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Why did Adonijah challenge Solomonās succession to Davidās throne?
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Solomon
The Judgment of Solomon, oil on canvas by Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1617; in the Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery of Denmark), Copenhagen.
Adonijah, as the eldest living son of King David, viewed himself as the natural heir to the throne. With David nearing the end of his life, Adonijah moved to seize control of the kingdom, supported by an "old guard" faction that included the general Joab and the priest Abiathar.12
His challenge was ultimately blocked by an opposing political intrigue organized by Bathsheba, Davidās influential wife and mother of Solomon. At the urging of the prophet Nathan, Bathsheba persuaded the dying king to proclaim Solomon as his successor. Following this, Solomon was anointed king, effectively ending Adonijahās bid for power.132