King Solomon

Summary

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The Chosen People

Episode: King Solomon

Host: Pray.com | Date: July 20, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Chosen People podcast centers on the twilight years of King David and the dramatic, tension-filled succession that leads to Solomon's rise as king of Israel. Through vivid storytelling and immersive dialogue, listeners are transported into the heart of royal intrigue—rival sons, anxious advisors, prophetic interventions, and the interplay between divine promise and human ambition. At its core, the episode explores legacy, legitimacy, and God’s unexpected ways of fulfilling His word through flawed but willing individuals.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. David’s Decline and the Loom of Succession

• The episode opens with David as a frail, aging king, his physical strength eclipsed by illness (04:26). Jerusalem is at peace, but there's a palpable tension as whispers of succession arise.

• Quote [06:38]:
  David: “Relieving myself is a war in its own. These days, age is the fiercest enemy of them all.”

• Abishag of Shunam is caring for David in his final days, emphasizing the king’s vulnerability and the fading of his once-mighty presence.

2. Adonijah’s Bid for Power

• While David weakens, his son Adonijah makes a bold, premature attempt at seizing the throne with Joab and Abiathar as key supporters (09:12–11:20).
• Quote [10:09]:
  Adonijah: “The king is dying. No one says it aloud, but we all know it’s time we prepared.”
• Adonijah is contrasted with Solomon—described as “a soft handed child, buried in scrolls” (10:41)—and seeks to legitimize his claim through public spectacle and sacrifice (11:36).
• Quote [11:31]:
  Adonijah: “Together the three of us can claim Israel, my blood, Joab’s swords, and Abiathar’s blessing.”

3. The Prophet Nathan and Bathsheba’s Intervention

• The wise prophet Nathan urges Bathsheba to act quickly to protect Solomon and honor David’s promise (14:39).
• Quote [15:29]:
  Nathan: “If Adonijah takes the throne, you and your son will not live to see the dawn of his reign. He will not risk Solomon’s claims, nor yours.”
• Bathsheba and Nathan devise a plan to confront David directly, underscoring the critical role of memory, loyalty, and persuasion in the king’s failing days (16:13–16:45).

4. Solomon: The Unexpected King

• Solomon is portrayed as introspective and gentle, content among scrolls rather than swords (16:45–18:34).
• Tension is set aside briefly in a poignant exchange between Solomon and Abishag—hinting at themes from the Song of Songs, both literal and metaphorical (18:19–19:03).
• Quote [19:03]:
  Solomon (to Abishag, quietly): “Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Your eyes are doves.”

5. The Turning Point: David’s Oath

• Bathsheba prompts David to remember his oath that Solomon would inherit the throne (19:53–20:12). Nathan arrives to corroborate her words and nudge the king into immediate action (20:33–21:23).
• Quote [21:01]:
  David: “My bones may be brittle, but my word has not shattered. As the Lord lives, who delivered me from the jaws of lions and the grip of giants, Solomon shall reign after me. He shall rule in my stead.”

6. Solomon’s Anointing and Coronation

• In a climactic scene filled with ritual and symbolic reversal, David orders Solomon to be crowned alive, not posthumously—a surprise to all (22:12–23:05).
• Quote [22:56 & 23:05]:
  David: "Then go. Make the boy a king before the usurper calls himself more than a prince."
• Solomon is paraded on the king’s mule, anointed with holy oil, and hailed by the people (24:00–25:57), a moment filled with joy, music, and the sense of a new era dawning.
• Quote [25:52]:
  Jashabim, Guard Captain: “Long live the king!”
  Nathan (Prophet): “Long live King Solomon!”

7. Adonijah’s Downfall and Resignation

• The news of Solomon’s kingship spreads rapidly; Adonijah, once triumphant, is left stunned and abandoned as allies slip away (28:18–29:53).

• Quote [28:22]:
  Joab (to Adonijah): “The lion still has his teeth after all. Well played, David. Well played.”

