Adonijah (died 1014 BC) was the fourth son of King David. He attempted to usurp both his father (in 1015 BC) and his brother Solomon (in 1014 BC), resulting in his execution.
Biography[]
Adonijah was the fourth son of King David, the younger brother of Amnon and Absalom, and the older brother of Solomon. He considered himself heir apparent to the throne after the deaths of his elder brothers, and he acquired chariots and a large entourage in preparation for seizing power. Backed by the general Joab and the priest Abiathar, Adonijah claimed the throne as his father neared death in 1015 BC, while the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, and the royal bodyguard commander Benaiah remained loyal to David. Nathan persuaded Queen Bathsheba to have David name Solomon as his chosen heir, and, after Solomon's coronation, Adonijah's supporters deserted him, and Adonijah took refuge at the Holy of Holies until Solomon pardoned him. In 1014 BC, however, Adonijah asked permission to marry his late father's concubine Abishag, and Solomon, fearing that Adonijah was attempting to stake a claim to the throne, had Adonijah put to death.
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