Thematic Bible: Nathan, the prophet, influences the selection of david's successor


Thematic Bible



Then Nathan asked Solomon's mother Bathsheba: Have you heard that Adonijah, Haggith's son, has become king, and our master David does not even know about it? Bathsheba, let me give you some advice about how to save your life and your son's life. Go now to King David and ask him: 'Your Majesty, did you solemnly promise me that my son Solomon would succeed you as king? How is it that Adonijah has become king?' read more.
Nathan added: While you are still talking with King David, I will come in and confirm your story. So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old, and Abishag, the young woman from Shunem, was taking care of him. Bathsheba bowed low before the king. He asked: What do you want? She answered: Your Majesty, you made me a solemn promise in the name of Jehovah your God that my son Solomon would be king after you. Adonijah has already become king. You do not know anything about it. He has offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves. He invited your sons, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of your army to the feast. However he did not invite your son Solomon. Your Majesty. The people of Israel want you to tell them who is to succeed you as king. If you do not my son Solomon and I will be treated as traitors when you die. Nathan arrived at the palace while she spoke. The king was told that the prophet was there. Nathan went in and bowed low before the king. Nathan said: Your Majesty. Did you announce that Adonijah would succeed you as king? This very day he has gone and offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves. He invited all your sons, Joab the commander of your army, and Abiathar the priest, and right now they are feasting with him and shouting: 'Long live King Adonijah!' But he did not invite Zadok the priest or Benaiah or Solomon or me. Did Your Majesty approve all this and not even tell your officials who is to succeed you as king? King David said: Ask Bathsheba to come back in. She came and stood before him. Then he said to her: I promise you by the living God Jehovah (YHWH), who has rescued me from all my troubles, that today I will keep the promise I made to you in the name of Jehovah the God of Israel, that your son Solomon would succeed me as king. Bathsheba bowed low and said: May my lord the king live a very long time! Then King David sent for Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah. When they came in, he said to them: Take my court officials with you; have my son Solomon ride my own mule, and escort him to Gihon Spring, Zadok and Nathan are to anoint him as king of Israel. Then blow the trumpet and shout: Long live King Solomon! Follow him back here when he comes to sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king. He is the one I have chosen to be the ruler over Israel and Judah. It will be done, answered Benaiah, and may Jehovah your God confirm it! Jehovah has been with Your Majesty. May he also be with Solomon and make his reign even more prosperous than yours. So Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal bodyguards put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon Spring. Zadok took the container of olive oil that he had brought from the Tent of Jehovah's presence, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet, and all the people shouted: Long live King Solomon! All the people followed him. They blew flutes and celebrated so loudly that their voices shook the ground.