David meets Bathsheeba and declares that he will ensure that Solomon becomes king. Clearly relationships between David and his wife were a little more formal than they are today!
David called his trusted officials and instructed them to have Solomon declared king. Riding on David's mule would be a sign that Solomon had the approval of David and was not just a self-appointed king.
An interesting point to note is that Bathsheeba became David's wife only as a result of his adultery and murder (for which he was duly judged by God). On a lesser level, Leviticus did not allow cross-breeding of animals, so a mule was technically against the Law. Yet these infringements, very serious and less so, did not stop these matters playing a part in God's plan.
So Solomon was made king and received the acclamation of all the people.
Meanwhile Adonijah was celebrating his own "kingship", then news of what was happening arrived. His "followers" quickly dispersed realising they had backed the wrong horse. Adonijah knew he was in trouble and went to the alter. In grabbing holds of the horns of the altar Adonijah is seeking a sort of sanctuary and protection. He asked that he not be put to death. Solomon agreed to this unless evil was found in him, and Adonijah bowed down to Solomon.
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