King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon's sharp response isn't just about his mother's request for a concubine; he’s pointing out that the real danger is Adonijah's continued desire for power, symbolized by that request and the support of key figures like Joab. He sees this as a veiled attempt to usurp the throne, not just a minor personal favor.
King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Solomon is solidifying his rule after his father David's death, and his mother Bathsheba approaches him with a seemingly simple request on behalf of his elder brother, Adonijah. Solomon immediately recognizes the underlying political maneuvering, understanding that giving Adonijah a wife, especially David's former concubine, would be a claim to the throne. This exchange occurs as Solomon is executing his father's final instructions to eliminate threats to his reign, making Adonijah's request a critical test of Solomon's power and judgment.
Solomon's mother, Bathsheba, makes a seemingly simple request that quickly reveals a dangerous political undercurrent. How does Solomon handle this delicate situation?
When Bathsheba asks Solomon to request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah, she's not just asking for a wife for her son. In that culture, taking one of the former king's concubines was a public claim to the throne.
Solomon immediately recognizes this maneuver. Instead of getting angry or defensive, he calmly points out the full implication: 'Ask for him the kingdom also.' He shows he understands the political game being played, and he refuses to be manipulated, even by his own mother.
Adonijah, Solomon's older brother, had previously tried to seize the throne. How does Solomon's decisive action here solidify his God-appointed reign?
Solomon's reign began under a cloud of intrigue. Adonijah had already made a bid for kingship while David was still alive, an act that threatened the succession God had ordained through David and Nathan the prophet.
By firmly shutting down Adonijah's subtle attempt to reassert a claim, Solomon demonstrates his commitment to ruling justly and according to God's will. He isn't seeking personal vengeance but is safeguarding the integrity of the kingdom established by divine appointment.
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mal-kuth · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, this refers to the royal territory, dominion, or sovereign authority over Israel. It is ultimately understood as belonging to God, who delegates rule to a human king.
Solomon's sharp response to his mother reveals the intense political maneuvering and consolidation of power that followed David's death. Adonijah's request, seemingly a plea for a widow, was understood by Solomon as a dangerous political gambit tied to Adonijah's ongoing claim to the throne, forcing Solomon to take decisive action.
c. 970 BC
David Appoints Solomon King
The aging King David, despite his previous intention to make Adonijah king, publicly designates Solomon as his successor, securing his claim to the throne.
c. 970 BC
Death of King David
David dies, and Solomon, now king, must consolidate his power and deal with potential rivals and the established loyalties of David's court.
c. 970 BC
Adonijah's First Attempt to Usurp Throne
Adonijah, David's eldest living son, boldly declares himself king, rallying support from Joab and Abiathar, but is thwarted by Solomon's supporters.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Solomon Executes Adonijah
Solomon executes Adonijah for his continued ambition to seize the throne, a decisive act to secure his reign and eliminate threats.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Deals with Joab and Abiathar
Following Adonijah's execution, Solomon also deals with the key figures who supported Adonijah's claims, removing Abiathar from the priesthood and later executing Joab.
This passage immediately precedes the verse, showing Adonijah's earlier attempt to seize the throne, highlighting the ongoing tension and Solomon's awareness of Adonijah's ambition.
1 Samuel 15:22-23Solomon's response echoes the principle that obedience and right relationship with God are paramount, even more so than birthright or political maneuvering, a lesson Saul failed to learn.
Proverbs 1:7Solomon, the author of Proverbs, here demonstrates a wise, though stern, application of discernment and justice, showing that true wisdom understands the motives behind requests.
Matthew 10:34-37Jesus speaks of how following Him can divide even the closest family relationships, paralleling how Solomon must prioritize his allegiance to God and his rightful kingship over family ties.
Solomon's sharp response isn't just about his mother's request for a concubine; he’s pointing out that the real danger is Adonijah's continued desire for power, symbolized by that request and the support of key figures like Joab. He sees this as a veiled attempt to usurp the throne, not just a minor personal favor.
King Solomon is solidifying his rule after his father David's death, and his mother Bathsheba approaches him with a seemingly simple request on behalf of his elder brother, Adonijah. Solomon immediately recognizes the underlying political maneuvering, understanding that giving Adonijah a wife, especially David's former concubine, would be a claim to the throne. This exchange occurs as Solomon is executing his father's final instructions to eliminate threats to his reign, making Adonijah's request a critical test of Solomon's power and judgment.
King Solomon is solidifying his rule after his father David's death, and his mother Bathsheba approaches him with a seemingly simple request on behalf of his elder brother, Adonijah. Solomon immediately recognizes the underlying political maneuvering, understanding that giving Adonijah a wife, especially David's former concubine, would be a claim to the throne. This exchange occurs as Solomon is executing his father's final instructions to eliminate threats to his reign, making Adonijah's request a critical test of Solomon's power and judgment.
"King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.”" — Solomon's sharp response isn't just about his mother's request for a concubine; he’s pointing out that the real danger is Adonijah's continued desire for power, symbolized by that request and the s…
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Last reviewed October 2026