Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before 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