Adonijah's request to marry Abishag the Shunammite was not merely a personal matter but a politically charged move. Abishag had been a close attendant to King David, and in the context of ancient Near Eastern customs, marrying a former king's consort could imply a claim to the throne. Adonijah, who had previously attempted to seize the kingship before Solomon was appointed, saw this marriage as a potential way to strengthen his position and possibly challenge Solomon's authority.
By approaching Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, Adonijah hoped to leverage her influence with the king. He believed that Solomon would not refuse a request made by his mother, thus attempting to use family dynamics to his advantage. This situation underscores the intricate and often perilous nature of royal politics in biblical times, where family ties, loyalty, and ambition were deeply intertwined. Solomon's response to this request would ultimately reflect his wisdom and ability to navigate such challenges, ensuring the stability of his reign.