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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 1:51 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.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/1-51.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/11_1Ki_01_51.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 1:51 - Adonijah Learns of Solomon's Kingship" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/1-51.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/1-51.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 51</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm" title="1 Kings 1:50">◄</a> 1 Kings 1:51 <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm" title="1 Kings 1:52">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_kings/1.htm">New International Version</a> Then Solomon was told, &#8220Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and is clinging to the horns of the altar. He says, &#8216Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Word soon reached Solomon that Adonijah had seized the horns of the altar in fear, and that he was pleading, “Let King Solomon swear today that he will not kill me!” <a href="/esv/1_kings/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.’” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/1.htm">King James Bible</a> And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to day that he will not slay his servant with the sword. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/1.htm">New King James Version</a> And it was told Solomon, saying, “Indeed Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon; for look, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’ ” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it was reported to Solomon, saying, “Behold, Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon, for behold, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘May King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now it was told Solomon, saying, &#8220Behold, Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon, for behold, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, &#8216Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now it was told Solomon, saying, “Behold, Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon, for behold, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then it was told to Solomon, saying, “Behold, Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon, and behold, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” <a href="/amp/1_kings/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Solomon was told, “Behold, Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon, and behold, he has grasped the horns of the altar [seeking God’s protection], saying, ‘King Solomon must swear to me today that he will not kill his servant with the sword.’” <a href="/csb/1_kings/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> It was reported to Solomon, “Look, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me that he will not kill his servant with the sword.’ ” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> It was reported to Solomon: &#8220Look, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, &#8216Let King Solomon first swear to me that he will not kill his servant with the sword.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon; for, lo, he hath laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me first that he will not slay his servant with the sword. <a href="/cev/1_kings/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Someone told Solomon, "Adonijah is afraid of you and is holding onto the corners of the altar. He wants you to promise that you won't kill him." <a href="/erv/1_kings/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me this day that he wilt not slay his servant with the sword. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Someone told Solomon, "Adonijah is afraid of you, King Solomon. He is holding on to the horns of the altar and saying, 'Make King Solomon swear to me today that he will not have me killed.'" <a href="/gnt/1_kings/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> King Solomon was told that Adonijah was afraid of him and that he was holding on to the corners of the altar and had said, "First, I want King Solomon to swear to me that he will not have me put to death." <a href="/isv/1_kings/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Hey look!" somebody informed Solomon. "Adonijah is terrified of King Solomon! He's gone out, grabbed hold of the horns of the altar, and now he's begging King Solomon, 'Swear to me that you won't put your servant to death with a sword!'" <a href="/msb/1_kings/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.?? <a href="/net/1_kings/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Solomon was told, "Look, Adonijah fears you; see, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, 'May King Solomon solemnly promise me today that he will not kill his servant with the sword.'" <a href="/nheb/1_kings/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It was told Solomon, saying, "Look, Adonijah fears king Solomon; for, look, he has laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, 'Let king Solomon swear to me first that he will not kill his servant with the sword.'" <a href="/wbt/1_kings/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear to me to-day that he will not slay his servant with the sword. <a href="/web/1_kings/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Solomon was told, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon; for, behold, he is hanging onto the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not kill his servant with the sword.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it is declared to Solomon, saying, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and behold, he has laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let King Solomon swear to me as today—he does not put his servant to death by the sword.” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it is declared to Solomon, saying, 'Lo, Adonijah feareth king Solomon, and lo, he hath laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear to me as to-day -- he doth not put to death his servant by the sword.' <a href="/slt/1_kings/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be announced to Solomon, saving, Behold, Adonijah was afraid of king Solomon, and behold, he seized upon the horns of the altar, saying, Will king Solomon swear to me according to the day if he will kill his servant with the sword?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they told Solomon, saying: Behold Adonias, fearing king Solomon, hath taken hold of the horn of the altar, saying: Let king Solomon swear to me this day, that he will not kill his servant with the sword. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they reported to Solomon, saying: “Behold, Adonijah, fearing king Solomon, has taken hold of the horn of the altar, saying: ‘May king Solomon swear to me this day that he will not put to death his servant with the sword.’ ” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/1.htm">New American Bible</a> It was reported to Solomon: “Adonijah, in fear of King Solomon, is clinging to the horns of the altar and saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear that he will not kill me, his servant, with the sword.’ ” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Solomon was informed, “Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon; see, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not kill his servant with the sword.’”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it was told King Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah is afraid because of you, and, lo, has taken refuge on the horns of the altar, saying, Let King Solomon swear to me this day that he will not slay his servant with the sword. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was told King Solomon: “Behold, Aduniah is afraid before you and he has seized refuge on the horns of the altar and said: “Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not kill his Servant with the sword!