David’s son, Adonijah. He was the next son born after Absalom. He was handsome, and David had never been displeased with him. Adonijah “exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king’; he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.” (NRSV, I Kings 1:5) Adonijah had influential backers, but it was not enough to secure his seat on the throne.