• Adonijah pleads for mercy, resigned to his failure but not wholly broken, while Joab and others accept the consequences of their actions.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Context | |-----------|----------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 06:38 | David | “Age is the fiercest enemy of them all.” | | 10:30 | Joab | “Screw right. This is David we’re talking about. He leads with the heart." | | 14:50 | Bathsheba | "Adonijah has begun his campaign." | | 15:29 | Nathan | “If Adonijah takes the throne, you and your son will not live to see the dawn of his reign.” | | 18:19–19:03 | Solomon | “Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Your eyes are doves.” | | 21:01 | David | “My bones may be brittle, but my word has not shattered. As the Lord lives… Solomon shall reign after me.” | | 22:56 | David | “Then go. Make the boy a king before the usurper calls himself more than a prince.” | | 25:54 | Nathan, Crowd | “Long live King Solomon.” | | 28:22 | Joab | “Well played, David. Well played.” | | 29:53 | Joab | “I’ll explain. Accept whatever judgment comes my way. Like a man. So should you.” |

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Timeline of Important Segments

• 04:26 – 07:36: David’s health and legacy, dialogue with Abishag
• 09:12 – 11:36: Adonijah assembles supporters, plans a coup
• 14:39 – 16:45: Nathan and Bathsheba plot to protect Solomon
• 16:45 – 19:03: Solomon’s character and moment of intimacy with Abishag
• 19:43 – 23:14: Bathsheba, Nathan approach David; David declares Solomon king
• 24:00 – 25:57: Solomon is anointed and crowned, Jerusalem erupts in celebration
• 28:18 – 30:02: Adonijah’s feast interrupted by news of Solomon’s coronation

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Themes & Reflections

• God’s sovereignty and faithfulness: Despite political scheming, the divine promise to Bathsheba and Solomon prevails, reinforcing the providence behind Israel’s history.
• The complexity of legacy: David's transition from warrior to king to aging patriarch confronts listeners with questions about legacy, regret, and finishing well.
• The value of wisdom: The transfer from “the man of blood to the man of peace” (23:47) epitomizes a new kind of rule for a new era.
• Human frailty and resilience: Each character—David, Solomon, Bathsheba, Nathan, Adonijah—grapples with vulnerability, hope, and the limits of their own strength.

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Conclusion

With evocative storytelling and rich dialogue, this episode of The Chosen People brings to life the tension-filled transfer of power from David to Solomon—an origin story not just of a king, but of a new season of hope and wisdom for Israel. The pacing, use of prophecy and confrontation, and the deeply personal moments among family and rivals alike provide both drama and deep insight into faith, leadership, and legacy.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

See terms previously on the Chosen People.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

Silence. Hear now the judgment of the Lord, O giant slayer. The sword shall never leave your house. Blood shall answer blood. Because you have dealt in violence, so too shall violence rise in your own walls. I will raise evil against you from your own kin and your wives. Those you thought secure in silence, will take lovers before all Israel to see you sinned in secret, David. But your punishment will stand in the sun for every one of you with their own eyes. Philistines are pressing at our borders. Small raids in the farmlands. They're testing our strength.

[Narrator]

Who leads them?

[Nathan (Prophet)]

They call him Ishbi Benob. He's the kin of Goliath.

[Narrator]

A blow from Ishbai Benob sent the king flying, crashing onto the rocks. The giant's hand found David's throat and lifted him high into the air.

[Adonijah]

I will kill you now, giant slayer. For my brother. For Gath. Your name dies with you.

[Narrator]

Abishai dodged, leaped forward, vaulted from a stone and drove his sword through the giant's shoulder down into his chest.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

I have heard the tenderness in the Lord's voice when he speaks of you, young David. You're his. The Lord has taken away your sin. You shall not die. Your kingdom will remain. His mercy, though undeserved, is yours still.