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it was told Solomon, saying: 'Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon; for, lo, he hath laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying: Let king Solomon swear unto me first of all that he will not slay his servant with the sword.' <a href="/sep/1_kings/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it was reported to Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonias fears king Solomon, and holds the horns of the altar, saying, Let Solomon swear to me this day, that he will not slay his servant with the sword. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/1-51.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=532" 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 Learns of Solomon's Kingship</a> …50But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. 51<a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yug·gaḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hofal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">It was reported</a> <a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: liš·lō·mōh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">to Solomon:</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/138.htm" title="138: ’ă·ḏō·nî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Original dadoniyahuw; from 'adown and Yahh; lord of Jah; Adonijah, the name of three Israelites.">Adonijah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yā·rê (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">fears</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">King</a> <a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: šə·lō·mōh (N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">Solomon,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/270.htm" title="270: ’ā·ḥaz (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To grasp, take hold, take possession. A primitive root; to seize.">and he has taken hold</a> <a href="/hebrew/7161.htm" title="7161: bə·qar·nō·wṯ (Prep-b:: N-fpc) -- From qaran; a horn; by implication, a flask, cornet; by resembl. An elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray; figuratively, power.">of the horns</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: ham·miz·bê·aḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">of the altar,</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/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">‘Let King</a> <a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: šə·lō·mōh (N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">Solomon</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: ḵay·yō·wm (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">first</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: yiš·šā·ḇa‘- (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">swear</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mîṯ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to put</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·dōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: be·ḥā·reḇ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">to the sword.’”</a> 52And 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.”…<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="/exodus/21-14.htm">Exodus 21:14</a> But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</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. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a> But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” <a href="/2_samuel/14-11.htm">2 Samuel 14:11</a> “Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.” <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/2-36.htm">1 Kings 2:36-46</a> Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” / “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. ... <a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25-28</a> The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. / But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled / and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed, ... <a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">Joshua 20:1-6</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ... <a href="/2_samuel/22-3.htm">2 Samuel 22:3</a> My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a> The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. <a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a> He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a> Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. <a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a> Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. <a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a> For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah fears king Solomon: for, see, he has caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear to me today that he will not slay his servant with the sword.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Adonijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-66.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-23.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Horns</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-16.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-21.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-27.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-17.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-9.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-48.htm">Today</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-48.htm">To-Day</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/1-53.htm">Adonijah</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-13.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-53.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/job/1-8.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-17.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">Horns</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-43.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-38.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-27.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-42.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-24.htm">Today</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-24.htm">To-Day</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>It was reported to Solomon: This phrase indicates the communication of news to Solomon, who was the son of King David and Bathsheba. Solomon's rise to the throne was marked by political intrigue and family dynamics. The report signifies the importance of information and intelligence in maintaining power and order in the kingdom. In the context of ancient Israel, the king's court would have been a hub of activity where such reports were crucial for decision-making.Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon: Adonijah, Solomon's older brother, had previously declared himself king, attempting to usurp the throne. His fear of Solomon reflects the political tension and the potential for retribution common in royal successions of the time. This fear also underscores the legitimacy of Solomon's kingship, as recognized by both divine appointment and David's endorsement. The fear of a new king was typical in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where new rulers often eliminated rivals to secure their reign.and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar: The altar, located in the tabernacle, was a sacred place where sacrifices were made to God. The horns of the altar were considered a place of asylum, where individuals could seek refuge and mercy. This act by Adonijah is a plea for protection and a recognition of the altar's sanctity. It reflects the ancient practice of seeking sanctuary in holy places, a concept also seen in <a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">Exodus 21:14</a>, where the altar is a place of refuge for those seeking mercy.saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’ Adonijah's request for an oath from Solomon highlights the seriousness of his situation and his desire for assurance of safety. The phrase "put to the sword" is a common biblical expression for execution or death by violence. This plea for mercy is a recognition of Solomon's authority and a request for clemency. The use of "servant" indicates Adonijah's submission to Solomon's rule, acknowledging his position as a subject rather than a rival. This request for an oath is reminiscent of other biblical instances where oaths were used to secure peace and protection, such as the covenant between David and Jonathan in <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">1 Samuel 20</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/adonijah.htm">Adonijah</a> The son of King David who attempted to usurp the throne, fearing retribution from Solomon. 2. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> The son of David and Bathsheba, anointed as king, representing the legitimate continuation of David's dynasty. 3. <a href="/topical/h/horns_of_the_altar.htm">Horns of the Altar</a> A place of refuge in the tabernacle, symbolizing God's mercy and protection. 4. <a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a> The aging king whose succession plan is being challenged by Adonijah. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events unfold, central to Israel's political and spiritual life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/seeking_mercy.htm">Seeking Mercy</a> Adonijah'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. <a href="/topical/l/legitimate_authority.htm">Legitimate Authority</a> Solomon's response to Adonijah's plea reflects the importance of recognizing and submitting to God-ordained authority. <a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a> Adonijah's fear of Solomon's retribution contrasts with the faith we are called to have in God's justice and mercy. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_altar.htm">Symbolism of the Altar</a> The altar represents a place of sacrifice and atonement. In Christ, we find our ultimate refuge and atonement. <a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a> Solomon's handling of Adonijah's rebellion teaches us about resolving conflicts with wisdom and discernment.<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/evidence_of_solomon's_pagan_altars.htm">1 Kings 11:7 - Is there any archaeological evidence of the pagan altars and high places that Solomon supposedly built?</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 href="/q/do_1_kings_7_48-51_treasures_match_other_accounts.htm">Do the treasures listed in 1 Kings 7:48-51 align with known temple inventories or is there any inconsistency with other biblical accounts?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_song_4_fit_solomon's_many_wives.htm">If historically attributed to King Solomon, how does Song of Solomon 4 mesh with the accounts of his many wives and concubines in other biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 11:3)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 51. - And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold Adonijah feareth King Solomon, for lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, let king Solomon [this repetition of the title is striking. Both courtiers and criminals hasten to give the young king his new honours. In Adonijah's mouth it is also a virtual abdication of his claim to the throne and a direct acknowledgment of the new monarch. But see on vers. 1 and 35.] swear unto me today [Cf. <a href="/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23</a>. This is one of many passages which show how lightly the Jews esteemed promises in comparison with oaths. The sentiment possibly took its rise in the oaths sworn by the Divine Being (<a href="/genesis/22-16.htm">Genesis 22:16</a>; <a href="/genesis/24-7.htm">Genesis 24:7</a>; <a href="/exodus/16-16.htm">Exodus 16:16</a>, etc.), though it is possible, on the other hand, that these asseverations were made in deference to the popular sentiment. Be that as it may, the oath held a much more conspicuous and important place in the Jewish than the Christian economy. See <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23</a>; <a href="/genesis/31-23.htm">Genesis 31:23</a>; <a href="/numbers/14-2.htm">Numbers 14:2</a>; <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>; <a href="/judges/15-12.htm">Judges 15:12</a>; <a href="/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/14-28.htm">1 Samuel 14:28</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/5-2.htm">Jeremiah 5:2</a>, and, to omit other passages, <a href="/1_kings/1-13.htm">1 Kings 1:13</a>; <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">1 Kings 2:8, 23, 42</a>. Even our Lord, who rebuked the habit (<a href="/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34-37</a>; <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a>) respected the adjuration of Caiaphas, and St. Paul frequently appeals to God (<a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Acts 26:29</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-23.htm">2 Corinthians 1:23</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-31.htm">2 Corinthians 11:31</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm">Philippians 1:8</a>.) The Christian religion, as it has gradually begotten a reverence for truth, has made the simple word into a bond] that he will not slay his servant [Cf. "I will be King," ver. 5.] with the sword [the usual form of capital punishment, <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">1 Kings 2:8, 25, 31, 46</a>. Adonijah indirectly confesses that he had merited death]. Verse 51. - And Solomon said [i.e., he refused to swear], If he will shew himself a worthy man [בֶּן־חַיִל, cf. אִיש־חַיִל, ver. 1 Kings 1:42], there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth [i.e., not a single hair shall be injured. Same expression <a href="/1_samuel/14-45.htm">1 Samuel 14:45</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/14-11.htm">2 Samuel 14:11</a>; <a href="/acts/27-34.htm">Acts 27:34</a>. It was evidently a familiar saying] but if wickedness shall be found in him, [i.e., if he shall commit any fresh crime] he shall die [Hebrew וָמֵת, "then he shall die," emphatic.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/1-51.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>It was reported וַיֻּגַּ֤ד (way·yug·gaḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous to Solomon: לִשְׁלֹמֹה֙ (liš·lō·mōh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne “Behold, הִנֵּה֙ (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! Adonijah אֲדֹ֣נִיָּ֔הוּ (’ă·ḏō·nî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_138.htm">Strong's 138: </a> Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites fears יָרֵ֖א (yā·rê) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten King הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Solomon, שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה (šə·lō·mōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne and he has taken hold אָחַ֞ז (’ā·ḥaz) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_270.htm">Strong's 270: </a> To grasp, take hold, take possession of the horns בְּקַרְנ֤וֹת (bə·qar·nō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7161.htm">Strong's 7161: </a> A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power of the altar, הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar saying, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Let King הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Solomon שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne first כַיּוֹם֙ (ḵay·yō·wm) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day swear יִשָּֽׁבַֽע־ (yiš·šā·ḇa‘-) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear to me לִ֤י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not to put יָמִ֥ית (yā·mîṯ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill his servant עַבְדּ֖וֹ (‘aḇ·dōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant to the sword.?? בֶּחָֽרֶב׃ (be·ḥā·reḇ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/1-51.htm">1 Kings 1:51 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-51.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 1:51 It was told Solomon saying Behold Adonijah (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 1:50"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:50" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 1:52"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:52" /></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>