The Bible Says
1 Kings 1:9-10 Meaning

In 1 Kings 1:9-10, we see the active pursuit of recognition and authority by David’s son when Adonijah sacrificed sheep and oxen and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En-rogel; and he invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants (v. 9). Adonijah, the fourth son of King David (who reigned roughly from 1010 BC to 970 BC), stands at a critical moment in Israel’s history, David is old and a successor must soon be established. Adonijah’s act of hosting a lavish sacrifice seems to be an attempt to solidify his claim to the throne by publicly gathering influential figures under the guise of religious celebration.

The stone of Zoheleth, located near En-rogel, lies just outside Jerusalem, in a region south of the city. This site likely served as a public gathering place, making it an ideal stage for Adonijah’s display of authority. En-rogel was a spring or well in the Kidron Valley, providing both a practical resource and a symbolic setting for important events. By hosting a feast in such a prominent location, Adonijah showcased his ambition to be recognized as the next ruler of Israel, suggesting he hoped to rally political and social allegiance from local leaders.

However, the invitation extended to all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants underscores his deliberate effort to include those who might support his claim, while potentially overlooking others who might challenge him. This event marks a pivotal strategic move in ancient Israel’s unfolding story, foreshadowing tensions to come.

The severity of Adonijah’s intentional exclusions becomes even clearer when we read that he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, and Solomon his brother (v. 10). These omissions are significant. Nathan was a trusted prophetic voice who had previously confronted King David over moral failings (2 Samuel 12), and Benaiah was a prominent military leader known for his loyalty to David (1 Chronicles 27). Most notably, Solomon, another son of David and the focus of God’s covenantal promise (1 Chronicles 22), is left out, revealing Adonijah’s plan to secure the throne without opposition.

By excluding Nathan and Benaiah, Adonijah aimed to marginalize two influential figures capable of swaying the king and the people. This selective invitation hints at his awareness that these men’s support would not lightly transfer to his side. More pointedly, excluding Solomon demonstrates Adonijah’s fear that his younger brother might carry greater legitimacy due to God’s promise and David’s recent favor toward him (1 Chronicles 22 and 1 Kings 1). Adonijah’s actions vividly depict the political maneuvering common in royal successions of ancient times.

1 Kings 1:9-10 highlights a moment of crisis. They illustrate how Adonijah’s pursuit of rule threatened to undercut the will of God, as revealed in earlier passages indicating Solomon’s future kingship (1 Chronicles 22). The tension between human ambition and divine purpose weaves itself throughout Scripture, setting the stage for the dramatic intervention that would soon follow.