I Kings 2
From Bathsheba's Diary
When he arrived I asked, "Do you come in peace?"
He bowed. "Oh, yes. I come in peace. I have something I wish to discuss with you."
"All right. Say what is on your mind."
"You know as well as I do that the kingdom was mine. I am older than Solomon and the rightful hear to the throne instead of him. All of Israel expected me to be king. But, the kingdom was given to my brother as the Lord decreed. Since I do not have the kingdom, I have but one request."
"I'm listening."
"Will you speak with King Solomon, your son. I know he will not refuse to hear you. Ask if I may have Abishag, the one who took care of my father in his last days, as my wife."
I didn't see any problem with the request. "Very well, I will speak to King Solomon."
He bowed and left the room.
I sent a servant to King Solomon and requested to speak to him. As I expected he invited me to the throne room right away. He rose from his chair and came to me, greeting me as he walked. He walked me back to his chair and called his servants to bring a second chair for me. The chair was placed on his right side.
"Mother, you came to speak with me. What did you wish to say?"
"I have a request."
"Ask for anything you want."
"Give Abishag to your brother, Adonijah, as a wife."
He didn't say anything for a moment. "Mother, why did you ask for me to give Abishag to my brother for a wife? You may as well have asked for me to give him the kingdom, for he is my older brother. And then he and Abiathar the priest and Joab the former captain will take over the country as they planned.
"I had promised to spare his life as long as he was good."
He rose to his feet and raised his fist in the air. "May God do to me and more if Adonijah made this request to steal the kingdom. I promise before the Lord who lives, the one who has confirmed me and set me on the throne of David my father The one who has made this house for me as He promised. Adonijah will be put to death today!"
Guard, bring Benaiah to me at once. Benaiah arrived in only a few moments. "Yes, my lord."
Solomon sat back in his throne seat. "Find Adonijah and run him through with the sword, for today he attempted to steal the throne."
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1. Who is king?
2. Who is the king's older brother?
3. Who is Bathsheba?
4. What did Adonijah ask Bathsheba to do?
5. How did Solomon greet his mother?
6. Did Solomon give Adonijah what he wanted? Why or why not?
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