A. Solomon Becomes King (1:1-2:46)

With the squelching of Sheba’s revolt in 2Sa 20, David’s kingship was relatively secure. However, the question as to who would succeed him had not yet been answered. It must be recalled that this was a new problem for Israel’s fledgling monarchy; both Saul and David had been divinely selected apart from any formal family ties. Now, given the eternal promises to the Davidic line (2Sa 7:11-15), the heredity principle takes over. As such, the responsibility of naming a new king fell on David. That he delayed in doing so caused significant tension. That he was now old and in failing health, unable even to stay warm, made matters all the worse (1:1-2)

Out of such a context arose two rival factions, one supporting Adonijah (1:5-7) and the other Solomon (1:11-14). Insofar as both Amnon (2Sa 13:28-29) and Absalom (2Sa 18:15) had been killed earlier, and Kileab is never mentioned outside of a genealogical record (suggesting that he probably died at a young age), Adonijah was David’s oldest living son. Furthermore, like Absalom before him, he clearly saw kingship as the right of the eldest. That Adonijah proclaimed himself to be king, however, indicates that he doubted whether David saw things in the same way.

With a certain charisma that again calls Absalom to mind (2Sa 14:25-26), Adonijah attracted a significant group of supporters. Yet, in spite of a following that included both Joab and Abiathar (1:7), influential leaders under David, Adonijah’s scheme failed. Reminded by Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan of an earlier promise (vv.13, 17), a promise that goes unmentioned elsewhere in the biblical text, David finally announces that Solomon will reign in his place (v.30). With this pronouncement, Adonijah’s supporters disperse (v.49), and Adonijah himself seeks leniency from his younger brother.

Following this relatively rapid sequence of events, ch. 2 suggests how Solomon strengthened his hold on the throne. Up to this point, he had played a quiet and rather inactive role. With the death of his father (2:10), however, all of that changes. Systematically, Solomon removes or banishes his potential rivals.

To begin with, Adonijah, who had earlier sought mercy (1:50-51), approaches Bathsheba with a seemingly innocent request. He asks to marry Abishag (2:17), the Shunammite girl given to David (1:3). The nature of the request, however, is immediately recognized by Solomon (2:22). Because she had belonged to David, Abishag remained royal property. In asking for her, Adonijah actually laid yet another claim to kingship. In that light, Solomon’s reaction (v.22) and ultimate response (v.25) can be better understood.

Following Adonijah, Solomon banishes Abiathar the priest to the town of Anathoth (2:26-27). Abiathar’s religious role and his specific connection to the ark of the covenant explain why his punishment was more lenient than those to follow. It would have been far more difficult and dangerous for Solomon to kill a priest than to kill mere political rivals.

Finally, Solomon has both Joab (2:34) and Shimei (v.46) killed. In the case of Shimei, an almost humorous plan is invoked (vv.36-37). While remaining in Jerusalem was theoretically possible, the entire scheme indicates Solomon’s ultimate intentions. Indeed, the fact that three years later he is immediately aware of Shimei’s whereabouts, an apparent triviality for a king, reinforces the notion. Aware of David’s final charge (vv.8-9) and seeing an opportunity to remove a Benjamite who could incite trouble among those just north of Jerusalem, Solomon removes this perceived threat. And with that, the editor concludes: The kingdom was now firmly established in Solomon’s hands (v.46).