Who
David’s fourth son, born of Haggith in Hebron. When David was old, Adonijah “exalted himself” and claimed the throne (1 Kings 1:5), backed by Joab and the priest Abiathar; but Nathan and Bathsheba won the throne for Solomon. Pardoned, he asked Bathsheba to seek Abishag for him as wife. She went to the king, who had a throne set for her at his right hand and told her, “Ask on, my mother, for I will not deny you” (1 Kings 2:20); but Solomon saw a claim to the throne in the request, and Adonijah was put to death.
Key verses
- 1 Kings 1:5
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
- 1 Kings 2:20
Then she said, “I ask one small petition of you; don’t deny me.” The king said to her, “Ask on, my mother, for I will not deny you.”
- 1 Chronicles 3:2
the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;