Solomon’s Retribution

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on The Chosen People... Adonijah poured himself wine, his tone casual as he took his seat. 00:00:09 Speaker 2: The king is dying. No one says it aloud, but we all know. It's time we prepare. 00:00:16 Speaker 1: Has the king named you as heir? 00:00:18 Speaker 3: No, but he will. I am his first surviving son and the strongest. The throne is mine by right and capability. 00:00:27 Speaker 2: Screw right! This is David we're talking about. He leads with the heart. 00:00:33 Speaker 3: Solomon has had him wrapped around his little finger since birth. 00:00:39 Speaker 4: Adonijah has begun his campaign. He's gathered Job and Abiathar to his side. 00:00:47 Speaker 5: If Adonijah takes the throne, you and your son will not live to see the dawn of his reign. He will not raise Solomon's claims. 00:00:59 Speaker 6: 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. 00:01:13 Speaker 2: He shall rule in my stead. 00:01:17 Speaker 5: Solomon? 00:01:19 Speaker 2: 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. I have to go to Solomon. I have to tell him I throw myself at his mercy. Go, go now. 00:01:37 Speaker 3: Hurry. 00:01:37 Speaker 2: 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. 00:01:55 Speaker 1: 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 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. 00:03:32 Speaker 5: Enter. 00:03:33 Speaker 6: Your Majesty, the spies have followed Prince Adonijah. 00:03:38 Speaker 2: He is here within the palace. 00:03:39 Speaker 4: He is begging an audience with your mother. 00:03:43 Speaker 1: Solomon raised his eyebrows at that. 00:03:46 Speaker 2: Should I alert the guards, Your Majesty? Should they question him? 00:03:50 Speaker 1: No. 00:03:52 Speaker 5: Let us see what trap he's laying first. 00:03:55 Speaker 1: Solomon could see the concern that remained in the old servant's eyes. Solomon sighed and shook his head. 00:04:03 Speaker 5: My mother's private card should be more than sufficient if he means to attack. But that's not Adonijah'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. 00:04:38 Speaker 1: 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 clamour of the busy streets beyond the palace walls. His young wife, Nehemar, 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 domesticity of it all. It wasn't a marriage of love. Nehemar 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. Bathsheba 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, Nehemiah, and baby Rehoboam without a second thought. 00:06:12 Speaker 2: My lady, Prince Adonijah is here requesting entrance. 00:06:16 Speaker 3: Should I show him in? 00:06:18 Speaker 1: 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. 00:06:32 Speaker 4: Oh, not yet. Ask him if he comes peacefully first. 00:06:36 Speaker 1: 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. 00:07:08 Speaker 5: Gibbera, I did as you asked. The prince said he came peacefully. He wishes to speak with you. 00:07:16 Speaker 4: Very well. Show him in. 00:07:19 Speaker 1: 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 Gabira, the great lady. She had always been the favoured 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. 00:08:02 Speaker 4: Prince Adonijah, you asked to have a word. You stand before me. What is it that you want? 00:08:10 Speaker 1: Her eyes narrowed as she studied the prince. Adonijah was just as handsome as Absalom was. Tall, tanned, lean athletic build, broad shoulders, broad 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 respectfully. 00:08:44 Speaker 3: Gebera, thank you for seeing me. I know when I saw you last, I was not at my best. 00:08:54 Speaker 4: The guards had to drag you from claiming sanctuary in the tabernacle to stand before my son like a man. 00:09:00 Speaker 1: The beautiful man's smile cracked, but he plowed forward. 00:09:05 Speaker 3: Come now, Kibera. Can you blame me for assuming I was going to be made king? I am the eldest of David's remaining sons. I was simply accepting the mantle Israel. 00:09:16 Speaker 2: Expected of me. 00:09:18 Speaker 4: Yes, you were humbly accepting the role. The reluctant prince. How noble. 00:09:24 Speaker 2: No, no, no. 00:09:25 Speaker 3: I would be lying if I said I didn't want the throne. Be that as it may, I know what 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. 00:09:42 Speaker 4: Yet here you remain, in my presence. 00:09:46 Speaker 3: Why? Why? I have one request to make. I beg you not to turn me down, for it is a matter of the heart. 