom nic nevěděl? 19On totiž zabil spoustu býků, tučných telat a ovcí a pozval všechny královské prince, kněze Ebjatara, generála Joaba, ale tvého služebníka Šalomouna nepozval! 20A přece celý Izrael vzhlíží, králi, můj pane, k tobě, abys ty mu označil následníka krále, mého pána. 21A až král, můj pán, ulehne se svými otci, já a můj syn Šalomoun si to odpykáme!“ 22Ještě mluvila, když přišel prorok Natan. 23Králi ohlásili: „Je tu prorok Natan.“ On vešel ke králi a poklonil se před ním tváří k zemi. 24Natan řekl: „Králi, můj pane, tys tedy ustanovil: ‘Bude po mně vládnout a na můj trůn zasedne Adoniáš!’ 25Neboť on dnes odešel, zabil spoustu býků, tučných telat a ovcí a pozval všechny královské prince, důstojníky vojska a kněze Ebjatara; hle, oni před ním jedí a pijí a volají: ‘Ať žije král Adoniáš!’ 26Ale mne, tvého služebníka, kněze Sadoka, Jehojadova syna Benajahua a tvého služebníka Šalomouna, nás nepozval. 27Je to možné, že ta věc vychází od krále, mého pána, a že jsi svým věrným neoznámil, kdo bude následovat na trůně po králi, mém pánu?“ 28Král David se ujal slova a řekl: „Zavolejte mi Betsabe.“ Ona vešla ke králi a stanula před ním. 29Tu jí král složil tuto přísahu: „Jako že žije Jahve, jenž mě vysvobodil ze všech mých úzkostí, 30jak jsem ti přísahal při Jahvovi, Bohu Izraele, že tvůj syn Šalomoun bude po mně vládnout a zasedne namísto mne na trůně, tak to ještě dnes vykonám.“ 31Betsabe poklekla, tváří k zemi se poklonila před králem a řekla: „Ať žije na věky můj pán, král David!“ 32Potom král David řekl: „Zavolejte mi kněze Sadoka, proroka Natana a Jehojadova syna Benajahua.“ Oni vešli ke králi 33a on jim řekl: „Vezměte s sebou královský strážní oddíl, posaďte mého syna Šalomouna na mou vlastní mulu a odveďte ho do Gichonu. 34Tam mu kněz Sadok a prorok Natan dají pomazání na krále Izraele, budete troubit na roh a volat: ‘Ať žije král Šalomoun!’ 35Pak za ním vystoupíte, on vejde, usedne na můj trůn a bude vládnout namísto mne, neboť vévodou nad Izraelem a nad Judou jsem ustanovil jeho.“ 36Jehojadův syn Benajahu králi odpověděl: „Amen. Takto ať mluví Jahve, Bůh mého pána krále. 37Jako byl Jahve s králem, mým pánem, ať je i se Šalomounem a ať povznese jeho trůn ještě víc než trůn mého pána, krále Davida!“ 38Kněz Sadok, prorok Natan, Jehojadův syn Benajahu, Kereťané a Peleťané odešli, posadili Šalomouna na královu mulu a odvedli ho do Gichonu. 39Kněz Sadok vzal ze Stanu roh s olejem a pomazal Šalomouna, troubilo se na roh a všechen lid volal: „Ať žije král Šalomoun!“ 40Potom všechen lid šel vzhůru za ním a lid hrál na flétnu a projevoval velkou radost, křičeli, až pukala země. 41Adoniáš a všichni jeho spoluhodovníci ten hluk uslyšeli; právě skončili s jídlem. Také Joab slyšel hlas rohu a zeptal se: „Co je to v tom vzrušeném městě za lomoz?“ 42Ještě mluvil a hle, přišel syn kněze Ebjatara Jonatan a Adoniáš řekl: „Pojď sem! Ty jsi přece poctivý muž a určitě přinášíš dobrou zprávu.“ 43Jonatan odpověděl: „Ach ano! Náš pán, král David, udělal králem Šalomouna! 44Král s ním poslal kněze Sadoka, proroka Natana, Jehojadova syna Benajahua, Kereťany a Peleťany, oni ho posadili na královu mulu, 45kněz Sadok a prorok Natan ho v Gichonu pomazali na krále, vyšli odtamtud s radostným křikem a město je vzrušené; to je ten hluk, který jste slyšeli. 46A co víc: Šalomoun se posadil na královský trůn 47a královi hodnostáři přišli našemu pánu, králi Davidovi, blahopřát a řekli: ‘Ať tvůj Bůh oslaví Šalomounovo jméno ještě víc než tvé jméno a ať vyvýší jeho trůn ještě víc než tvůj!’ a král se na loži poklonil 48a potom takto promluvil: ‘Buď veleben Jahve, Bůh Izraele, jenž dovolil, aby mé oči dnes uviděly, jak jeden z mých potomků sedí na mém trůně!’“ 49Tu se všech Adoniášových hostů zmocnilo zděšení, vstali a každý odešel po svém. 50Adoniáš sám měl strach ze Šalomouna, vstal a odešel se chytit rohů oltáře. 51Šalomounovi to sdělili takto: „Hle, Adoniáš se zalekl krále Šalomouna, chytil se rohů oltáře se slovy: Ať mi král Šalomoun napřed odpřisáhne, že nedá svého služebníka usmrtit mečem.“ 52Šalomoun řekl: „Bude-li se chovat jako čestný muž, nespadne mu ani vlásek na zem, ale zjistí-li se, že se provinil, pak zemře.“ 53A Šalomoun nařídil, aby ho odvedli od oltáře; on šel, klaněl se před Šalomounem, a ten mu řekl: „Jdi do svého 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.