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Narrator
on the Chosen People. 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 prepare.
Narrator
Has the king named you as heir?
Adonijah
No, but he will. I am his first surviving son and the strongest. The throne is mine by right and capability. Screw right. This is David we're talking about. He leads with the heart. Solomon has had him wrapped around his little finger since birth.
Bathsheba
Adonijah has begun his campaign.
Solomon
He's gathered Job and Abiathar to his side. 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. 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.
Narrator
Solomon.
Adonijah
How could this be? You tried, lad, and failed. Most people do when they face David. Joab. Joab, wait. He'll kill me. I know it it. You have to go to Solomon and to tell him. I throw myself at his mercy. Go. Go now.
Solomon
Hurry.
Adonijah
Tell the king. I beg. I beg for my life. Get off me. Send your messenger. I'm going home. I'll accept whatever judgment comes my way. Like a man. So should you.
Professor Benedict Whalen
For nearly 3,000 years, Homer's the Odyssey has shaped the Western imagination. As one of the foundational works of Western literature, it explores permanent questions about courage, duty, loyalty, family, leadership, temptation, and the search for home. In one of the epic's defining moments, Odysseus rejects the offer of immortality from the goddess Calypso, choosing instead the long and difficult journey home. His decision reveals one of the central themes of the Odyssey that a life of duty, family and home is greater than a life devoted to comfort or glory. That's why Hillsdale College has released its newest free online course, the Odyssey, taught by Professor Benedict Whalen. The course reveals why Homer's masterpiece remains one of the greatest works of Western literature. Enroll today for free at hillsdale. Edu watchnow Read the classics, Study the West Hillsdale. Edu watchnow
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Solomon
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Narrator
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Solomon
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Narrator
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Solomon
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Narrator
The crown upon Solomon's head felt twice as heavy today as it had at his first hurried coronation. King David had been buried, and it was now up to Solomon to carry on his legacy and exact his justice. David had marked certain men for death, betrayers, mockers of Israel and enemies of the throne. They were surely out there plotting against him. A crown and coronation were no guarantee of power. Solomon knew there were people who would seek to take advantage of his youth and an excursion experience. But he was determined to show Israel that he was more than a spoiled prince with a famous father. He paced the length of his private quarters and paused at the expansive window beyond the palace walls. He could already imagine scaffolding lining the city like a skeleton of what could be. Soon, workers would labor on the great projects that would make Jerusalem the envy of the world. Solomon longed to get to work, not as a ruler, but as a builder. But power came first. Stability came first. Before he could build, he had to tear out the rot. A knock on the door interrupted Solomon's brooding thoughts. Solomon's head servant, Ahishar, entered. He was a kind, paternal sort and had recently entered Solomon's household.
Solomon
Enter.
Narrator
Your Majesty, the spies have followed Prince Adonijah. He is here within the palace. He is begging an audience with your mother. Solomon raised his eyebrows at that.
Solomon
Should I alert the gods, your majesty?
Narrator
Should they question him?
Solomon
No. Let us see what trap he's laying first.
Narrator
Solomon could see the concern that remained in the old servant's eyes. Solomon sighed and shook his head.
Solomon
My mother's private card should be more than sufficient if he means to attack. But that's not Adonaijah's style. He's an appeaser, a politician. He relies on his ability to charm others to achieve his ends. Her life is not in immediate danger. Come. Tell your men to ready the throne room and summon the king's court. I want all the elders there. After Adonijah visits my mother, we will summon him to court. Yes, your majesty. As you say.
