King David was now a very old man, and although his servants covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm.
My time is fast approaching, Father. How much time do I have left? Teach me to become wise (Psalm 90:12).
A search was made all over Israel for a beautiful young woman, and in Shunem they found such a woman named Abishag, and brought her to the king. …Now that Absalom was dead, Adonijah… was the oldest surviving son. He was a very handsome man.
It’s hard not to notice the emphasis on physical appearance. May I see the world through your eyes, Lord (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Samuel 16:7).
David had never reprimanded him about anything, and he was ambitious to be king.
May I forever remain humble before you, Lord, content and at peace with you (Psalm 131).
He provided for himself chariots, horses, and an escort of fifty men.
Straight out of Absalom’s playbook (2 Samuel 15:1)! Well, I guess it sort of worked in the past…
He talked with Joab… and with Abiathar the priest, and they agreed to support his cause. But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s bodyguards were not on Adonijah’s side.
No surprise to see Joab conspiring. People scheme but at the end of the day it’s always your will that is done, Lord. I put my trust in you (Philippiens 4:6-7).
Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and asked her, “…I would advise you to go at once to King David and ask him… Then, while you are still talking with King David, I will come in and confirm your story.”
Nathan and Bathsheba are conspiring as well! Such is the world we live in…
So Bathsheba went… and… bowed low before the king, and he asked, “What do you want?”
Being king means to be constantly solicited. No, thank you. If you are asking me this question, Father, then may your will be done (Matthew 26:42); you alone know what is best for us (Romans 8:28).