The Spirit of Adonijah

As King David approached the end of his reign and was close to death, Adonijah (add-uh-NYE-juh), who was David’s fourth-born but eldest living son, boldly declared himself the next king of Israel. Scripture tells us that Adonijah boldly “exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king’” and went so far as to prepare chariots and horsemen, with fifty men to run before him. He also secured the support of influential figures, including his cousin Joab and Abiathar the priest.

In 1 Kings 1: 6, Adonijah is described as a handsome man who had not been disciplined by his father. This lack of correction contributed to his unlawful actions, birthing  pride and arrogance. Notably, the number four—Adonijah’s position among David’s sons—symbolizes divine order, yet Adonijah failed to remember his own family history where family position does not validate kings.

In the book of Samuel, chapter 16, the Lord rejected Saul as king. When the prophet Samuel went to anoint the next king, he initially looked to Jesse’s oldest son, assuming he must be God’s chosen one. However, God corrected Samuel, saying, “Look not at his appearance or the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Recognizing the Spirit of Adonijah

Let us examine the traits of the spirit of Adonijah so that it does not steal our destinies:

·       Demonstrated self-ambition by declaring himself king while his father was still alive by acting before the proper time or authority was given, seeking to usurp his father’s authority and position. He took advantage of his father’s perceived weakness in leadership due to his poor health to grasp power for himself.

·       Acted in rebellion by refusing to honor established order. The number fifty, which symbolizes Jubilee—a time of reset and freedom—was a sign that he was declaring himself free from his father’s rule and disregarding protocol.

·       Rejected God’s appointed successor, Solomon, and in doing so, attempted to steal a destiny and hinder God’s will. Adonijah tried to overtake the throne without legitimate authority or qualification, making his claim illegitimate—just as Satan once tried to do.

·       Relied on worldly resources: horses, chariots, and men, rather than waiting for God’s direction and provision and tried to manipulate circumstances for personal gain. He sought support from powerful and influential figures to bolster his claim.

·       Unqualified for the position as king because he lacked discipline and wisdom. His actions caused division rather than unification in the kingdom.

We know Adonijah was out of order because his attitude and approach stood in direct contrast to the scriptures.

Psalm 147:10–11 reminds us:

“He delights not in the strength of the horse, nor does he take pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness." (AMP)

Let us be mindful not to fall into the same patterns, but to wait on God’s timing, honor His chosen ways, and walk in humility and obedience. Let us also be diligent to recognize any spirit or “high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.”

Go read: 1 Kings 1:6, Psalm 147:10-11