1:1-4
The book begins with the handover of power from David, and it is a rather messy business before Solomon becomes king. David is portrayed as in a very weak state, because of his age. He could not keep warm, so his attendants decided it would be a good idea to provide a human hot water bottle! A young virgin is sought. The look for one who is very beautiful, but it is emphasised that David did not have sexual relations with her. This is believable because in his present aged state he would probably not be able to anyway.
1:5,6
One of David’s many sons, Adonijah, made a claim to be king. He was the son of Haggith, one of David’s several wives. The propensity for having multiple wives in the early parts of the Old Testament is in some ways puzzling, but it should be noted that never worked out well, and was usually a source of problems. Like Absalom, he was very handsome. It also seems that he had exhibited troubling tendencies, but David had never rebuked him. So we see yet another of David’s failings.
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