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[Bathsheba]

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[Narrator]

the fire crackled but gave little heat. Smoke whispered through the stone chimney, and King David sat before it like a shadow of the man he once was. His last battle with Ishbi Benob had robbed his body of life. His bones were brittle and his breath was shallow and rasping. He nudged the coals closer. Sparks flared and died. He watched the small flames struggle to live and saw himself in it. Winter had not come to Jerusalem, but it lived inside him. His joints ached and his shoulders sagged. He could barely cross the floor of his own chambers. David sat wrapped in furs. The kingdom was quiet now. Philistia was tamed, the Ammonites crushed, and Edom bent low beneath tribute. But peace could be as dangerous as war. The quiet gave time for thoughts, and thoughts brought whispers. Whispers of succession, whispers of blood. A knock broke the silence.

[David]

Enter.

[Narrator]

She moved like a breeze, silent and warm. Abishag of Shunam. The girl had the sun in her skin and riverstone eyes, wise and deep. She was not his wife, nor his lover. Arboshag was a special member of David's harem. David's desires had faded long ago. She was there to serve him and warm his bed.

[Abishag]

You're out of bed again.

[Narrator]

David smiled, a weary twitch of cracked lips

[David]

only to remind the fire who is king.

[Abishag]

Always looking for a challenge. Haven't you fought enough wars?

[David]

Relieving myself is a war in its own. These days, age is the fiercest enemy of them all.

[Narrator]

Abishag sat beside Him. Her body was warm and familiar. Their relationship was not carnal. Abishag served David as a daughter.

[David]

Would I miss this sword? The sound of its swipe, the weight of steel in my grip? Sometimes I think it would have been better to die beneath the sun with blood on my blade and a war cry in my throat.

[Abishag]

To die in bed is its own victory. Few kings earn peace. Fewer still deserve it.

[David]

Peace is not mine to earn. It is the Lord's to give and to take.

[Narrator]

Abishag helped him back to bed. She wrapped him in robes, drew the furs tight, and climbed into the bed beside him. He sighed as warmth returned to his bones. David drifted into sleep, but his dreams were restless. He saw a crown in the snow and a thousand hands reaching for it. A voice echoed in his mind, cold and sharp.

[David]

A king may rest. The Kingdom never sleeps.

[Narrator]

50 horsemen galloped across the sun baked hills of Judah, armor gleaming, plumes dancing like fire in the wind. Their thunderous arrival sent the crows scattering from the oaks near Joab's estate. At their head wrote Prince Adonijah, son of David, tall, golden, and carved like a statue of a forgotten God. His hair was a crown in itself, long and dark and curled, lifted by the breeze like a banner of war. Joab, now old and leaning on an ash wood cane, watched them from beneath the shadow of his porch. Adonijah dismounted in a practiced motion and strode forward with arms outstretched.

[Adonijah]

Ah, Joab, the Wolf of Judah. How are your old bones this morning?

[Howard Mackler]

Ha ha.

[Adonijah]

That's the spirit. It is good to see you.

[Narrator]

Joab looked behind Adonijah, scowling at the procession of bards and frilled guards behind him.

[Joab]

You come with the king's procession?

[Adonijah]

If I am to be king, I must look the part. These are my chosen warriors, loyal to me above all.

[Narrator]

Joab escorted Adonijah into his estate. Inside the warlord's stone house, Abiathar the priest, waited beside a map strewn table. He rose, inclining his head, though his eyes betrayed unease. Adonijah poured himself wine, his tone casual as he took his seat.

[Adonijah]

The king is dying. No one says it aloud, but we all know it's time we prepared.

[Narrator]

Abiathar folded his hands. Has the king named you as heir?

[Adonijah]

No, no, but he will. I am his first surviving son and the strongest. The throne is mine by right and capability.

[Joab]

Screw right. This is David we're talking about. He leads with the heart. And Solomon has had him wrapped around his little finger since birth.

[Adonijah]

Solomon? He's a soft handed child, buried in scrolls. He was born in a bed of guilt, not fire. Israel needs a blade, not a pen.

[Narrator]

Still, Solomon has the prophet's blessing.

[David]

Nathan.

[Joab]

Nathan is a whispering old fox who plays prophet when it suits him, and Benaiah follows wherever David's shadow points. That pair has ruled the king's court, where we're lived in the dust.

[Narrator]

My brother Zodok is also undyingly loyal to David. Adonijah leaned forward, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

[Adonijah]

Together the three of us can claim Israel, my blood, Joab's swords, and Abiathar's blessing.

