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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 1 - Verse 7

1:7
And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.

Meaning

In this verse from 1 Kings 1:7, we see Adonijah, one of King David's sons, attempting to seize the throne of Israel while his father is still alive and weakened. Adonijah seeks support from Joab, the commander of David's army, and Abiathar, a priest serving in the tabernacle. By consulting with these influential figures, Adonijah gains their backing in his bid for the kingship. The collaboration between Adonijah, Joab, and Abiathar highlights the political maneuvering and power struggles that often took place within the royal court. It also serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and alliances that can shape the outcomes of leadership transitions and succession in biblical narratives. As readers follow Adonijah's actions in this verse, they are invited to consider the consequences of seeking power through questionable means and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in governance.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of 1 Kings, we see King David's son Adonijah attempting to take the throne without his father's blessing or approval. The theological interpretation of this verse speaks to the consequences of acting outside of God's will and divine order. By conferring with Joab, who was a commander in David's army known for his ruthlessness, and Abiathar the priest, who was eventually removed from his position due to his support of Adonijah, we see Adonijah seeking support from individuals who were not aligned with God's plan. This highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and adhering to God's guidance in all our decisions.

Furthermore, looking at the word "following" in the context of this verse, we see that it implies a strong allegiance and loyalty to Adonijah's cause. This further emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the severity of going against God's ordained order. As readers, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our actions and decisions with God's will, trusting in His plan and seeking guidance from individuals who are walking in obedience to Him.

American Standard Version

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.
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