1 Kings 2:23
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: "May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life.
Then King Solomon
The phrase "Then King Solomon" marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Solomon's reign. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is now the king of Israel. His ascension to the throne is a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his lineage would continue to rule. Solomon's wisdom and authority are central themes in his kingship, and this moment underscores his role as a decisive and discerning leader. Historically, Solomon's reign is often dated to the 10th century BCE, a period marked by the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as its political and spiritual center.

swore by the LORD
The act of swearing by the LORD indicates a solemn and binding oath. In ancient Israel, invoking the name of the LORD in an oath was a serious matter, reflecting the deep reverence for God's holiness and authority. The Hebrew root for "swore" (שָׁבַע, shava) conveys the idea of making a solemn promise or commitment. This action by Solomon demonstrates his reliance on divine authority and his commitment to uphold justice according to God's standards.

May God punish me, and ever so severely
This phrase is a form of self-imprecation, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where individuals would call down curses upon themselves if they failed to fulfill their oath. Solomon's use of this language underscores the gravity of the situation and his determination to act justly. It reflects a deep sense of accountability to God, recognizing that divine justice is ultimate and inescapable.

if Adonijah has not made this request
Adonijah, Solomon's older brother, had previously attempted to usurp the throne, as recorded earlier in 1 Kings. His request, which is not detailed in this verse but involves seeking to marry Abishag, is seen as a political maneuver to challenge Solomon's authority. In the cultural and historical context, such a request could be interpreted as a claim to the throne, as marrying a king's widow or concubine was often associated with asserting royal rights.

at the cost of his life
The phrase "at the cost of his life" indicates the severe consequences of Adonijah's actions. In the ancient world, treason or attempts to undermine the king's authority were often met with capital punishment. Solomon's response is not merely personal retribution but a necessary action to secure the stability and unity of the kingdom. This decision reflects the biblical principle that rebellion against God's anointed leader is a serious offense, warranting severe consequences to maintain divine order and justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, he is establishing his reign and dealing with threats to his throne.

2. Adonijah
The son of King David and Haggith, Adonijah attempted to claim the throne before Solomon was anointed king. His request to marry Abishag is seen as a political move to assert his claim to the throne.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, whom Solomon invokes in his oath, emphasizing the seriousness and divine witness to his declaration.

4. Abishag the Shunammite
A young woman who served King David in his old age. Adonijah's request to marry her is interpreted as a challenge to Solomon's kingship.

5. The Throne of Israel
The central symbol of authority and governance in the united kingdom of Israel, which Solomon is determined to secure against any threats.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Discernment in Leadership
Solomon's response to Adonijah's request demonstrates the need for wisdom and discernment in leadership, especially when dealing with potential threats to authority.

The Seriousness of Oaths
Solomon's oath before the LORD underscores the gravity of making promises or declarations in God's name, reminding believers of the importance of integrity in their words.

Guarding Against Subtle Threats
Adonijah's request, though seemingly innocent, was a strategic move. This teaches the importance of vigilance and discernment in recognizing and addressing subtle challenges to one's faith or responsibilities.

The Role of Divine Justice
Solomon's invocation of divine punishment reflects a belief in God's justice and sovereignty, encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate authority and justice.

The Consequences of Ambition
Adonijah's ambition and failure to recognize God's chosen king serve as a warning against unchecked ambition and the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's handling of Adonijah's request reflect his wisdom and understanding of leadership?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of discernment in our own lives when faced with decisions or potential threats?

3. How does the concept of making oaths or promises before God influence our understanding of integrity and accountability?

4. What are some modern-day examples of subtle threats to our faith or responsibilities, and how can we address them?

5. How can we ensure that our ambitions align with God's will, and what steps can we take to guard against selfish or misguided desires?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 1
Provides the background of Adonijah's initial attempt to become king and how Solomon was anointed instead, setting the stage for the events in 1 Kings 2:23.

2 Samuel 12
Discusses the consequences of David's sin with Bathsheba, which indirectly leads to the complex family dynamics and power struggles seen in Solomon's reign.

Proverbs 16:12
Highlights the importance of righteousness in a king's reign, which Solomon seeks to uphold by addressing threats to his rule.
What Mothers Can Do for Their ChildrenJ. N. Norton.
People
Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, Shiloh
Topics
Add, Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Cost, Deal, God's, Oath, Pay, Payment, Punishment, Request, Saying, Severely, Solomon, Soul, Spoken, Surely, Sware, Sweareth, Swore, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 2:23

     5468   promises, human

1 Kings 2:12-25

     5119   Solomon, life of

Library
The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885

"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason,"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

"The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined;
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version,
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

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

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