The disorder among David’s sons did not end with the death of Absalom.   As David lay on his deathbed, yet another revolt was hatched by his fourth son, Adonijah, younger brother of Absalom.  Like Absalom, Adonijah recruited allies among David’s followers, including even Joab and Abiathar the priest.  It is not surprising that the headstrong and self-serving Joab should attempt to interfere in the succession, but Abiathar’s support is unexpected.  Abiathar had served David since the days that Saul killed his father Ahimelech at Nob (1 Sam 22:18-21).  He had even been a spy for David during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Sam 15:35-36).  But he was a great-great-grandson of Eli, and God had cursed the entire family of Eli (1 Sam 3:12-14).

         

Adonijah held a pre-coronation party, attempting a "coup d’etat" by inviting his supporters and his younger brothers (except Solomon) to celebrate with him.  Nathan the prophet foiled the plot by telling Bathsheba to go at once to remind David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king.  When David was informed about Adonijah’s plot, he commanded that Solomon be anointed king without delay.

         

Solomon was taken to Gihon Spring, the main water source for Jerusalem.  He rode on David’s own mule, and was accompanied by Benaiah and the foreign troops, the Kerethites and Pelethites, who had acted as David’s personal guard.  Solomon received a dual anointing from Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet.  Their participation signified the approval of God Himself.  In fact, God’s approval dates from Solomon’s birth (2 Sam 12:24), when Nathan gave Solomon an alternate name -- "Jedidiah," beloved of the Lord.  This is the only occurrence of this name in the Bible.

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