Who was Haggith in the Bible?

Haggith was one of the many wives of King David and the mother of his son Adonijah. She is mentioned in the lists of David's children born in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:2).

Why is Haggith significant in the Bible?

Her significance comes primarily from her son, Adonijah, who attempted to usurp the throne from Solomon. This event triggered a major succession crisis in David's kingdom (1 Kings 1-2).

What happened to Haggith's son Adonijah?

Adonijah declared himself king while David was old, but his plot failed when Solomon was anointed instead. After David's death, Adonijah was executed for again seeking power (1 Kings 2:13-25).

Haggith

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyFemaleMother

Haggith was one of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah, who attempted to claim the throne.

Haggith

Biography

Haggith was one of the six wives David took during his years in Hebron before consolidating the monarchy in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Chronicles 3:2). She is identified as the mother of Adonijah, David's fourth son. Adonijah would become the central antagonist in the succession crisis at the end of David's life, styling himself as heir apparent and recruiting Joab and Abiathar the priest to his cause (1 Kings 1:5–7). Haggith herself appears only indirectly in the narrative, her identity subsumed in her maternal connection to Adonijah. When Solomon was confirmed as king, Adonijah's subsequent request through Bathsheba for Abishag, David's companion in old age, was interpreted as another bid for power and led to his execution (1 Kings 2:13–25). Haggith is not mentioned again after this point.

Significance

Haggith's significance lies primarily in her role as the mother of Adonijah, whose ill-fated succession attempt serves as a cautionary tale about ambition and political maneuvering apart from God's will. The narrative of 1 Kings 1–2 demonstrates that despite human schemes and alliances, God's designated king, Solomon, ascended the throne in fulfillment of David's promise and divine appointment. Haggith also represents the complexities of David's polygamous household, a domestic arrangement that generated rivalry, conflict, and tragedy across multiple generations. Her story implicitly raises questions about the costs of political marriage and the ways family dynamics can fracture covenant households.

Authority Records

Wikidata

SpouseDavidChildAdonijah