[Narrator]

They nodded, the alliance sealed in silence. Not in honor.

[Adonijah]

But we must move swiftly. We will feast, yes, but first a sacrifice public grand, blessed by God himself. Let the people see that the heavens approve.

[Narrator]

The plan was executed with precision. At the Serpent's Stone near En Rogel, they made their offering. Oxen, sheep, and fatted cattle. The sons of David gathered, save one Solomon. The nobles of Judah and the captains of the guard raised goblets high to Adonijah, shouting his name. The feast stretched long into the night, laughter echoing across the hills. They crowned him in their hearts, if not yet by law. But the king did not come. Nor did Solomon, nor Nathan, nor Benaiah, nor Zadok. They were not invited. And somewhere deep in the stone halls of Jerusalem, the fire still burned low in the old king's chamber. But the fire was not out. Not yet.

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[Narrator]

The news of Adonijah's advance reached Nathan like a dagger in the dark. He stood by his window as the wind stirred the linen of his chamber his hands gripped his staff, knuckles white, jaw tight.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

So it begins. The sun rises in strength, while the father lies in weakness.

[Narrator]

Nathan. The prophet wrapped himself in his faded cloak. The Lord had given him an unnatural energy for a man his age. He moved urgently to the house of Bathsheba. Time had not dulled her beauty, nor her mind. Grace hung from her shoulders like a mantle. She greeted Nathan in silence and ushered him in.

[Bathsheba]

Nathan, what news brings you here in such urgency?

[Nathan (Prophet)]

Are you genuinely asking out of curiosity? I know you have sparrows everywhere.

[Bathsheba]

Adonijah has begun his campaign.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

He's gathered Job and Abiathar to his side. The elders have been invited to the hill for a feast and sacrifice. He's playing the king already.

[Bathsheba]

Does David know?

[Nathan (Prophet)]

The king knows nothing of this. He lies in his bed, half in this world, half in the next. But you and I were there when he swore it. Solomon shall reign after him. It was a promise.

[Bathsheba]

And now that promise is endangered.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

If Adjanijah takes the throne, you and your son will not live to see the dawn of his reign. He will not risk Solomon's claims, nor yours.

[Bathsheba]

What is your counsel?

[Nathan (Prophet)]

You must go to the king. Speak with him while his mind is still his own. Remind him of his oath. Ask him. No. Urge him to declare it before the court, before the nation. I will follow shortly after. I will confirm your words and press this matter. We must move now, before Adonijah secures the city.

[Narrator]

Bathsheba's face was composed and regal. But Nathan saw the tremble in her fingers as she reached for her cloak. She was not afraid for herself. She was afraid for her son. Nathan took her hand, steadying it with his own gnarled fingers.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

Fear not, my dear. The Lord does not forget his word. Nor do I. We will not let the game of thrones sweep away your son.

[Narrator]

Together, the Prophet and the Queen stepped into the palace. Solomon leaned against a sun warmed wall of stone. His hands moved over the scrolls, worn vellum etched with Moses musings and ancient sages. Riddles he had been reading since the first light touched the rooftops of Jerusalem. Such was his habit. Where others swung swords or polished armor, Solomon sought out the mind. Solomon knew what Adonijah was doing. He had seen it coming. But he didn't panic. He couldn't. He knew his brother more than most. He knew that he had overplayed his hand. It was too soon. Solomon rolled the scroll and stepped out the door. A shadow passed through the hallway. Abishag the Shunammite. She moved like silk across the stone floor. A cup of steaming broth in her hands.

[David]

Abishag.

[Abishag]

Hello, Prince Solomon.

[Narrator]

They shared a delicate silence. Then came a laugh born of nothing and everything.

[David]

Here, I have something for you.

[Narrator]

Solomon retrieved a small scroll from his pocket. It was tied by a crimson thread with a drop of gold infused wax sealing the edge.

[Abishag]

Another letter?

[David]

Not a letter.

[Narrator]

A song.

[David]

Our song.

[Abishag]

A song.

