Adonijah

1. David's fourth son by Haggith. He was born while his father ruled from Hebron (II Sam 3:2, 4). Like Absalom, he was good-looking and ambitious (I Kgs 1:5-6). In David's old age – with the king's three eldest sons Amnon, Chileab and Absalom dead – Adonijah boasted that he would be Israel's next king. When David lay on his deathbed, Adonijah launched an attempt to seize power and forestall succession by Solomon. His coup was supported by Abiathar the priest and Joab, the commander of David's army. Adonijah gave a feast at En Rogel to which he invited all his followers and the princes with the exception of Solomon. Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba alerted David to the plot. The king immediately gave orders that Solomon be conducted on the royal mule to Gihon, to be anointed king of Israel and Judah. David's wishes were carried out by Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the commander of the royal guard. Solomon was designated successor to the throne, to the joy of the people. When Adonijah and his supporters heard of this turn of events, they scattered in terror and Adonijah sought sanctuary by seizing hold of the horns of the altar. Solomon granted him pardon on condition that he prove himself worthy (I Kgs 1:1-53). After David's death, Adonijah persuaded Bathsheba to intercede with Solomon, to gain the king's consent for his marriage to Abishag who had been David's companion in his old age (I Kgs 2:13-18). This was regarded as a renewed attempt by Adonijah to seize the throne; Solomon accordingly ordered Benaiah to put him to death since he had violated the terms of his pardon (I Kgs 2:22-25).

2. A levite sent by King Jehoshaphat to teach the law in the cities of Judah (II Chr 17:7-9).

3. See ADONIKAM

Concordance
ADONIJAH 1: II Sam 3:4. I Kgs 1:5, 7-9,11, 13, 18, 24-25, 41-43, 49-51; 2:13, 19,21-24, 28. I Chr 3:2
ADONIJAH 2: II Chr 17:8
ADONIJAH 3: Neh 10:16