00:09:54 Speaker 1: 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. 00:10:19 Speaker 4: Go on, tell me your request. 00:10:21 Speaker 3: I must confess, a young woman has captured my heart. I long to be with her and take her as my wife. I will retire to my home, but I beg you, Gebera, make me the happiest man in Jerusalem by allowing me to claim my bride. 00:10:44 Speaker 4: 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? 00:10:57 Speaker 2: Well, here is the rub, Gibira. 00:10:59 Speaker 3: She belongs to the household of our late King David. 00:11:03 Speaker 4: You seek to marry a member of King David's harem? 00:11:06 Speaker 3: Please, Gibira, 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 Abishag, the Shunammite, as a wife. 00:11:27 Speaker 4: Abishag, the king's nurse? 00:11:29 Speaker 1: 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. 00:11:58 Speaker 3: I know it is an impossible dream, but 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 debt. My bride and I would retreat to our estate and you would never see us in court again. 00:12:24 Speaker 2: I swear it. 00:12:26 Speaker 1: 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 guts said otherwise. 00:13:22 Speaker 4: If I do this for you, you swear that you will not harm my family? Will you honor your word? 00:13:29 Speaker 5: I swear it. 00:13:31 Speaker 3: Please, Kabira, my future happiness is in your hands. 00:13:38 Speaker 1: 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 sensed Bathsheba's unease at all the formality. 00:14:30 Speaker 5: Gibira, mother, it is good to see you. Come and sit. 00:14:37 Speaker 1: 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 practiced mask of passive indifference, but inwardly he was calculating, always calculating. 00:15:00 Speaker 4: Your Majesty, my son, it is good to see you. 00:15:05 Speaker 5: Tell me, mother, what's on your mind? 00:15:08 Speaker 4: I have one small request of you. 00:15:10 Speaker 1: Solomon's tongue rolled behind his pursed lips. His jaw clenched. He knew that 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. 00:15:35 Speaker 5: Surgical. 00:15:36 Speaker 4: 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. 00:15:57 Speaker 1: 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. 00:16:50 Speaker 5: Is this true, Adonijah? 00:16:53 Speaker 1: Adonijah bowed his head, feigning reverence. 00:16:57 Speaker 3: My love burns bright, Solomon. All I ask is you allow me to retreat to my estate and grow old with Abishag. 00:17:09 Speaker 1: 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 him. 00:17:57 Speaker 5: He has requested Abishag the Shunammite for a bride. a member of the king's harem. Another feather in your cap as you hurrayed around Judea, bribing for another bid at the throne. 00:18:09 Speaker 1: The entire room's eyes locked on Adonijah. He shrank back, but there was nowhere to hide. 00:18:17 Speaker 5: 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 under his feet, and a light unto 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 blessings. 00:19:00 Speaker 1: Solomon pointed to Adonijah. 00:19:03 Speaker 5: Is Abishag this generation's Beliah? 00:19:06 Speaker 2: I speak from the heart, good king, out of love. 00:19:11 Speaker 5: 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. I. 00:19:23 Speaker 5: And her brothers? They're both married. What are their wives' names? 00:19:29 Speaker 2: This is foolish. It's... I. 00:19:33 Speaker 5: 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 debt for another play. Do you deny it? 00:19:55 Speaker 2: Blast it! You dare lecture me when you... Enough! 00:20:00 Speaker 1: 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. 00:20:29 Speaker 2: Mercy! Mercy, Solomon! As you say, we are brothers! I... I have only ever sought peace. Give me a chance to prove my loyalty, brother. 00:20:46 Speaker 5: 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 it was too clever for you alone. No, 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. Oh, Abiathar, priest, and Joab, son of Zuriah. 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. 00:21:46 Speaker 1: 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. 00:22:55 Speaker 5: Now, let us deal with the rest of them. 00:23:02 Speaker 1: This Pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, 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, 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.