“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.”
Solomon's throne was not won by the sword like David's but settled at once; and when Adonijah could not rest easy under mercy, he ruined himself by his own restless ambition. Some men know not when they are well treated and so treasure up judgment for themselves by presuming on God's patience.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:12-25
Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee,.... It was but one, and a little one, and therefore she hoped it would be granted: I pray thee, say me not nay; do not refuse it, or deny it me, or turn away my thee with shame and disappointment: and the king said, ask on, my mother, for I will not say thee nay...
Solomon saw through it at once: why ask for the woman when he means to ask for the kingdom? Possession of the former king's wives passed among our people, as among the Persians, for a claim to the throne itself. Adonijah's wily words may have caught his mother off guard, but they never fooled the king.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:20-22