First Kings
Monday, July 12, 2010
Give a Guy a Break
(I Kings 1:41-53)
Not infrequently, people do stupid things. Actions stem from either character or impulse—sometimes both. When a given behavior is “out of character” for a particular individual, it is probable he was acting on impulse. Impulsive actions, more likely than not, are stupid. Every one of us knows it’s true, because we’ve all been there! And in the moment of regret when we feel the hot blush of shame, we only hope that others will overlook our foolishness. With any luck our impulsive acts will be quickly forgiven and forgotten. At least that’s our prayer!
Adonijah’s actions probably stemmed from both character and impulse. As previously noted, he had been so indulged by his father David as to corrupt his integrity. Used to getting anything he wanted, he rushed headlong into a campaign to seize the throne. He even managed to entice others to follow his misguided scheme. In fact, Adonijah’s self-proclaimed coronation banquet included a star-studded lineup of some of Israel’s most respected leaders, Joab and Abiathar among them.
All was going swimmingly at the party until Jonathan, Abiathar’s son, informed the gathering that Solomon had just assumed David’s throne and was reigning as king (43). For Adonijah this was indeed a “Maalox moment!” Suddenly, all of his guests remembered prior commitments. As they quickly exited the banquet hall, Adonijah watched his aspirations melt like snow under the hot son. He also realized his impulsive actions (born of flawed character) now threatened his life.
Adonijah, we’re told, “arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar” (49). In other words, he pled for mercy for his impulsive actions. And, graciously, Solomon granted clemency—under one condition: that Adonijah learn to behave himself (52). Solomon’s gracious actions contain a lesson: Give folks a break. Since we’re all guilty of occasional stupidity, it’s good sometimes to look the other way when someone “acts the fool” and recognizes it.
