Solomon Anointed as King Over Israel

INTRODUCTION: David nears the end of his life, but must face another heart wrenching rebellion. This time it comes from his son Adonijah as he attempts to usurp the throne. However, key men rise up to assist David and the rebellion is quenched as Solomon takes the throne.

1. ABISHAG PROVIDED WARMTH FOR KING DAVID (1 Kings 1:1-4)
1. Davids Problem (1 Kings 1:1)
1. He was old and stricken in years.
2. He was covered with clothes but gat no heat.
2. His Servants Solution (1 Kings 1:2)
1. To seek out a young virgin
2. To let her give of her warmth to David
3. The Ministry of Abishag (1 Kings 1:3-4)
1. The search for a damsel (1 Kings 1:3)
1. They sought for a fair damsel.
2. They searched throughout the coasts of Israel.
3. They found Abishag, a Shunammite.
4. They brought her to the king.
2. The qualities of Abishag (1 Kings 1:4)
1. She was very fair.
2. She cherished the king.
3. She ministered to the king.
3. The innocence of the relationship the king knew her not (1 Kings 1:4)
2. ADONIJAH PREPARED TO TAKE THE KINGDOM (1 Kings 1:5-10)
1. Adonijah Sought to be King (1 Kings 1:5-6).
1. He exalted himself (1 Kings 1:5).
2. He said, I will be king (1 Kings 1:5; compare Isaiah 14:12-15).
3. He prepared chariots and men to run before him (1 Kings 1:5; compare 2 Samuel 15:1).
4. David did nothing to discourage him (1 Kings 1:6).
5. He was a goodly man (1 Kings 1:6).
6. He was the younger brother of Absalom (1 Kings 1:6).
2. Adonijah Made Arrangements to be King (1 Kings 1:7-10).
1. He recruited help (1 Kings 1:7).
1. He made an ally of Joab.
2. He made an ally of Abiathar the priest.
2. He could not gain the support of Zadok, Benaiah, Nathan, and Davids mighty men (1 Kings 1:8).
3. He made a great feast (1 Kings 1:9-10).
1. He slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle (1 Kings 1:9).
2. He called his brethren the kings sons (1 Kings 1:9).
3. He called all the men of Judah (1 Kings 1:9).
4. He did not call certain key men (1 Kings 1:10).
3. NATHAN PLANNED FOR SOLOMONS ACCEPTANCE (1 Kings 1:11-27)
1. Nathan Worked the Plan Out with Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:11-14).
1. Nathan informed Bathsheba of Adonijahs rebellion (1 Kings 1:11).
2. Nathan offered counsel to Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:12-13).
3. Nathan would come to David and confirm Bathshebas words (1 Kings 1:14).
2. Bathsheba Gave Her Report to David (1 Kings 1:15-21).
1. She went in to Davids chamber (1 Kings 1:15).
2. She bowed before the king and he asked her of her need (1 Kings 1:16).
3. She spoke of Davids promise that Solomon would reign (1 Kings 1:17).
4. She informed him of Adonijahs rebellion (1 Kings 1:18-19).
5. She told him of the importance of his leadership (1 Kings 1:20-21).
3. Nathan Confirmed the Report of Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:22-27).
1. He entered the room as planned (1 Kings 1:22-23). Note: Bathsheba left off speaking and exited the room when Nathan entered (1 Kings 1:28).
2. He confirmed the news of Adonijahs rebellion (1 Kings 1:24-26).
3. He asked of Davids involvement in Adonijahs rise (1 Kings 1:27).
4. DAVID PLACED SOLOMON ON THE THRONE (1 Kings 1:28-40)
1. David Promised That Solomon Would Reign (1 Kings 1:28-31).
1. He called for Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:28).
2. He confirmed his original promise (1 Kings 1:29-30).
3. Bathsheba showed reverence to the king (1 Kings 1:31).
2. David Gave Instructions to Anoint Solomon (1 Kings 1:32-37).
1. He called in some key men (1 Kings 1:32).
2. He gave instructions to them (1 Kings 1:33-34).
1. Take the servants of king David (1 Kings 1:33).
2. Cause Solomon to ride on Davids mule (1 Kings 1:33).
3. Bring Solomon down to Gihon (1 Kings 1:33); the closest natural spring to the city of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:30; 2 Chronicles 33:14).
4. Have Zadok and Nathan anoint him as king (1 Kings 1:34).
5. Blow the trumpet and say, God save king Solomon (1 Kings 1:34).
3. He confirmed his choice of Solomon as king (1 Kings 1:35).
4. Benaiah expressed his pleasure with Davids choice (1 Kings 1:36-37).
3. Solomon Is Anointed as King over Israel (1 Kings 1:38-40).
1. The men obeyed the words of David (1 Kings 1:38-39).
2. The people rejoiced with great joy (1 Kings 1:40).
5. ADONIJAH PREVENTED FROM TAKING THE KINGDOM (1 Kings 1:41-53)
1. Adonijah Received News of Solomons Anointing (1 Kings 1:41-48).
1. Noise of Solomons crowning interrupted Adonijahs feast (1 Kings 1:41).
2. Jonathan, the son of Abiathar, brought news of Solomons promotion (1 Kings 1:42-48).
2. Adonijah Responded with Fear for His Life (1 Kings 1:49-51).
1. All the guests went away in fear (1 Kings 1:49).
2. Adonijah ran and caught hold on the horns of the altar (1 Kings 1:50). The horns of the altar were viewed as a place of mercy (Leviticus 4:24-26).
3. Solomon learned of Adonijahs fear and concern (1 Kings 1:51).
3. Solomon Sent Adonijah to His House (1 Kings 1:52-53).
1. Solomon demonstrated his desire to be just (1 Kings 1:52).
2. Solomon allowed Adonijah to go home alive (1 Kings 1:53).

CONCLUSION: Even in the end, David must make some difficult decisions that will have an impact beyond his death. Wisdom in these decisions is of the utmost importance.