“Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. Then it was told Solomon, ‘Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, “Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.”’ And Solomon said, ‘If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.’”—1 Kings 1:49–52 (ESV)

In today’s passage, we read about how Adonijah’s plans to make himself king fall apart. Adonijah—an ambitious man—crowned himself king in his father’s place without the blessing or approval of his father, David. He deliberately gathered men to celebrate his coronation and intentionally excluded men of godly wisdom like Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:7–8, 10).

Once Nathan discovered Adonijah’s scheme, he had David declare Solomon the rightful heir and king of Israel (1 Kings 1:32–35). When the people surrounding Adonijah heard of this, they quickly dispersed in fear. Adonijah then fled to the altar and pleaded for Solomon’s mercy. His actions teach us valuable lessons.

First, when we attempt to do things apart from God and outside His will, those plans fail. Adonijah attempted to make himself king apart from God’s help, overstepping the Lord’s plan for Israel’s future king. He quickly discovered that his plan had failed when his audience deserted him (Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 127:1).

Second, God’s mercy is always available to us. Adonijah grasped the horns of the altar—the place where blood offerings were made to God—as a symbol of pleading for mercy. Our God is rich in mercy (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4–5), and He showed His mercy by sending Jesus to die in our place. Adonijah sought the king’s mercy over his sinful deeds, but his actions actually foreshadowed the ultimate King, Jesus, whose blood was shed on the altar of the cross to pardon our sins and grant us mercy (Hebrews 9:11–14). We can receive God’s mercy because of what Jesus has done for us (Titus 3:5).

Third, blessings follow those who walk uprightly. Solomon’s response to Adonijah’s plea for mercy was that he prove himself an ish hayil—a man of valor, noble honor, and integrity. Solomon promised that Adonijah would receive blessing and protection if he walked in integrity and faithfulness. The same is true for us who follow Jesus today. God has given us His commandments so we may reap blessing as we walk in His ways (Deuteronomy 28:1–2; Psalm 1:1–3). His instructions serve as a roadmap for our lives, teaching us that obedience leads to peace, prosperity, and blessing.

Maybe you find yourself in one of these scenarios. Perhaps you’ve attempted to make plans or build your life apart from God and have watched those plans crumble. Be encouraged, as God can rebuild and redeem any part of your story if you come to Him in repentance (Joel 2:25). Or perhaps, like Adonijah, you’ve sinned and are in need of forgiveness and mercy. Come boldly to the throne of grace, because our God is faithful to wash us clean of all our sins (1 John 1:9). Confess your sins, and you’ll receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Or maybe you’re wrestling with keeping God’s commands, wondering if they truly lead to life. Stand firm, as God’s ways do lead to life. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ESV). So press on in following Him, knowing that you’ll receive your reward if you don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).

Pause: Have you attempted to build something on your own, apart from God? How has this passage spoken to you about it?

Practice: Take a moment to surrender to God your plans and ideas. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His plans for your life.

Pray: Father, I come to You in need of grace. My sins are many, but You’re rich in mercy and have washed me clean. Thank You for lavishing Your love upon me. Help me to walk in Your ways and obey Your commands no matter the cost. Your ways are higher than mine, so I trust Your plans above my own. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.