Adonijah (Hastings' Dictionary)

1. The name of the fourth son of David (2 S .3^ 1 Ch 3^). After the death of Absalom, Adonijah, who was next in order of birth, naturally regarded himself as the heir to the throne. His expectation was doubtless shared by the nation, and seems to have been for a time encouraged by his father. The situation had brcn altered, however, by the introduction of Bath- sb(,ba into the royal harem, and by tlie birth of Solomon. The inlluence and the ambition of this latest of David's queens rendered it certain that Adonijah would encounter a dangerous rival in his younger brother. It was probably his knowledge that intrigues against his interests were being carried on in the harem that led to the premature and ill-starred attempt of Adonijah to seize the crown before his father's death. The narrative (1 K 1 and 2) is from the same pen as the section in 2 S which contains the story of Absalom's rebellion, and is evidently the work of one who had access to trustworthy sources of information. There are several features of resemblance be- tween the two nanatives ; and the two chief actors therein, Absalom and Adonijah, seem to have resembled one another in disposition and even in bodily characteristics (cf. 1 K 1'" with 2 S 14" 15'). At first Adonijah's enterprise seemed likely to be crowned with success. He attached to his cause such imi>ortant and in- fluential supjjorters as Joab the commander-in- chief, and Abiathar the priest. In company with these and many memliers of the royal family and the king's house, Adonijah hehl a great feast at En-Rogel, where the final arrangements were to be made for his coronation. But he had reckoned without his host. One whom he had not invited to the banquet was destined to checkmate the conspirators ere their plans were matured. Natlian the propliet seems to have occupied much the same position at the court of David as Isaiah afterwards lield at that of Ilezekiah. Seeing that not a moment wa.s to be lost, Nathan hastened to Bath- 40 ADONIKAM ADOPTION sheba, whose fears he easily awakened by pointing out the danger to which her own life and that of Solomon would be exposed if the attempt of Adonijah should succeed. Bathsheba, who seems to have already obtained from David a promise that Solomon should succeed him on the throne, immediately sought an interview with the aged king, and informed him of what was transpiring at En-Kogel ; while Nathan, in accordance with a prearranged plan, came in opportunely to confirm ber story. The pronliet-counseUor played his part with consummate sKill, notably when (1 K 1") he expressed surprise that the king, if he had sanc- tioned the action of Adonijah, had not taken his old friends and counsellors into his confidence. Yielding to the representations of the queen and the prophet, David renewed his oath to Bathsheba in favour of her son, and took prompt measures to secure the accession of the latter. At such a juncture the support of the royal bodyguard was all-important, and fortunately their loyalty was beyond suspicion. Their commander was ordered by David to escort the youthful Solomon, mounted upon his father's mule, to Gihon, and to have him anointed king by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet. This commission wais executed amidst the enthusiasm of the people, who rent the air with shouts of ' God save King Solomon ! ' The unwonted noise reached the ears of Adonijah's guests at En-Kogel, causing astonishment, which passed into consternation when Jonathan the son of Abiathar hnrried in with the news that David had chosen Solomon to succeed him. The com- pany broke up in confusion, and Adonijah himself was so much alarmed that he fled for protection to the altar. Solomon, however, agreed to spare his life on condition of future loyalty. If Adonijah displayed no conspicuous wisdom in his attempt to seize the crown, his next act, which cost him his life, is hard to explain, except on the principle, Quem Deus vult perdere prius dementat. After the death of his fatiier he actually requested Solomon to bestow upon him in marria"e Abishag the Shunanimite, the maiden who had attended upon David during his declining years. And as ativo- cate for him in this delicate matter he chose Bathsheba 1 No one who is acquainted with the notions of Eastern courts can wonder at the resentment of Solomon, or that he construed this req^uest as an act of treason. Considering the re- lation in which Abishag had stood to David, the people would certainly infer that Adonijah in taking her for his wife still asserted his right to the cro^vn. (Compare the story of Abner and Ishbosheth in 2 S 3% and of Absalom in 2 S 16-'.) Speedily was sentence pronounced, ' Adonijah hath spoken this word against his own life ; surely he snail be put to death this day ' ; and the sentence was immediately executed by the captain of the guard. 2. One of the Levitea who, according to the Chronicler, was sent by Jehoshaphat to teach in the cities of Judah (2 Ch 17«). 3. One of the 'chiefs of the people' who sealed the covenant (Neh 10"). Same as Adonikam (Ezr 2" 8", Neh 7"*). J. A. Seldie. ADONIKAM (Dirnt; 'my Lord has arisen'), Ezr 2" 8", Neh 7", 1 Es 5" 8^. The head of a Jewish family after the Exile ; in Neh 10'« Adonijah. H. A. White.