Who's Next in Line?

By Alessandra Velsor

“When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. So his attendants said to him, ‘Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm.’ Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. The woman was very beautiful; she took care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no sexual relations with her. Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, ‘I will be king.’ So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. (His father had never rebuked him by asking, ‘Why do you behave as you do?’ He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.) Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support. But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David’s special guard did not join Adonijah. Adonijah then sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the special guard or his brother Solomon.”—1 Kings 1:1–10 (NIV)

When King David was old and well advanced in years, the question on everyone’s mind must have been: Who is next in line? After forty years of reigning, the mighty warrior-poet king was now frail, bedridden, and seemingly detached from the events around him. His failing health signaled the end of an era—and opened the door for a power struggle.

I can’t help but notice that leaders of nations seem to age faster than the rest of us! Just compare a picture of a president on their first day with one on their last day. Usually, our presidents serve four to eight years, but David ruled for forty. Now seventy years old, it’s evident the king is nearing the end of his reign.

In verses 1–4, David’s servants try to revive his strength by bringing him Abishag the Shunammite, a young woman to care for him. This might sound strange to us today, but it was actually a recognized form of medical treatment at the time. Ancient physicians like Galen wrote about similar practices. To be clear, in this particular case, their relationship was not sexual—she simply cared for him.

Some speculate that Abishag might be the Shulammite woman from the Song of Solomon, possibly later involved with Solomon. But as Old Testament scholar Wiseman points out, “There is no need to identify Abishag with the Shulammite of Song of Solomon 6:13.” The two names and locations simply don’t match. Still, her presence in the king’s chambers was a public sign: The king is fading, and a successor is needed.

The problem is, Israel’s monarchy wasn’t based strictly on bloodline or tradition. When Queen Elizabeth died, everyone knew Charles was next. But when King Saul died, God didn’t raise up his son—He raised up David, a shepherd boy anointed by the Lord. So now, the question isn’t who deserves to be king but whom has God chosen?

In David’s silence, Adonijah—his fourth son—steps up and tries to take the throne. With Amnon and Absalom dead, and the third son barely mentioned in Scripture again, Adonijah assumes the throne is his. He gathers men, chariots, and loyal advisors, but ambition isn’t the same as anointing.

This story reminds us of the danger of grabbing what God hasn’t given. When we fail to clearly follow and communicate God’s will, confusion fills the gap. But the bigger story here points to something more: No matter who claims to be king, only God’s choice will ultimately stand.

And this brings us to Jesus.

Generations after David, God would send the true and eternal King—not one who seized the throne, but One who humbled Himself, not born in a palace, but in a manger. Like David, Jesus was overlooked. Like Solomon, He was chosen by the Father. And unlike any earthly king, Jesus didn’t just inherit a crown—He bore a cross.

While Adonijah exalted himself, Jesus humbled Himself. And God “exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9 NIV). Jesus is the true “next in line,” the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end.

So when you wonder what’s next—or who’s next—look to Jesus. He’s not just next in line, He’s the King of kings, already reigning and forever worthy.

Pause: Where in your life are you tempted to take control instead of waiting on God’s calling? Are you striving for a position or influence that God hasn’t yet given—or never intended for you?

Practice: Meditate on Philippians 2:5–11 and reflect on how Jesus modeled humility before exaltation. Ask Him to help you recognize His authority over every area of your life.

Pray: Father, thank You for not being a God of confusion, but of order and peace. Teach me to wait on Your timing, trust in Your wisdom, and walk in humility like Jesus. Forgive me when I try to take the throne of my own life. Help me to surrender control and follow the anointed King of my heart—Jesus Christ—every day. Amen.