Narrator
Solomon turned and gripped the smooth stone of the window overlooking the courtyard gardens below. He loved the garden. It was a lush oasis, protected and hidden away from the chaos and clamor of the busy streets beyond the palace walls. His young wife, Neymar, giggled with the nursemaid as they coaxed Baby Rehoboam to take more than three toddling steps in a row before collapsing in a fit of laughter. Solomon smiled at the domestic. It wasn't a marriage of love. Neymar was an arranged marriage for politics and property. But love, Solomon supposed, was like a garden. It could be tended to. The kingdom was like a garden as well, and Solomon knew there were weeds that needed to be plucked. Solomon did not long for violence, but he was not weak, and he would do what was necessary for a thriving kingdom. Bath. Sheba weighed the risk and possible outcomes in her mind as she nervously chewed the tip of her fingernail. The last time she had seen Adonijah was right after his failed coup. If he had succeeded that day, Adonijah would have murdered her Solomon, Neymar, and Baby Rehoboam without a second thought. Ribeira.
Bathsheba
My lady, Prince Adonijah is here requesting entrance.
Adonijah
Should I show him in?
Narrator
The servant's voice made Bathsheba jump. She shook her head, realizing how lost in thought she was. It was time to decide. But it never hurts to err on the side of caution.
Bathsheba
Oh, not yet. Ask him if he comes peacefully first.
Narrator
The servant nodded and hurried away. Bathsheba sighed. She supposed his answer would not matter much if his designs were set on murder. But she had to admit she was intrigued. Perhaps the recent death of David had softened Adonijah's heart. Perhaps he wanted to consult her on how best to approach King Solomon. Bathsheba started Again as the servant Re entered her formal receiving room and inclined her head as she spoke.
Bathsheba
Giborah. I did as you asked, the prince said.
Narrator
He came peacefully.
Bathsheba
He wishes to speak with you. Very well. Show him in.
Narrator
The servant bowed once more before slipping silently from the room. Bathsheba lifted her chin, straightened her spine, and drew back her shoulders. The queen stood confidently, framed against the ivory inlaid frescoes and the sprawling windows behind her, offering sweeping views of the city below. Bathsheba was the Gerbera, the great lady. She had always been the favored wife of the king, and that alone carried weight. But now she was the queen mother. Adonijah entered the room flanked by guards. He bowed reverently before her.
Bathsheba
Prince Adonijah, you asked to have a word. You stand before me. What is it that you want?
Narrator
Her eyes narrowed as she studied the prince. Adonijah was just as handsome as Absalom was tall, tanned, lean, athletic build. Broad shoulders brought a smile that oozed irresistible charisma. Bathsheba had always assumed, as most people did, that he was more looks than substance. But that was before the power grab on his father's deathbed. Though he towered over Bathsheba, Adonijah stooped and kept his head inclined. Respect. Respectfully, Gabira.
Adonijah
Thank you for seeing me. I know when I saw you last I was not at my best.
Bathsheba
The guards had to drag you from claiming sanctuary in the tabernacle to stand before my son like a man.
Narrator
The beautiful man's smile cracked, but he plowed forward.
Adonijah
Come now, Kibira. Can you blame me for assuming I was Was going to be made king? I am the eldest of David's remaining sons. I was simply accepting the mantle Israel expected of me.
Bathsheba
Yes, you were humbly accepting the role. The reluctant prince. How noble.
Adonijah
No, no, no. I. I would be lying if I said I didn't want the throne. Be that as it may, I know when I've been beaten. The Lord has clearly given it to Solomon. My brother has graciously spared my life and sent me home, and I plan to leave peacefully.
Bathsheba
Yet here you remain in my presence. Why?
Adonijah
I have one. One request to make. I beg you not to turn me down, for it is a matter of the heart.
Narrator
Bathsheba blinked in surprise. She wasn't sure what Adonijah had in mind, but she never guessed it would be a matter of the heart. Did the boy have a heart? Surely not like David's, but Bathsheba wasn't sure anyone would, including Solomon. The great lady leaned forward in her seat. She could not deny that she was intrigued.
Bathsheba
Go on, tell me your request.
Adonijah
I must confess. A young woman has captured. I long to be with her and take her as my wife. I will retire to my home. But I beg you, Gabira, make me the happiest man in Jerusalem by allowing me to claim my bride.
Bathsheba
Well, that is very romantic and domestic of you, Adonijah, and noble even to seek my blessing. But I do not understand. I have no daughters to give you. Why are you seeking my permission?
