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Lesson 35: Solomon’s Reign Established

Lesson 35 from The United Kingdom by Rhodes Davis.

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Lesson Overview

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 1:1 – 2:46

Outline of Text

  • Adonijah, the brother of Absolom and older brother of Solomon, began to assume the throne with Joab and Abiathar’s help, 1 Kings 1:5-10.
  • Bathsheba and Nathan, the prophet, learn of Adonijah’s plan and urged David to formally proclaim Solomon king before he died, 1 Kings 1:11-27.
  • David proclaimed Solomon king. Adonijah pleaded for his life, 1 Kings 1:28-53.
  • Before his death, David gave advice to Solomon and urged him to avenge the blood of Abner and Amasa upon Joab and to punish Shimei, 1 Kings 2:1-12
    • Solomon executed Adonijah after he attempted to lay the groundwork for assuming the throne by requesting David’s concubine, 1 Kings 2:13-25.
    • Solomon removed Abiathar from his priesthood and sent him to Anathoth. He ordered Joab killed and replaced him with Benaiah, 1 Kings 2:26-35.
    • Solomon confined Shimei to the city of Jerusalem and forbade him to leave. Shimei did leave and was killed, 1 Kings 2:36-46.

Questions for Discussion & Study

  1. How did David, Bathsheba, and Nathan thwart Adonijah’s plans?

  2. How did the guests of Adonijah react when David proclaimed Solomon king? What did Adonijah do?

  3. Why was Solomon displeased at Adonijah’s request for Abishag?

  4. Why did Solomon kill Joab but allow Abiathar to live?

  5. Who was responsible for the death of Shimei?