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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 1:5 At that time Adonijah, David's son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, "I will be king!" And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/11_1Ki_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah Usurps the Kingdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="At that time Adonijah, David's son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, I will be king! 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and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, with fifty men to run before him. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, &#8220I will be king.&#8221 So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen with fifty men to run before him. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen with fifty men to run before him. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself a chariot and horsemen and fifty men as runners before him. <a href="/amp/1_kings/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Adonijah the son of [David’s wife] Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I [the eldest living son] will be king.” So [following Absalom’s example] he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/csb/1_kings/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Adonijah son of Haggith kept exalting himself, saying, “I will be king! ” He prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Adonijah son of Haggith kept exalting himself, saying, &#8220I will be king!&#8221 He prepared chariots, cavalry, and 50 men to run ahead of him. <a href="/asv/1_kings/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/erv/1_kings/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Adonijah, son of Haggith, was very handsome. His mother gave birth to him after Maacah had Absalom. Adonijah was boasting that he was king. So he got a chariot and horses and 50 men to run ahead of him. <a href="/isv/1_kings/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, about this time Haggith's son Adonijah began to seek a reputation for himself and decided, "I'm going to be king!" So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and 50 soldiers to serve as a security detail to guard him. <a href="/msb/1_kings/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> At that time Adonijah, David?s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, ?I will be king!? And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. <a href="/net/1_kings/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Adonijah, son of David and Haggith, was promoting himself, boasting, "I will be king!" He managed to acquire chariots and horsemen, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, "I will be king." So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/web/1_kings/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Adonijah son of Haggith is lifting himself up, saying, “I reign”; and he prepares for himself a chariot and horsemen, and fifty men running before him, <a href="/ylt/1_kings/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Adonijah son of Haggith is lifting himself up, saying, 'I do reign;' and he prepareth for himself a chariot and horsemen, and fifty men running before him, <a href="/slt/1_kings/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Adonijah, son of Haggith being lifted up, saying, I will reign; and he will make to himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Adonias the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying: I will be king. And he made himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Adonijah, the son of Haggith, exalted himself, saying, “I shall reign!” And he appointed for himself chariots and horsemen, with fifty men who would run before him. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Adonijah, son of Haggith, boasted, “I shall be king!” and he provided himself with chariots, horses, and a retinue of fifty to go before him. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now Adonijah son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”; he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Aduniah, son of Khagith was exalting himself and he said: “I will be King!” , and he made for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men were running before him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying: 'I will be king'; and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/sep/1_kings/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Adonias the son of Aggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king; and he prepared for himself chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/1-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=38" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm">Adonijah Usurps the Kingdom</a> 5<a href="/hebrew/138.htm" title="138: wa·’ă·ḏō·nî·yāh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Original dadoniyahuw; from 'adown and Yahh; lord of Jah; Adonijah, the name of three Israelites.">At that time Adonijah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">David’s son</a> <a href="/hebrew/2294.htm" title="2294: ḥag·gîṯ (N-proper-fs) -- Festal, a wife of David. Feminine of Chaggiy; festive; Chaggith, a wife of David.">by Haggith,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: miṯ·naś·śê (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">began to exalt himself,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: ’em·lōḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">will be king!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘aś (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">And he acquired</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7393.htm" title="7393: re·ḵeḇ (N-ms) -- From rakab; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. The upper millstone.">chariots</a> <a href="/hebrew/6571.htm" title="6571: ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A steed, a driver, cavalry. From parash; a steed (compare cuwc); also a driver, i.e. cavalry.">and horsemen</a> <a href="/hebrew/2572.htm" title="2572: wa·ḥă·miš·šîm (Conj-w:: Number-cp) -- Fifty. Multiple of chamesh; fifty.">and fifty</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: rā·ṣîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">to run</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">ahead of him.</a> 6(His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1-12</a> Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm">2 Samuel 3:2-4</a> And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; / his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; / his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; <a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">2 Samuel 13:28-29</a> Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” / So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule. <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">2 Samuel 14:25-27</a> Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw. / And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard. / Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman. <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">2 Samuel 18:9-15</a> Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair. / When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” / “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!” ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-10.htm">2 Samuel 19:10</a> But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a> Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1-2</a> Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. <a href="/1_kings/2-15.htm">1 Kings 2:15</a> “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. <a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">1 Kings 2:22</a> King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!” <a href="/1_kings/2-24.htm">1 Kings 2:24-25</a> And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28</a> When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. <a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">1 Kings 2:35</a> And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place. <a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">1 Kings 11:26-40</a> Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, / and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. / Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph. ... <a href="/1_kings/16-8.htm">1 Kings 16:8-10</a> In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years. / However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. / So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.Adonijah<a href="/2_samuel/3-4.htm">2 Samuel 3:4</a> And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;<a href="/1_chronicles/3-2.htm">1 Chronicles 3:2</a> The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:exalted<a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">1 Kings 1:11</a> Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?<a href="/1_kings/2-24.htm">1 Kings 2:24</a> Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.<a href="/exodus/9-17.htm">Exodus 9:17</a> As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?I will<a href="/deuteronomy/17-15.htm">Deuteronomy 17:15</a> Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.<a href="/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.<a href="/1_chronicles/22-5.htm">1 Chronicles 22:5-11</a> And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death… be king [heb] reign <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">Deuteronomy 17:16</a> But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.<a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1</a> And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.<a href="/isaiah/2-7.htm">Isaiah 2:7</a> Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-4.htm">Adonijah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-4.htm">Adoni'jah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/exodus/14-9.htm">Carriages</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-24.htm">Fifty</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-4.htm">Haggith</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-18.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-13.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Prepareth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-28.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-26.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-4.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-30.htm">Run</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Runners</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">Adonijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">Adoni'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">Carriages</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-13.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-2.htm">Fifty</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">Haggith</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-19.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-6.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-18.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-1.htm">Prepareth</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-22.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-40.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-14.htm">Run</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-27.htm">Runners</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-5.htm">Running</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 1</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/1-1.htm">Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age</a> 5. <a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom</a> 11. <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">By the council of Nathan</a> 15. <a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Bathsheba moves the king</a> 22. <a href="/1_kings/1-22.htm">And Nathan seconds her</a> 28. <a href="/1_kings/1-28.htm">David renews his oath to Bathsheba</a> 32. <a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">Solomon, by David's appointment, </a> 38. <a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm">being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph</a> 41. <a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly</a> 50. <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, Adonijah was the fourth son of King David, born to him by Haggith. His older brothers Amnon and Absalom were dead, and Chileab is not mentioned as a contender for the throne, making Adonijah the eldest surviving son. This context sets the stage for his ambition. The mention of Haggith highlights the multiple wives of David, a common practice for kings of that era, which often led to familial strife and competition among siblings.began to exalt himself, Adonijah's self-exaltation reflects a common theme in the Bible where individuals seek to elevate themselves without divine sanction. This act of self-promotion contrasts with the biblical principle that God exalts the humble (<a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a>). Adonijah's actions can be seen as a parallel to Absalom's earlier rebellion, where he also sought to take the throne by force.saying, “I will be king!” Adonijah's declaration reveals his ambition and presumption. Unlike Solomon, who was chosen by David and anointed by the prophet Nathan, Adonijah's claim lacks divine endorsement. This statement foreshadows the conflict that will arise as he attempts to seize the throne without God's blessing, reminiscent of other biblical figures who sought power without divine approval.And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. The acquisition of chariots and horsemen signifies a display of military power and royal authority, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The fifty men running ahead were likely forerunners, a sign of royal procession, intended to impress and gain support from the people. This act of gathering military resources and public display is reminiscent of Absalom's earlier attempt to usurp David's throne (<a href="/2_samuel/15.htm">2 Samuel 15:1</a>). It also contrasts with the biblical ideal of kingship, where reliance on God is paramount over military might (<a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/adonijah.htm">Adonijah</a> The fourth son of King David, known for his ambition to become king. His actions in this verse set the stage for a significant conflict over the succession of the throne of Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/h/haggith.htm">Haggith</a> One of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah. Her mention highlights the familial connections and potential rivalries within David's household. 3. <a href="/topical/c/chariots_and_cavalry.htm">Chariots and Cavalry</a> Symbols of military power and authority. Adonijah's preparation of these indicates his intent to assert his claim to the throne through force and display of strength. 