So King Solomon summoned Adonijah down from the altar, and he came and bowed down before King Solomon, who said to him, "Go to your home." So King Solomon sent for himThe phrase begins with the decisive action of King Solomon, who is now established as the rightful ruler of Israel. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a deliberate and authoritative command. Solomon's sending for Adonijah reflects his kingly authority and the beginning of his reign marked by wisdom and justice. Historically, this action signifies the transition of power and the establishment of Solomon's rule, which was ordained by God through the prophet Nathan and King David. to be brought down from the altar
The altar here refers to the sacred place where Adonijah sought asylum, grabbing the horns of the altar as a plea for mercy. The Hebrew word for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is significant as it represents a place of sacrifice and divine presence. In ancient Israel, the altar was central to worship and atonement. Adonijah's act of clinging to the altar underscores his desperation and recognition of Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne. It also highlights the mercy inherent in Solomon's decision to spare him, reflecting the biblical principle of justice tempered with mercy. He came and bowed down to King Solomon
The act of bowing down (שָׁחָה, shachah) is a gesture of submission and respect. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bowing was a common practice to show allegiance and acknowledge authority. Adonijah's bowing to Solomon is a public acknowledgment of Solomon's kingship and his own submission to the new order. This act is pivotal as it symbolizes the acceptance of God's will and the peaceful transfer of power, which is crucial for the unity and stability of the nation. who said, 'Go to your home.'
Solomon's words, "Go to your home," are both a command and a gesture of clemency. The Hebrew concept of "home" (בַּיִת, bayit) often signifies more than just a physical dwelling; it represents a place of safety, family, and belonging. By sending Adonijah home, Solomon not only spares his life but also restores his dignity and place within the community. This act of mercy is consistent with Solomon's reputation for wisdom and foreshadows the peace and prosperity that would characterize much of his reign. It reflects the biblical theme of reconciliation and the importance of maintaining harmony within God's chosen people. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon was anointed as king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's reign marked a period of peace and prosperity for Israel. 2. AdonijahThe son of King David who attempted to usurp the throne before Solomon was officially declared king. His actions led to a significant political and familial conflict. 3. The AltarA sacred place where Adonijah sought refuge, believing that holding onto the horns of the altar would protect him from being killed, as it was a place of asylum. 4. Bowing DownThis act of submission and respect was significant in ancient cultures, indicating Adonijah's acknowledgment of Solomon's authority as king. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel and the location of the royal palace, where these events unfolded. Teaching Points The Importance of Submission to God’s AnointedAdonijah's bowing to Solomon signifies the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's chosen leaders. In our lives, this can translate to respecting and supporting those whom God has placed in authority over us. Seeking Refuge in God’s MercyAdonijah's act of seeking refuge at the altar reminds us of the importance of seeking God's mercy and protection in times of trouble. We should approach God with humility and repentance. The Role of Wisdom in LeadershipSolomon's decision to spare Adonijah demonstrates wisdom and discernment. As Christians, we are called to seek God's wisdom in our decisions, especially when dealing with conflicts and leadership responsibilities. The Power of Forgiveness and ReconciliationSolomon's act of sending Adonijah home instead of punishing him highlights the power of forgiveness and the potential for reconciliation. We are encouraged to forgive others and seek peace in our relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Adonijah's response to Solomon's authority challenge us to consider our own submission to God's will and appointed leaders? 2. In what ways can we seek refuge in God's mercy during times of personal crisis, and how does this relate to Adonijah's actions at the altar? 3. How can Solomon's wisdom in handling Adonijah's rebellion inform our approach to resolving conflicts in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's decision to forgive Adonijah, and how can we apply these lessons to our relationships with others? 5. How does the concept of seeking asylum at the altar in ancient Israel relate to the New Testament teachings on finding refuge in Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 21:14This verse discusses the concept of seeking refuge at the altar, which Adonijah attempted to do. It provides context for the cultural and religious significance of the altar as a place of asylum. 1 Samuel 24:8David's act of bowing to Saul parallels Adonijah's bowing to Solomon, illustrating a theme of submission to God's anointed king. Proverbs 16:7This verse speaks to the idea of making peace with one's enemies, which is relevant to Solomon's decision to spare Adonijah. 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, Altar, Bowed, Boweth, Bring, Home, Honour, Obeisance, Prostrated, SolomonDictionary of Bible Themes 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 1:53 NIV1 Kings 1:53 NLT1 Kings 1:53 ESV1 Kings 1:53 NASB1 Kings 1:53 KJV
1 Kings 1:53 Commentaries
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