Adonijah
Well, here is the rub, Kabira. She belongs to the household of our late King David.
Bathsheba
You seek to marry a member of King David's harem?
Adonijah
Please, Gabeer, forgive me. I presume too much. All I seek is a wife, not an office or a throne. That is all I want. Please speak to King Solomon. Since he won't turn you down. Let him give me Abishek the Shunammite as a wife.
Bathsheba
Abishek, the king's nurse.
Narrator
Bathsheba sucked in her breath sharply. This was a dangerous request. In the eyes of Israel, Abishag was a member of David's harem, but truly she was only his caretaker in old age. With David gone, what would be the harm in allowing such a girl to be married into a prominent family? Bathsheba did not know that Abishag was precious to Solomon.
Adonijah
I. I know it is an impossible dream, but I would. I would not be able to live with myself if I did not ask. Here before you, you have the rare opportunity to have your hand in a match that is purely born out of love, no politics or agendas. And I would forever be in your death. My bride and I would retreat to our estate and you would never see us in court again. I swear it.
Narrator
Bathsheba considered the man before her, searching his eyes for deception or subterfuge. She could not deny she was moved by his pleadings. He had the honest appearance of a humble and lovesick young man. And it did seem a shame to deny the poor girl a life hidden away and denied a husband. Bathsheba saw a bit of herself in Abishag. Bathsheba had risen far higher and fared far better than her wildest expectations. Even despite all the pain and heartache in the wake of Uriah's death, who was she to deny another young woman the same opportunity? And could this favor cement peace between Solomon and Adonijah? Could she hope for such a thing? Her wits told her to grant the request, but her gut said otherwise.
Bathsheba
If I do this for you, you swear that you will not harm my Family. Will you honor your word?
Adonijah
I swear it. Please, Kabira. My future happiness is in your hands.
Narrator
The throne room was filled with elders and the king's council. Summoned by Solomon. They all rose with Solomon as Bathsheba entered the throne room. The sound of benches scraping against stone echoed through the chamber as the court followed his lead. Rising in unison, the king bowed deeply to her, an honor befitting her station. And the entire assembly did the same. When Solomon straightened, he caught the flicker of confusion in Bathsheba's eyes as she took in the gathered court. Behind Solomon were Benaiah, Jashabim, Zadok and Nathan, key figures in David's inner circle, the men who had helped secure Solomon's throne. Solomon's son sensed Bathsheba's unease at all the formality.
Solomon
Gibira. Mother. It is good to see you. Come and sit.
Narrator
Solomon placed a throne to his right and gestured for her to take her place at his side. Adonijah was already seated amongst the throng, having been swept up and ushered into court. Solomon's face was a pro practiced mask of passive indifference. But inwardly, he was calculating, always calculating.
Bathsheba
Your Majesty. My son. It is good to see you.
Solomon
Tell me, Mother, what's on your mind?
Bathsheba
I have one small request of you.
Narrator
Solomon's tongue rolled behind his pursed lips. His jaw clenched. He knew that what, whatever was about to come out of Bathsheba's mouth would be on behalf of Adonijah. The thought of him manipulating his mother made his blood boil. Luckily, Solomon was slower to anger than his father was. He was methodical, thoughtful, surgical.
Bathsheba
My son, let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as a wife. He loves her. And I have surmised that only love compels him, nothing more. I would consider this a peace treaty between the sons of David so our kingdom can heal and unite under your rule.
Narrator
Solomon's anger stalled at the earnest hope in his mother's eyes. It seemed that a part of her wanted to believe Adonijah, believe in true love, happy endings and reconciliation. David may have been swayed by such passions, but Solomon was a man of logic. The man who had been spared from death once was now toying with it. This was no changed heart. A pardoned man does not ask for more. No, this was a bid for power. The kindling of a rebellion had been rekindled. Solomon's eyes flickered to Adonijah. For the briefest of moments, Solomon saw it. A slight twitch of the lips. Solomon could see right through him.
