Solomon: Israel’s Wisest King (2): Adonijah Becomes King (I Kings 1:5-10) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Emboldened by David’s Weakness
II. Following Absalom’s Example
III. Presaging Dark Times
A. W. Pink: “... so many fond parents are allowing their children to grow up with little or no restraint placed upon them. They are only preparing a rod for their own backs. God Himself has forbidden parents to refrain from chastening their children when they need it: ‘Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die’ (Prov. 23:13). And again, ‘He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes’ (Prov. 13:24). And yet again, ‘Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying’ (Prov. 19:18). Because of his parental neglect David himself was in large measure responsible for the lawlessness of his son. Lax and indulgent parents must expect willful and wayward children, and if they despise the infirmities of their sire and are impatient to get possession of their estate, that will be all which they deserve at their hands” (The Life of David, p. 367).
John G. Butler: “Adonijah was an evil opportunist. He evilly used the infirmities of others to advance his own cause. He took advantage of the disadvantages of others. How low in character Adonijah was to take such a wicked advantage of his own father’s infirmity. Adonijah’s evil in taking advantage of other people’s problems is not unique to Adonijah. Multitudes in every age stoop to such degradation. Many folk make their fortunes by exploiting those who have suffered misfortune. Many gain advantage in this world by exploiting the disadvantaged. Many exploit the poor to make themselves rich. And many politicians use disasters and calamities to advance their political agenda” (Solomon: The King of Splendour, pp. 22-23).