[David]

Perhaps the greatest song ever sung.

[Narrator]

A song of songs.

[Abishag]

I like that.

[Narrator]

The two stared at each other for a long while, inching closer as if gravity itself was pulling them. But the moment was quenched. When a few servants rounded the corner, they jolted out of their trance and bowed Abishag left. Solomon watched her go, leaning back against the the stone. A smile played at the corners of his mouth. He whispered to himself,

[David]

behold, you are beautiful, my love. Your eyes are doves.

[Narrator]

Abishag crept into the upper chambers, where King David sat hunched at the window, a thin blanket over his shoulders. Eyes turned to the city he had carved from blood and stone. She offered him the broth. He took it with gratitude, hands trembling more from age than chill. Before he could sip, the door opened again. Bathsheba. David smiled, weary and warm.

[David]

My bride, how can I serve you today?

[Narrator]

She bowed beside his bed and kissed his hand.

[Bathsheba]

My lord, I have come about your word, your oath. You swore to me before the Lord himself that Solomon would sit on your throne.

[David]

I swore, yes. But it was the Lord who chose him.

[Bathsheba]

Yet Adonijah has declared himself king.

[David]

What?

[Bathsheba]

He hasn't waited for your blessing? He feasts with Joab in Abiathar even now. And the nobles raise their cups to him. If you do not act, Solomon and I will not live to see another moon.

[Narrator]

Before David could rise in response, the door opened again. Nathan entered like a shadow of judgment.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

My king, have I missed your proclamation? Has Adonaijah been crowned? With your consent? I ask because he rides with your generals and sacrifices to your God. And yet, last we spoke, it was Solomon, whom you named as heir.

[Narrator]

David's voice trembled, his spirit ignited.

[David]

My bones may be brittle, but my word has not shattered. As the Lord lives, who delivered me from the jaws of lions and the grip of giants, Solomon shall reign after me. He shall rule in my stead. And when I lie buried among my fathers, it will be Solomon who wears the crown.

[Narrator]

Bathsheba knelt at her husband's feet. She took his hand and kissed it tenderly. Not as a subject, but as a wife, a former lover. For all the torture and heartache in their past, their marriage had blossomed into something resembling a partnership.

[Production Announcer]

Honor.

[Bathsheba]

May you live forever

[David]

through our son. I shall.

[Narrator]

David turned to the servant at the door.

[David]

Fetch Zadok, the priest, and Benaiah.

[Narrator]

Moments later they stood before him, Zadok with holy oil and Benaiah in his armor. David rose from the bed with the help of Abishag and leaned heavily on his staff.

[David]

Benaiah, you will take Solomon alongside the royal guard. Set him upon my mule. Have Jashabim march at his side. March him through the city. Let trumpets shake the stone and let every voice cry, long live King Solomon.

[Narrator]

He turned to Zadok.

[David]

Zadok, anoint him as Samuel once anointed me. Place him upon my throne. He shall reign now, not when I am dead, but this day.

[Narrator]

May the Lord establish his hand as he did yours.

[Production Announcer]

And may Solomon reign long and well.

[Narrator]

They both approached. The old king, knelt and kissed his hand. David smiled, weary but resolute.

[David]

Then go. Make the boy a king before the usurper calls himself more than a prince.

[Narrator]

Bathsheba and Nathan stood there in awe.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

Just like that, you give your throne away without a thought?

[David]

It was never my throne to take or give. You know this more than most, Nathan.

[Bathsheba]

Is this real? Will Solomon truly be king?

[Nathan (Prophet)]

And so the torch will be passed not by death, but by humility.

[David]

Ah.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

From the warrior to the wise. From the man of blood to the man of peace.

[David]

Oh, God willing.

