Background: The year is 970 BCE. King David of a united Israel is bedridden. He is old, cold, and seemingly near death. In his decrepit condition, the affairs of state have been neglected. David's son Adonijah, who while only the fourth son of the king, is nevertheless next in line due to the deaths of his older brothers. Adonijah is everything that David is no longer: he is young, vital, handsome, and a man of action. In the power vacuum created by David's inattentiveness, Adonijah is prepared to act precipitously rather than wait for the inevitable.
Scene 1
Location: Early evening in the palace in Jerusalem, the King's bedchambers. King David is sleeping fitfully, shivering though covered with layers of skins. Two attendants are in the corner of the room, whispering.Attendant 1: I don't know what to do. The king cannot shake the coldness.
Attendant 2: Don't worry. It is spoken in the halls that after a search of the country, a maiden named Abishag, a Shunammite and of perfect beauty, will arrive soon. She is to lie with the king to keep him warm.
Attendant 1: Surely the king is in no condition to...
Attendant 2: Gah! Your mind is always in the chamber pot. It is not for relations, just for warmth.
Attendant 1: Why then the vast search? Are there not any number of servants who could provide heat? Even you! Why is such exquisite beauty required?
Attendant 2: Well, he is the king.
Attendant 1: Indeed. And I suppose when there is no wood for a blaze, it is still better to keep the embers stoked with kindling that to let the fire pit go dead.
Location: One week later, on the palace roof. Bathsheba, a wife of the king and mother of Solomon, the king's son, stands near the edge and overlooks the safety railing at the houses and apartments below. She is approached by Nathan, the trusted senior advisor of the king.Nathan: My lady, I knew I would find you here. You come here more often with each passing day.
Bathsheba: I stare at the past, down below, at the home of my youth, and wonder how different the world would be if it had rained on one fateful day long ago and I had not ventured outside.
Nathan: Your beauty, which has not faded, would not have escaped his notice for long. Have peace. It is as it was meant to be.
Bathsheba (sighing): Perhaps. Perhaps that is so. (Composing herself.) And what brings you here Nathan? Has my husband weakened further?
Nathan: The king still breathes with labor, but the maiden summoned to provide warmth arrived after the Sabbath and this seems to have helped. But I have disturbing news. His son by Haggith, Adonijah, has declared himself to be king.
Bathsheba: What? That is outrageous! And what does my husband say? Did he...
Nathan: The king knows nothing of this.
Bathsheba: But... but then surely Adonijah is being taken as a fool!
Nathan: I am afraid not. He somehow has convinced Commander Joab that his claim is legitimate, and now Joab has joined him just outside the city, at the spring of En Rogel, and has brought with him horses and chariots and three hundred soldiers. And Abiathar the priest has also given his support and joined the encampment. He made sacrifices on behalf of Adonijah, and Adonijah invited all of his brothers except Solomon to a feast, along with many palace officials no doubt hoping to maintain their positions. The situation is dire.
Bathsheba: How was this possible? Is anyone with us? And what of the king's mighty men?
Nathan: Fortunately the king's guard remain loyal to your husband, and for that we have Benaiah to thank. He has spoken to them and told them the king did not sanction a transfer of power and that Adonijah's ploy is an illegal usurpation. Zadok the priest, and the king's trusted officials Shimei and Rei are aware of the situation and have remained with us. All are here in the palace.
Bathsheba: So... what then are we to do?
Nathan: You must go to the king. Remind him of his pledge to you that your son Solomon would sit on his throne, with you as the Queen Mother. This will stir his blood. And as you speak to him, I will enter and confirm all that you say.
Location: Later that day in the king's bedchambers. Bathsheba has been admitted, finding the king sitting up and his brow being patted by the maiden Abishag. As she finished, Abishag withdraws from the room. Bathsheba steps closer and bows down before David.David (in a raspy voice): No need for that my wife, rise up so I can see you.
Bathsheba (rising): You look stronger, my love.
David: Yes, a bit, but soon I shall go home and lie with my ancestors. But tell me dear, what bothers you? It is written on your face.
Bathsheba: Have you not heard? It is your son Adonijah. He has declared himself king. He has enticed many from the palace to his cause, as well as Commander Joab with troops and chariots, and all of your sons except Solomon. They camp and feast at En Rogel.
David (straightening himself further, but stoic): But Nathan! Surely not Nathan!
Bathsheba: Nathan is with you, as is Benaiah and your guard, and the priest Zadok. But my lord, you have sworn to me that Solomon will follow you. But as you lay here, Adonijah has make a strong move on the throne, and because of your condition he was able to do it with alerting you. If nothing is done, surely Adonijah will see to it that your servant and your son will follow you to the grave as soon as your protection is gone.
As she finished speaking, an attendant announces that Nathan has arrived. Nathan enters and bows, until the king bids him to stand and speak.Nathan: My lord, have you named Adonijah as your heir? As we speak he is feasting with your sons, except Solomon, and with officials and the commander of your army. They are singing, "Long live King Adonijah." All of Israel is watching, waiting to hear of your passing or your blessing on Adonijah.
David: My friend, you know I played no part in this treachery! What a weakling I have been, lying here in despair of my dwindling time instead of leading my country! But no more! Summon Zadok and Benaiah.
After a short while, Zadok the priest and Benaniah of the King's Guard arrive from their stations in the palace.David: (speaking to Benaiah): Take as many of my servants as you need, Put my son Solomon on my mule, then along with Zadok and Nathan, precess with him to the river Gihon. There Zadok and Nathan shall anoint him King of Israel. With loud fanfares of trumpets declare to all Israel, "Here is David's chosen successor, long live King Solomon!" Then return to the palace, and place Solomon on the throne!
Location: Adonijah's encampment at the spring of En Rogel. The celebrants are finishing their feast when they hear trumpets and shouting from the city. As they ponder the meaning, Jonathan the son of the disloyal priest Abiathar appears in the camp at the entrance of the main tent.
Adonijah (joyously): Enter worthy servant! What is the good news from the city? Are they cheering for their new king!
Jonathan (nervously): No, I mean yes, I mean.. (sighs) My lord, David has had Solomon taken to Gihon by the King's Guard and riding the king's mule. There Zadok and Nathan anointed him King of Israel, and now Solomon sits on the throne in the palace. The city is in celebration. That is the noise you hear even here, outside the walls. They are celebrating their king, King Solomon.
At this news, the guests rose and fled in fear for their lives and positions. Adonijah himself sought refuge at the sacred altar, where Solomon could not do him harm.
Location: The next day, at the place of the sacred altar, where the priests are urging Adonijah to release the horns of the altar and leave the holy place.Adonijah: I will not leave this sanctuary until King Solomon swears to me that my life is to be spared.
Upon hearing a report of Adonijah's declaration of sanctuary, Solomon issues a royal edict.Solomon: Let it be known. If Adonijah, from this day forward, shows himself to be a worthy subject, not a hair on his head will be harmed. This I swear. But should he continue in his evil ways, he shall be put to death. Now bring him to me.
The king's men went to Adonijah and told him of the Solomon's edict. Adonijah returned with the Guard to the palace where he bowed before the king and declared his allegiance.
Perhaps they could have found a warm dog to warm up David.
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