And Solomon replied, "If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die." And Solomon repliedThis phrase introduces Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, as the speaker. Solomon's response is significant as it marks the beginning of his reign and demonstrates his wisdom and discernment. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a thoughtful or considered response, indicating Solomon's careful consideration of the situation. Historically, Solomon's wisdom is a central theme in his reign, and this moment foreshadows his reputation for wise judgment. If he is found to be a man of integrity
The phrase "a man of integrity" is crucial in understanding the biblical standard for leadership and character. The Hebrew word for "integrity" (תֹּם, tom) conveys completeness, innocence, and uprightness. In the context of ancient Israel, integrity was a vital quality for leaders, reflecting God's own nature. Solomon's conditional statement underscores the importance of moral character and righteousness, aligning with the biblical principle that God honors those who walk in integrity. not a hair of his head will fall to the ground
This expression is a Hebrew idiom signifying complete safety and protection. It reflects the cultural and historical context of the time, where such phrases were used to assure someone of their security. The imagery of "not a hair" emphasizes the thoroughness of the protection promised. In a broader scriptural context, it echoes God's care for His people, as seen in passages like Luke 21:18, where Jesus assures His followers of God's protection. but if evil is found in him
The contrast here is stark, highlighting the biblical theme of justice. The Hebrew word for "evil" (רָעָה, ra'ah) encompasses wickedness, harm, and wrongdoing. Solomon's statement reflects the divine principle that evil and sin have consequences. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God is just and will not let evil go unpunished. It serves as a reminder of the moral order established by God, where righteousness leads to life and evil to death. he will die
The finality of this phrase underscores the seriousness of the consequences for evil actions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often had the power of life and death, and Solomon's declaration is consistent with his role as a just ruler. The Hebrew verb for "die" (מוּת, muth) is straightforward, yet it carries the weight of divine justice. This reflects the biblical truth that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and it serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate accountability before God. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's reign marks a period of peace and prosperity for Israel. 2. AdonijahThe son of King David who attempted to usurp the throne from Solomon. His actions set the stage for the events in this passage. 3. DavidThe aging king of Israel, father of Solomon and Adonijah. His decision to appoint Solomon as his successor is central to the account. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel and the location of the royal palace where these events unfold. 5. The Throne of IsraelRepresents the divinely appointed leadership over God's chosen people, a central theme in the account of 1 Kings. Teaching Points Integrity as a SafeguardSolomon's response emphasizes the importance of integrity. In our lives, maintaining integrity can protect us from harm and ensure God's favor. Discernment in LeadershipSolomon's decision reflects the need for discernment in leadership. As Christians, we are called to seek God's wisdom in making decisions that affect others. Consequences of EvilThe passage warns of the consequences of evil actions. It serves as a reminder that sin leads to death, both spiritually and sometimes physically. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe account underscores God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. Trusting in God's plan for leadership in our lives and communities is crucial. Forgiveness and JusticeSolomon's willingness to spare Adonijah if he proves to be righteous shows a balance between justice and mercy, a principle we should apply in our relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's response to Adonijah reflect the biblical principle of integrity, and how can we apply this in our daily lives? 2. In what ways does Solomon's discernment in this passage guide us in making wise decisions, especially in leadership roles? 3. How does the concept of divine sovereignty in leadership, as seen in Solomon's anointing, influence our understanding of God's role in appointing leaders today? 4. What are the consequences of evil actions as demonstrated in this passage, and how do they align with the broader biblical account on sin and its repercussions? 5. How can we balance justice and mercy in our interactions with others, following Solomon's example in dealing with Adonijah? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David as king by Samuel, which parallels Solomon's anointing and highlights the theme of divine choice in leadership. Proverbs 2:7-8Solomon's own writings on integrity and wisdom, reflecting the values he upholds in his response to Adonijah. Matthew 10:30Jesus' teaching on God's intimate knowledge of us, echoing the phrase "not a hair of his head will fall." 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 Becometh, Death, Die, Died, Evil, Faith, Fall, Ground, Hair, Hairs, Prove, Replied, Shows, Solomon, Touched, Virtuous, Wickedness, Worthy, WrongdoingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:52 5157 head 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 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 1:52 NIV1 Kings 1:52 NLT1 Kings 1:52 ESV1 Kings 1:52 NASB1 Kings 1:52 KJV
1 Kings 1:52 Commentaries
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