Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, “Why hast thou done so?” and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.
And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.
- 1 Kings 1:5–7
Adonijah’s Acts of Disloyalty
- He Ordered David
- Joab took liberty to dictate terms to the King.
- But David had already decided differently.
- Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:26–29
Joab fought against Rabbah, took the royal city, and sent messengers to David saying:
“I have fought … now gather the rest of the people … lest I take the city and it be called after my name.”
David then gathered all the people, went to Rabbah, and took it.Lesson: Joab’s disloyalty spilled over to Adonijah’s rebellion, proving that independence unchecked can influence others.
- He Enthroned Adonijah
- Despite David’s clear decision that Solomon should be king, Joab supported Adonijah’s self-promotion.
- Scripture: 1 Kings 1:5–7
Truth: God’s chosen order cannot be overturned by human ambition.
Lessons from Adonijah – A Wannabe King
- Don’t rush for influence – promotion comes from God, not from self.
- Don’t self-promote – grow patiently in your season.
- Don’t give in to other voices – counsel can mislead when it defies God’s will.
- Don’t give in to pride – humility preserves legacy.
- Don’t give in to familiarity – closeness to leadership should never breed dishonor.
Spiritual Insights
- 1 Corinthians 4:2
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
- Expansion of the Kingdom depends on loyal people who carry the vision and spirit of leadership faithfully.
- Disloyalty, whether through Joab or Adonijah, weakens leadership, delays progress, and can destroy destinies.
Combined Lessons (Joab & Adonijah)
- Grieves the King.
- Weakens Leadership.
- Hinders Decision Making.
- Causes Loss of Lives.
- Ends in Execution of the Rebel.
- Don’t rush for influence.
- Don’t self-promote — grow patiently in your season.
- Don’t give in to pride or other voices.
- Don’t give in to familiarity.
✨ Faithfulness builds Kingdom expansion. Disloyalty, whether subtle or open, leads to downfall. Choose faithfulness and humility to sustain your legacy.