“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.” — Psalm 45:6, New International Version
King David is near death. The year is about 970 B.C. Jerusalem is
still a small hill–top city, bounded on its east side by the Gihon
Spring. The spring will become important in the story, for water was
thought to carry life and divine blessing. Close by runs the Kidron
Valley; to the west rises the royal palace David built after taking the
city from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5).
Archaeology has uncovered stepped stone structures and large carved
rooms in this area—likely part of David’s administrative quarter. The
geography matches the text: narrow streets, a spring just outside the
wall, and a ridge that drops toward En-rogel where Adonijah holds his
feast.
• “Adonijah exalted himself” (v. 5). Hebrew root: nasa—to
lift up. The verb is active; the text stresses self-promotion.
• “Anoint” (v. 34) comes from mashach, source of
Mashiach (Messiah). Every royal anointing whispers of the
ultimate Anointed One.
• “Have you come in peace?” (v. 42) echoes ancient Near-Eastern court
etiquette. Peace (shalom) is the first concern when an
unexpected figure enters the king’s presence.
The chapter is built on contrasts:
• Private plotting (En-rogel) vs. public blessing (Gihon).
• Loud feasting vs. louder trumpet.
• Rising (nasa) oneself vs. being raised by God.
The writer uses irony; Adonijah’s celebration is
drowned out by the shouts for Solomon. The climax falls at the midpoint
(v. 40), an example of Hebrew narrative balance.
• Augustine saw David’s coldness as an image of the
fading Old Covenant; Solomon’s coronation heralds the warmth of Christ’s
reign.
• John Calvin highlighted Nathan’s courage, urging
pastors to confront ungodly ambition in every age.
• Charles Wesley preached on the scene at Gihon,
calling believers to “sit on the mule of humility” rather than the
chariots of pride.
• Deuteronomy 17:14-20 — God’s law for kings.
• 2 Samuel 7:12-16 — God’s covenant with David.
• 1 Chronicles 29:22-25 — A parallel account of Solomon’s
anointing.
• Psalm 2 — The Lord installs His King.
• Luke 1:32-33 — Angelic words to Mary, echoing Davidic promise.
• The royal mule was more than a riding animal; it
marked continuity with David. In the Near East, mules were bred by kings
and seldom used by commoners.
• Gihon Spring was a sacred space. Water symbolized
life; an anointing there hints at new creation.
• Feasting at En-rogel: The site name means “Spring of
the Fuller.” Fullers cleaned cloth—Adonijah’s attempt to cleanse his
image outside the city walls ironically stains it.
• Horns of the altar: Many Western readers picture
literal horns. They were indeed horn-shaped projections on each corner,
symbolizing power and sanctuary.
“Crown Him with Many Crowns” (Matthew Bridges, 1851) — A fitting meditation on true kingship.
O Faithful God,
who kept Your word to David and crowned Solomon in due time,
guard our hearts from proud self-promotion,
grant us the quiet strength of humble obedience,
and raise up prophetic voices that keep us close to Your covenant.
May we cling to the mercy offered at Your altar
and honor the true King, Jesus Christ,
whose throne endures forever.
Amen.