Haggith חַגִּית
One of David's wives; mother of Adonijah.
Who is Haggith in the Bible?
Haggith was one of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah, David's fourth son born in Hebron during the early years of David's reign (2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:2). After the deaths of his older brothers Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah believed he should inherit the throne and attempted to seize power while David was still alive, gaining support from military commander Joab and priest Abiathar (1 Kings 1:5, 1:7). However, David had already promised Bathsheba that her son Solomon would be king, and when David learned of Adonijah's bid for power, he ordered Solomon's immediate anointing as successor (1 Kings 1:17, 1:32-35). Haggith's significance lies in her position as the mother of one of the key figures in the succession conflict that ultimately established Solomon's reign and shaped Israel's united monarchy.
Biography
Haggith was one of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah, who was David's fourth son (2Sa.3.4, 1 Chronicles 2Sa.3.2). Adonijah was born in Hebron during the early years of David's reign. After the death of his older brothers Amnon and Absalom, Adonijah considered himself the heir to the throne and attempted to claim it while David was still alive (1Ki.1.5). He gained the support of Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, the priest (1Ki.1.7). However, David had promised Bathsheba that their son Solomon would be the next king (1Ki.1.17). When David was informed of Adonijah's actions, he ordered Solomon to be anointed as king (1Ki.1.32-35). Fearing for his life, Adonijah sought asylum by clinging to the horns of the altar (1Ki.1.50). Solomon spared his life on the condition that he would show himself to be a worthy man (1Ki.1.52-53). Later, Adonijah made a request to Solomon through Bathsheba, asking for Abishag, David's nurse, to be given to him as a wife (1Ki.2.13-17). Solomon perceived this as a threat to his throne and ordered Adonijah to be put to death (1Ki.2.23-25).
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 3:4
"his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;"
1 Kings 3 verses
- 1 Kings 1:5
"At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him."
- 1 Kings 1:11
"Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it?"
- 1 Kings 2:13
"Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 3:2
"the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חַגִּית |