Solomon
Is this True Adonijah.
Narrator
Adonijah bowed his head, feigning reverence.
Adonijah
My love burns bright, Solomon. All I ask as you allow me to retreat to my estate and grow old with Abishag.
Narrator
Solomon's eyes locked with his brother. Somehow Adonijah knew about Solomon's love for Abishag. This was a trap, backing Solomon into a corner where he would have to deny Bathsheba's request and in so doing, reveal his own treason against David. And if Solomon granted the request, Adonijah would have more claim to the throne by marrying one of David's concubines. It was a clever plan, but not clever enough. Solomon didn't need to yield or confess. Solomon stood abruptly and addressed the court. He found Adonijah in the crowd and watched his face fall as he raised his hand to accuse.
Solomon
He has requested Abishag the Shunammite for a bride. A member of the king's harem. Another feather in your cap as you parade around Judea bribing for another bid at the throne.
Narrator
The entire room's eyes locked on Adonijah. He shrank back, but there was nowhere to hide.
Solomon
My great father David, of blessed memory, loved the law of the Lord. He savored it, meditated on it day and night. He said it was a lamb unto his feet and a light onto his path. Our history is our light. We must learn from it or be doomed to darkness. Was it not Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, who tried to seize power by taking Jacob's concubine? I tell you, such sins brought a curse upon the children of Reuben. Those of us of Judah know this well. Judah replaced Reuben as the favored heir of Jacob's blessing.
Narrator
Solomon pointed to Adonijah.
Solomon
Is Abishag this generation's Belial?
Adonijah
I speak from the heart, good king, out of love.
Solomon
Love, you say? Tell me, then, what's the name of Abishag's grandfather? She's the woman you love. Surely you know the answer.
Adonijah
I
Solomon
and her brothers, they're both married. What are their wives? Names?
Adonijah
This.
Narrator
This is.
Adonijah
This is foolish. It's.
Narrator
I am.
Solomon
You do not stand in a court of fools, Adonijah. I see your intentions. To have a member of the king's harem would be one step closer to the throne. Another claim alongside being the firstborn. You're stacking the deck for another play. Do you deny it? Blessed it?
Adonijah
You dare lecture me when you.
Solomon
Enough.
Narrator
Solomon's guards, led by Benaiah, sprang forward and hauled Adonijah before Solomon's throne. His eyes rolled back in terror. And he thrashed, sobbing in shock. But it did nothing to loosen the guard's iron grip. Bathsheba's hands covered her face in horror at the revealed deception before her. Sputtering, Adonijah found his words at last.
Adonijah
Mercy. Mercy, Solomon. As you say, we are brothers. I've only ever sought peace. Give me a chance to prove my loyalty.
Solomon
Brother, you had a chance. Did I not tell you that if you made another play, it would end with your death? Brother, this was not a clever deception. But he was too clever for you. You alone. No. I recognize the hands of the same conspirators who once sought to place you on the throne. And I will deal with them next. O Abiathar, the priest and Joab, son of Zuria. I'm coming for them now. Before all these witnesses, I swear this oath. Before the Lord. May God punish me and do so severely. If Adonijah has not made this request at the cost of his life. And now, as the Lord lives, the one who established me seated me on the throne of my father, David Adonijah will be put to death today.
Narrator
Solomon's words were still echoing off the walls of the chamber as Benaiah's sword flashed and swung high and swiftly. Adonijah's still contorted face fell to the stone floor with a dull thunk. Seconds after it fell, Solomon exhaled slowly, his gaze sweeping the court, searching for the next face he would summon forward. This was not over. The conspirators were not yet fully dealt with. Somewhere in the city, Abiathar and Joab were running out of places to hide. For one, there would be mercy. For the other, there would be none. The time for leniency was over. Solomon would cut out the rot of rebellion before it could take hold again and poison another reign of Israel's kings. The air in the chamber had changed. No one spoke. No one moved. Even the distant torches on the stone walls flickered, as if dimmed by the weight of the moment. Then Solomon lifted his head.
