1. Adonijah's political maneuvering backfires (13-25)

Adonijah's life was spared after his failed attempt at seizing the throne. Though Solomon let him go, Adonijah would not let go of his ambitions, despite acknowledging that God gave the throne to Solomon. He requested Abishag to be his wife. Solomon discerned that Adonijah, as the older brother, wanted to take his father's former concubine and use this against Solomon's kingship. Solomon ordered his half-brother's execution.

2. Solomon deals with potential opposition (26-46)

Abiathar and Joab were closely tied to Adonijah so Solomon dealt with them firmly and swiftly. Abiathar was banished from the priesthood and Joab was also executed. Shimei was not allowed to leave Jerusalem but when he did, he too, was executed. Christians have been charged with a much higher ethic when dealing with enemies but one thing is clear - God established Solomon's throne.