It was reported to Solomon: "Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, 'Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.'" It was reported to SolomonThis phrase indicates the communication of crucial information to Solomon, who is now recognized as king. The Hebrew root for "reported" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This reflects the importance of transparency and the flow of information in leadership. Solomon, as a wise ruler, is attentive to the reports he receives, which is essential for just governance. Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon
The word "behold" (Hebrew: "הִנֵּה" - hinneh) is an attention-grabbing term, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Adonijah's fear signifies a recognition of Solomon's legitimate authority. Historically, this fear is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern practice where a new king often eliminated rivals to secure his throne. Adonijah's fear is both personal and political, acknowledging Solomon's divine appointment and the potential consequences of his previous actions. and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar
The "horns of the altar" were projections on the corners of the altar, symbolizing strength and refuge. In ancient Israel, the altar was a place of asylum, and taking hold of its horns was a plea for mercy. This act by Adonijah is a desperate appeal for protection, recognizing the altar as a sacred space where divine justice and mercy could be sought. It underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority over life and death. saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me
Adonijah's request for an oath from Solomon highlights the seriousness of oaths in biblical times. An oath was a binding promise before God, and breaking it was considered a grave sin. This reflects the high value placed on truth and integrity in relationships and governance. Adonijah's plea for an oath indicates his desire for assurance and security under Solomon's rule. that he will not put his servant to the sword.’
The phrase "put his servant to the sword" is a euphemism for execution. In the context of ancient monarchies, executing potential threats was a common practice to ensure stability. Adonijah's reference to himself as "his servant" is an act of humility and submission, acknowledging Solomon's authority. This plea for mercy is a pivotal moment, reflecting the tension between justice and mercy, power and humility, in the biblical narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe son of King David who attempted to usurp the throne, fearing retribution from Solomon. 2. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, anointed as king, representing the legitimate continuation of David's dynasty. 3. Horns of the AltarA place of refuge in the tabernacle, symbolizing God's mercy and protection. 4. King DavidThe aging king whose succession plan is being challenged by Adonijah. 5. JerusalemThe city where these events unfold, central to Israel's political and spiritual life. Teaching Points Seeking MercyAdonijah's act of holding the altar's horns symbolizes a plea for mercy. In our lives, we should seek God's mercy through repentance and humility. Legitimate AuthoritySolomon's response to Adonijah's plea reflects the importance of recognizing and submitting to God-ordained authority. Fear and FaithAdonijah's fear of Solomon's retribution contrasts with the faith we are called to have in God's justice and mercy. Symbolism of the AltarThe altar represents a place of sacrifice and atonement. In Christ, we find our ultimate refuge and atonement. Conflict ResolutionSolomon's handling of Adonijah's rebellion teaches us about resolving conflicts with wisdom and discernment. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Adonijah's action of holding the altar's horns reveal about his understanding of mercy and justice? 2. How does Solomon's response to Adonijah's plea reflect the biblical principle of mercy triumphing over judgment? 3. In what ways can we seek refuge in God during times of fear and uncertainty, as Adonijah sought refuge at the altar? 4. How does the concept of legitimate authority in this passage apply to our understanding of spiritual and earthly leadership? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to resolve a conflict. How can Solomon's wisdom in dealing with Adonijah inform your approach to similar situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 21:14Discusses the concept of seeking refuge at the altar, which Adonijah attempts to use for protection. Psalm 18:2Describes God as a refuge, paralleling Adonijah's physical act of seeking refuge with a spiritual truth. 1 Kings 2:28-34Later events where Joab also seeks refuge at the altar, showing a pattern of seeking mercy. Hebrews 6:18Speaks of taking hold of hope, similar to how Adonijah takes hold of the altar for mercy. People Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's StoneTopics Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Afraid, Altar, Behold, Caught, Clinging, Death, Declared, Fear, Feareth, Fears, Goes, Hands, Hold, Horns, Kill, Laid, Oath, Saying, Says, Servant, Slay, Solomon, Swear, Sword, To-dayDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:50-51 4654 horn Library David Appointing Solomon
'Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29. And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30. Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Adonijah
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. It is notorious that the sons of devout men sometimes prove a curse to their parents, and bring dishonour on the cause of God. When Eve rejoiced over her first-born, she little suspected that passions were sleeping within him which would impel him to slay his own brother; and the experience of the first mother has been repeated, though in different forms, in all lands and in all ages. Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau. …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
Objection 1: It would seem that prayer ought not to be vocal. As stated above [3025](A[4]), prayer is addressed chiefly to God. Now God knows the language of the heart. Therefore it is useless to employ vocal prayer. Objection 2: Further, prayer should lift man's mind to God, as stated above (A[1], ad 2). But words, like other sensible objects, prevent man from ascending to God by contemplation. Therefore we should not use words in our prayers. Objection 3: Further, prayer should be offered to God …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Reign of David.
2 Sam.; 1 Chron. Chs. 11-29; 1 K 1:1-2:11. His Reign over Judah. The reign of David is divided into two parts. The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at Hebron, and lasted seven and one-half years. During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the North. It is probable that both of these kings were regarded as vassals of the Philistines and paid tribute. On account of rival leaders, there was constant warfare between these two rival kings. The kingdom of Judah, however, …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
Sections. 1. Connection between the doctrine of Justification and that of Regeneration. The knowledge of this doctrine very necessary for two reasons. 2. For the purpose of facilitating the exposition of it, the terms are explained. 1. What it is to be justified in the sight of God. 2. To be justified by works. 3. To be justified by faith. Definition. 3. Various meanings of the term Justification. 1. To give praise to God and truth. 2. To make a vain display of righteousness. 3. To impute righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 1:51 NIV1 Kings 1:51 NLT1 Kings 1:51 ESV1 Kings 1:51 NASB1 Kings 1:51 KJV
1 Kings 1:51 Commentaries
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