[Narrator]

It was morning. The light was soft and the air crisp. Solomon stood at the edge of the balcony, his hands clasped behind his back, his brow furrowed in thought. Solomon was a man of quietude, unlike his brothers. The other sons of David brandished their strength like banners. Solomon pondered life the way warriors weighed steel, cautiously, reverently. He had always been this way, a boy wrapped in wisdom, older than his years. He inhaled the crisp air, whispered a prayer to the Lord of Hosts, then descended into the garden below. It was there, beneath the shade of cypress and olive, that the footsteps came. Benaiah was the first to appear, broad shouldered and stern, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Beside him walked Zadok the priest, his eyes bright with the fire of purpose. They said nothing. Their silence was a trumpet call.

[David]

Good morning, my friends. What brings you to me with such solemn faces?

[Narrator]

And then they bowed, not as friends nor as counselors, but as vassals. Behind them came the Kerathites and Pelethites, the king's guard marching in disciplined ranks. Behind them were the mighty men, those who had fought at David's side in Gath and Gilead, who had spilled blood for the crown and bled for the soul of Israel. One by one, they bent the knee. It was Jashabim who raised his voice first, deep and resolute.

[Adonijah]

Long live the king.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

Long live King Solomon.

[Narrator]

The cry spread like wildfire through the garden, through the courtyard, out into the streets. Servants, guards, singers, scribes, the voice of the city rising as one. Long live King Solomon. Long live King Solomon. They placed him upon his father's donkey, robed him in crimson, and set the trumpet to the lips of the priests. With blast and voice and clamor they rode, they moved through the streets of Jerusalem. The city walls trembled from the thunder of the people. Women threw petals into the streets and children chased the procession, barefoot and laughing. From every gate and tower the name rang. Solomon. King Solomon. A new dawn in Israel had come. The serpent's stone was still, save for the wine soaked snores of noblemen scattered like fallen leaves. The feast had run long into the night and even longer into the morning. Adonijah, prince of the realm and self proclaimed heir, lay on his back, one arm over his eyes, the other across his sword, swollen belly. His armor glinted dully in the light of dawn, now more ornament than war gear. But the stillness did not last. A trumpet blared, sharp, triumphant. Then another, and another. The sound tore through the morning like a blade through silk. Adonijah bolted upright, heart pounding. Laughter and cheering echoed from the city below, and with it, the unmistakable ringing of temple bells. Joab stood at the edge of the rise, his hand on his hilt, eyes narrow toward Jerusalem. His jaw was tight, his lips pursed as he watched dust clouds swirl above the city. Something had happened. Something unplanned. Adonijah stumbled from his tent, hair tousled, brow furrowed.

[Adonijah]

What is that noise? Why are they shouting?

[Narrator]

Joab shook his head and laughed. The lion still has his teeth after all.

[Joab]

Well played, David. Well played.

[Narrator]

A messenger arrived and bowed before Adonijah.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

My lord, there has been a coronation.

[Adonijah]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

David has named his heir.

[Nathan (Prophet)]

The priest Zadok has anointed Solomon king. The trumpet you heard is his.

[Narrator]

What?

[Joab]

The throne is no longer yours to claim.

[Narrator]

The nobles had awakened, still reeling from their drink. They stiffened as the truth took root in their bellies. One by one, they slipped away. Some muttered excuses, others simply ran. The gold gilded, gathering, crumbled like dust beneath a boot. Adonijah stood alone now, stunned, his mouth slightly open.

[Adonijah]

Solomon, how could this be?

[Joab]

You tried, lad, and failed. Most people do when they face David.

[Narrator]

Joab said nothing. He turned and walked away, grim faced.

[Adonijah]

Joab Joab, wait. He'll kill me. I know it. You have to go to Solomon to tell him. I throw myself at his mercy. Go. Go now.

[Joab]

Hurry.

[David]

Tell the king.

[Adonijah]

I beg. I beg for my life.

[Joab]

Get off me. Send your messenger. I'm going home. I'll explain. Accept whatever judgment comes my way. Like a man. So should you.

[Narrator]

Joab left, as did the other elders. Adonijah was left alone, stewing in a paranoid rage. But for all Adonijah's flaws, he was still the son of David. And that came with a certain tenacity, an unwillingness to give up.

[Production Announcer]

This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Steven Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

[Shopify/Stamps.com Announcer]

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[Abishag]

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[David]

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[Narrator]

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[Narrator]

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