4. <a href="/topical/f/fifty_men.htm">Fifty Men</a> These men running ahead of Adonijah symbolize his attempt to establish a royal presence and legitimacy, mimicking the practices of established kings. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> While not mentioned directly in this verse, the events unfold in the context of the capital city, where the political and spiritual heart of Israel resides.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_self-exaltation.htm">The Dangers of Self-Exaltation</a> Adonijah's self-promotion serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of pride and ambition. Believers are reminded to seek God's will rather than their own advancement. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_divine_appointment.htm">The Importance of Divine Appointment</a> The account underscores the importance of waiting for God's timing and appointment, as opposed to seizing power through human means. <a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_leadership.htm">Family Dynamics and Leadership</a> The account highlights the complexities of family relationships and leadership, encouraging believers to seek wisdom and guidance in managing familial and leadership roles. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_external_appearances.htm">The Role of External Appearances</a> Adonijah's use of chariots and men to project power reminds us that true leadership and authority come from God, not from outward appearances or displays of strength.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1</a> <a href="/q/why_little_evidence_for_adonijah's_claim.htm">Why is there scant historical or archaeological evidence supporting Adonijah’s self-declaration as king (1 Kings 1:5–10)? </a> <a href="/q/is_solomon's_sudden_support_plausible.htm">Is the sudden political shift to support Solomon, described in 1 Kings 1:11–14, historically plausible without records of major resistance or conflict? </a> <a href="/q/solomon's_life__key_events,_lessons.htm">What are the key events and lessons from Solomon's life?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_we_reconcile_swift_punishments.htm">How do we reconcile the swift punishments in 1 Kings 2:22–25 and 2:29–34 with David’s emphasis on justice elsewhere, and is there historical evidence supporting these executions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Adonijah (my Lord is Jehovah), David's fourth son, born in Hebron (<a href="/2_samuel/3-4.htm" title="And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;">2Samuel 3:4</a>), at least thirty-three years before. From the words of Solomon in <a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm" title="And king Solomon answered and said to his mother, And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is my elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.">1Kings 2:22</a>, we may gather that he claimed the throne as being now the eldest son. Hence it is probable that Chileab (or Daniel, see <a href="/2_samuel/3-3.htm" title="And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;">2Samuel 3:3</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/3-1.htm" title="Now these were the sons of David, which were born to him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:">1Chronicles 3:1</a>), the second son, was dead, as well as Amnon and Absalom. The similarity between Adonijah and Absalom, in respect of personal beauty, favour with a too-indulgent father, ambition and trust in popularity, is evidently suggested by the narrative, which places them in close connection, although born of different mothers. The means, moreover, which Adonijah employed, the body-guard of fifty men, and the maintenance of "chariots and horsemen," are exactly imitated from the example of Absalom (<a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm" title="And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.">2Samuel 15:1</a>); and we note that the festal sacrifice, with the support of two important leaders in peace and war, recalls the same model. But Adonijah hardly shows the craft and ruthless determination of the elder rebel. His attempt on the crown seems crude and ill-planned in conception, and wanting in promptitude of action.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Then Adonijah [ = "Jehovah is my Lord." The fourth son of David, and now apparently the eldest surviving. It seems probable that Chileab, or Daniel (<a href="/1_chronicles/3-1.htm">1 Chronicles 3:1</a>), David's second son, died in infancy. For Amnon's death, see <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm">2 Samuel 13:29</a>; for Absalom's, <a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">2 Samuel 18:14</a>. He must now have been between thirty-three and forty years of age (having been born in Hebron)] the son of Haggith [ = "Festive" (Gesen.) "the dancer" (Stanley)] exalted himself, saying [to him self and his confederates], I will be king. [It is not difficult to trace this resolve to its sources. They were (1) his seniority (<a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">1 Kings 2:22</a>). It is true there was no "right of primogeniture" in the Hebrew monarchy. "The God King had reserved to Himself the choice of the earthly king" (Keil). David himself was not the eldest, but the youngest brother. At the same time primogeniture, ceteris paribus, would have, and as a matter of fact had, considerable weight. The firstborn had the birthright; can we doubt he would expect the crown, and think it hard if he were passed over? (see <a href="/2_chronicles/21-3.htm">2 Chronicles 21:3</a>). (2) His personal attractions. Adonijah would think that his beauty and stature (Josephus mentions the latter) marked him out, as similar gifts had done Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2</a>),. for the throne. (3) He was encouraged in his pretensions, if indeed they were not suggested to him, by others, by Joab, for example (see on ver. 7). . . . <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>At that time Adonijah, וַאֲדֹנִיָּ֧ה (wa·’ă·ḏō·nî·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_138.htm">Strong's 138: </a> Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites [David's] son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son by Haggith, חַגִּ֛ית (ḥag·gîṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2294.htm">Strong's 2294: </a> Haggith -- 'festal', a wife of David began to exalt himself, מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א (miṯ·naś·śê) Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take saying, לֵאמֹ֖ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will be king!” אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ (’em·lōḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel And he acquired וַיַּ֣עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make chariots רֶ֚כֶב (re·ḵeḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone and horsemen וּפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים (ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6571.htm">Strong's 6571: </a> A steed, a driver, cavalry and fifty וַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים (wa·ḥă·miš·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2572.htm">Strong's 2572: </a> Fifty men אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person to run רָצִ֥ים (rā·ṣîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> To run ahead of him. לְפָנָֽיו׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 1:5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>