At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.
David made a fondling of Adonijah, never crossing him, never calling him to account, never reproving him, and the son repaid such indulgence by making a fool of his father. Those who honor their sons more than God, by keeping them not under discipline, forfeit the honor they might expect from them.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 1:5-10
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself,.... This was his mother's name, Sa2 3:4; his father David being old and infirm, and not like to live long, notable to oppose him; and he being the eldest son, and a comely person, was inspired with ambition to set up for king: saying, I will be king; though he knew that Solomon was appointed of God...
Adonijah was the oldest son alive, blessed with manners and looks that won the court's favor; but his father's silence in seeing him flaunt the trappings of an heir-presumptive was read as consent. That fatal quiet emboldened him.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 1:5-31