Solomon
Now let us deal with the rest of them.
Narrator
This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Shellavager 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, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.
Bathsheba
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Narrator
Wayfair Every style, Every home.
Date: July 22, 2026
Host/Production: Pray.com
Length (excluding ads, intro, outro): ~25 minutes
Main Theme:
This gripping narrative episode chronicles the aftermath of King David’s death, the tension-filled transition of power to Solomon, and how justice and suspicion define the new king’s reign. Drawing from the biblical account, the podcast dramatizes the political machinations, familial rivalries, and hard choices Solomon faces to secure Israel's throne—and the cost of retribution.
“Solomon’s Retribution” delves into the volatile early days of Solomon’s rule as he exacts justice against those who challenged his right to the throne. The episode explores the treacherous ambitions of Adonijah, the heartbreak and suspicions of Bathsheba, and Solomon’s resolve to root out rebellion before establishing an era of peace and prosperity.
[04:31] Solomon’s narration reveals his internal struggle as king, torn between his desire to build a peaceful and prosperous Jerusalem and the immediate need to secure his rule:
Solomon takes a pragmatic approach, planning to confront threats before embarking on nation-building.
[17:06] Bathsheba relays Adonijah’s request to Solomon before the full court.
[18:12] She frames it as a bid for reconciliation:
Solomon instantly suspects deeper motives, recalling biblical precedent:
Solomon masterfully exposes Adonijah’s lack of genuine affection for Abishag, quizzing him on her family and catching him off guard:
The grilling exposes Adonijah’s ulterior motive: marrying a concubine of David would bolster his claim to the throne.
[22:09] Solomon delivers a scathing verdict:
[23:20] As Adonijah pleads for mercy, Solomon reveals this is the final straw—he recognizes greater conspirators at work:
[24:22] In front of the elders, Adonijah is executed:
The court is left in shock, the severity of Solomon’s justice signaling a new, less forgiving era. Solomon turns his attention to further threats (Abiathar, Joab), determined to “cut out the rot.”
Adonijah (on succession):
“No, but he will. I am his first surviving son and the strongest. The throne is mine by right and capability. Screw right. This is David we're talking about. He leads with the heart.”
[01:16]
Solomon (on power and stability):
“A crown and coronation were no guarantee of power. Solomon knew there were people who would seek to take advantage of his youth and inexperience. But he was determined to show Israel that he was more than a spoiled prince with a famous father... Before he could build, he had to tear out the rot.”
[04:31]
Bathsheba (to Adonijah):
“Yes, you were humbly accepting the role. The reluctant prince. How noble.”
[11:54]
Solomon (to court, on precedent):
“Was it not Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, who tried to seize power by taking Jacob's concubine? I tell you, such sins brought a curse upon the children of Reuben. Those of us of Judah know this well.”
[20:53]
Solomon (to Adonijah, foreshadowing his fate):
“Did I not tell you that if you made another play, it would end with your death?”
[23:20]
Bathsheba’s cautious wisdom: She requires a promise from Adonijah to guarantee her family’s safety before advocating for him.
[15:58]
Solomon’s rapid calculations and skepticism: His immediate recognition of Adonijah’s scheme and refusal to be emotionally manipulated.
[19:26]
The public, surgical exposure of Adonijah: Solomon's probing reveals the absence of true love and the presence of naked ambition.
[21:47]
The swift execution: Solomon refuses further mercy, executing Adonijah as a message to would-be schemers.
[24:22]
Unsettling aftermath: The court is left shaken, and Solomon’s focus shifts to rooting out the remaining conspirators.
[25:31]
This episode combines biblical narrative with nuanced character work and political drama, illustrating the perilous path of a new ruler forced to balance mercy and severity. Faith, tradition, and family ambition collide in Solomon’s decisive—and deadly—assertion of control, setting the tone for the kind of kingdom he intends to build.
Visit The Chosen People Podcast for more stories from the Old Testament, brought to life with exceptional production and engaging narrative!