Nathan Saved Bathsheba's Life

Nathan Saved Bathsheba's Life

Adonijah is a person that not many seem familiar with. He was actually the fourth son of David the king of Israel and the half brother of Solomon, born to Haggith - one of David’s wives.

King David vowed that Solomon the son of Bathsheba would be King in his place, but while David was still living his son Adonijah decided to claim the throne and hosted celebration in his own honor as king of Israel without his father’s knowledge and did not invite Solomon, King David, Zadok the priest, or Nathan the prophet to the party for obvious reasons, as he really had no business declaring himself anything. Since Solomon was supposed to be king this plan would put him and his mother in the bad position of being in rebellion against the new king if they tried to carry out the wishes of the last king in giving Solomon the throne.

“So Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, ‘Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king, and David our lord does not know it? Come, please, let me now give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. Go immediately to King David and say to him, “Did you not, my lord, O king, swear to your maidservant, saying, ‘Assuredly your son Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne? Why then has Adonijah become king?’” Then, while you are still talking there with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.’” 1 Kings 1:11-14

Nathan, the same man who rebuked David for his sins against her family and referred to her as a lamb taken and feasted on out of selfishness rather than a willing participant in adultery for her own gain, stood up for her again. She didn’t push for her son to be king for her own honor but out of obedience to the man of God. After she followed his advice David made a decree for Solomon to be acknowledged as the rightful king of Israel. And the men of God Nathan and Jonathan the son of the priest went to the feast of Adonijah to give him the news. At first Adonijah thought his presence would be in his favor because of Jonathan’s position as son of the priest, but was not. When he said that Solomon had been made king Adonijah and those who were feasting with him freaked out. “So all the guests who were with Adonijah were afraid, and arose, and each one went his way.” 1 Kings 1:49

And there is a very good lesson for us in this. David said Solomon would be king, yet Adonijah tried to make himself king and those who wanted to be in his favor attended the party but when that it was clear they were on the wrong side they abandoned him. Never connect yourself to others with the motive of personal gain or use the promise of such to attract people. When your situation changes their loyalty will also, and you cannot depend on people like that. Solomon said perhaps due to his own experience “Like one who ties his stone to the sling is he who gives honor to a fool.” Proverbs 26:8 “Like snow in summer or rain at harvest-time, so honor for a fool is out of place.” Proverbs 26:1

Another thing we can learn is the importance of listening to the man of God. We might not be friends with a prophet on Facebook but we can have access to many prophets by reading the Bible, and like Nathan looked out for and sympathized with Bathsheba, God gave us the words of the prophets because he cares for us. We should always listen to their counsel. And remember to never run ahead of others to promote yourself. “If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.” Proverbs 30:32 And if you are planning to do something you wouldn’t want to invite Moses, Nathan, or any other Godly person to join you in doing, it is probably wrong and as such you should reconsider doing it.

Picture originally found here

Related Articles

More From Articles

Samson & Delilah

At a time when Israel was not following GOD and they were under the rulership of the…
Samson & Delilah

Don't be Lame

“‘“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My…
Don't be Lame

Caribbean Connections

The beautiful Bahamas. Stunningly clear turquoise waters; white sandy beaches; sunny days with…
Caribbean Connections

The Servant

The prophet Isaiah wrote, "Behold, My servant shall prosper, He shall be exalted and lifted up,…
The Servant

Deborah and Jael

Have you ever heard this song? "Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite;…
Deborah and Jael

Torah-Cursed Blessings

The Jewish Bible gives us a serious warning, "'And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.…
Torah-Cursed Blessings

El Shaddai

The name El Shaddai, God Almighty, is one of the most awesome titles for the everlasting God of…
El Shaddai

Levi

Jacob, whom God later renamed Israel, had 12 children. These 12 children and their descendants…
Levi

Bible Facts & Trivia

The Bible has been translated, in whole or in part, into more than 1,100 languages and…
Bible Facts & Trivia

Bread and Obedience

“‘This is what the Lord has told you to do: “Every man gather as much of it as he can eat. Take…
Bread and Obedience

Jehoshaphat

King Jehoshaphat was the 5th King after King David.
Jehoshaphat

You Are Redeemable

“Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there; and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz…
You Are Redeemable

Ebenezer

When Samuel became the spiritual leader in Israel, he urged the people to put their sins behind…
Ebenezer

The Dead Closest

“If anyone is found slain, lying in the field in the land which the Lord your God is giving you…
The Dead Closest

Moses, the Problem Solver

As I was growing up, and old enough to read the Torah, I always felt sorry for Moses. The…
Moses, the Problem Solver

Faith for Manna

When Israel was in the wilderness they were concerned about God providing food, “because they…
Faith for Manna

Torah-You Need to Know to Know

The Torah says, "'When your son asks you in time to come, saying, "What is the meaning of the…
Torah-You Need to Know to Know

Then Moses Said

"Then Moses said, 'I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.…
Then Moses Said

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation