Who was Adonijah?

Ambitious son of King David

The story of Adonijah

Adonijah - Rebel leader.
Adonijah - Rebel leader.
Rebel leader.

Adonijah was a biblical figure in the Hebrew Bible, best known for his attempt to usurp the throne of Israel from his father, King David. He was the fourth son of King David and his wife Haggith. His siblings included Amnon, Absalom, and Solomon. Adonijah was a handsome and ambitious young man who sought to gain the throne of Israel for himself. He gathered a large group of supporters and declared himself king. He even went so far as to have a chariot and horses prepared for himself. However, his plans were thwarted by his father, King David, who had already declared his youngest son, Solomon, to be the next king. Adonijah was forced to flee for his life, and Solomon was crowned king. Adonijah later sought to marry Abishag, a young woman who had been a companion to King David in his old age. This was seen as a further attempt to gain the throne, and Solomon had him executed. Adonijah is best known for his attempt to usurp the throne of Israel from his father, King David. He was ambitious and sought to gain the throne for himself, but his plans were thwarted by his father. He is remembered as a cautionary tale of ambition and pride.

Name meaning

Yahweh is my Lord

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Rebel leader.

First mention

2 Samuel 3:4

Appearances in the Bible

26 mentions

Family

Relatives of Adonijah

Adonijah in the Bible

Explore all 6 chapters where Adonijah appears

2 Samuel

Chapter 3

The Rise of Absalom

Absalom, David's son, begins to rebel against his father and gains a following.

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1 Kings

Chapter 1

David's Charge to Solomon

David charges Solomon, his son, to be faithful to God as he becomes king.

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1 Kings

Chapter 2

David's Last Days

David reflects on his life and makes final arrangements before his death.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 3

Sons of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 17

Jehoshaphat's Righteous Reign

Jehoshaphat's righteous reign, characterized by fidelity to God's ways and educational reforms that contribute to the sp...

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Nehemiah

Chapter 10

The Signing of a Covenant

The signing of a covenant to obey the law, including the appointment of leaders to enforce the law.

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