David’s days were numbered, and his son Adonijah determined to take over his father’s throne. He gathered together Joab, David’s military commander, and Abiathar the priest to help him. David, however, wasn’t aware of his actions.
When Nathan the prophet heard what was going on, he enlisted the help of Bathsheba to speak to David on behalf of her son Solomon.
Bathsheba went to David’s chamber while Abishag was serving him. David asked what she wished from him. She reminded him that he’d said Solomon would be his successor, but Adonijah was now acting king. She explained how Adonijah had sacrificed and invited the king’s sons, Abiathar and Joab to his celebration, but excluded Solomon.
Bathsheba let David know that all of Israel was waiting to see what David would do. She also reminded him that if he did nothing, when he died, she and Solomon would be considered a threat and treated accordingly.
Nathan stepped in to confirm what Bathsheba said. He asked David if he had indeed appointed Adonijah.
David called Bathsheba back in and took an oath, saying that indeed, Solomon would be his successor.
That very day David called together Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada. He gave the instructions for them to have Solomon ride David’s mule to Gihon. There Zadok and Nathan were to anoint him king over Israel, blow the horn, and yell out, “Long live King Solomon.” Then they were to come back to the palace and Solomon was to be king in his place, ruler over Israel and Judah.
Not only did Bathsheba become queen mother, but was also included in the lineage of Jesus. Bathsheba experienced God’s mercy and grace.
Read about Bathsheba and Solomon in Scripture: 1 Kings 1-2
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