Adonia tries again. He gets Bathsheba to ask Solomon if Adonia could marry Abishag (the young girl that tended to David). This sets Solomon off and he thinks that Adonia is after the throne. During the initial exchange between Adonia and Bathsheba, he even states that the throne was his, but then God gave it to Solomon.
How much of what Adonia says he believes himself is open for debate, but it makes you wonder how arrogant he is that he is plotting for the throne again. To his credit though, he was the oldest living son of David and in many other monarchies, that would make him the heir.
Not here.
Solomon is angered and has Adonia immediately put to death. He does not do the killing himself, but has his hit man Benaiah do it. Afterwards, Solomon orders the execution of Joab. The stated reason is because Joab killed two innocent people - Abner and Amassa. Although Joab is guilty of their murders, i think that Solomon was predisposed to let Joab live. Then, Adonia's plotting changed things and now Solomon wants to knock those who sided with Adonia.
With their deaths, he does cool off a bit still takes care of the plotters.
Joab allows Abiathar (the head priest who sided with Adonia) to live, but he is removed from his role as priest. This fulfills the prophecy way back with Eli (remember Samuel's mentor) to remove Eli's household as priests.
He has Shimei to remove forever Jerusalem. If he ever leaves Jerusalem, he will die. OK, not a bad deal. Solomon does not want to kill people. He gives them second chances, but that's it. Three years later, Shimei's slaves escape and Shimei leaves Jerusalem to find them. Solomon has him killed.
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