What was he thinking? According to King Solomon, his brother had made a request likened to asking for the kingdom. I don’t get it really. He simply wanted to marry the beautiful young virgin who cared for his father. At least he was asking!
I suppose it was the manner in which he did so. It sounds like Solomon’s sweet spot was his mother. Adonijah knew this, too, so I’m guessing it was common knowledge. Bathsheba has certainly had Solomon’s best interests in mind as our story has unfolded. So what did you think about Adonijah’s actions?
He was a bit conniving, we could say, to get what he wanted. Of all the women in the kingdom, why did he want Abishag. He was even a bit condescending in his approach. That put me off, and as Solomon’s mom, I’m guessing Bathsheba wasn’t a fan either.
I can almost hear a flippant tone in these words. “As you know, the kingdom was rightfully mine; all Israel wanted me to be the next king.” What were Adonijah’s motives, and why would he even say such a thing? Did he think she’d feel sorry for him? Certainly, it was not to gain brownie points. Yet Bathsheba was compliant and presented her son with Adonijah’s request.
I wasn’t expecting such a strong response from Solomon. It’s as if he was being asked to cut off a limb or something. Did Solomon also have eyes for the beautiful Abishag? If so, then I totally get it, but the text doesn’t say that. Was it treason? The deadly oath prescribed by Solomon would be Benaiah’s first assignment.
Have you ever found yourself wishing you hadn’t asked for something outlandish? I can remember asking for a new bike when my old bike was still in good shape, it was just the wrong color and style for what was “stylish” in those days. Banana seats were out, or at least not meant for “cool” teenagers! My request was not granted despite my best arguments.
However, a treaty of sorts was established. So long as I was able to pay for my new bike, I could have a new bike. I knew I hadn’t “asked for the moon,” but I did learn a lesson about the value of the dollar and how hard I had to work to earn money for this new and improved bike model. I wonder what ever happened to that old yellow 10-speed that was the “moon” for me back then!
God wants for us to have nice things. Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” What does it mean to take delight? I can imagine feeling delighted to see a big bowl of chocolate ice cream covered in hot fudge sauce and amply sprinkled chocolate chips. (I do have a little fascination with all things chocolate!)
Delighting in the Lord, for me, means overflowing with gratitude for what he has done for me. When I think of how Jesus lived so that we could see the true model of servanthood, I am filled with awe. When I think of how Jesus bled and died for me on Calvary’s Hill, I don’t really have words to describe the gratitude. I delight in God’s provision. It’s always perfect.
Take some time today to think about the heart’s desires you are asking God for. Is it the moon?
Let’s pray …
Lord, I am overcome with gratitude for what you have done for me and what you are doing daily in my life. I delight in you! Forgive me for those times when I have asked for things out of selfish greed or ambition. I want everything I say and do to be honoring to you. Use me to further and refresh your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
