1 Kings 1:9 NIV

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 1:1-12

A. Solomon’s Succession to David’s Throne 1:1-2:12The first segment of the writer’s story (1 Kings 1:1 to 1 Kings 2:12) continues the history of Israel’s monarchy where 2 Samuel ended. It records the final events in David’s reign that led to Solomon’s succession to the throne. It answers the question raised in 2 Samuel 9-20, namely, "Who will succeed David?" Similarly, Genesis 12-22 answers the question, "Who will be Abram’s heir?" read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 1:5-53

2. Adonijah’s attempt to seize the throne 1:5-53Adonijah ("Yahweh is lord") was David’s fourth son (2 Samuel 3:4) and the eldest one living at this time. Evidently he believed it was more important that the eldest son succeed David, as was customary in the Near East, than that the king of Yahweh’s anointing occupy that position. God had identified Solomon as David’s successor even before Solomon was born (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). Adonijah’s revolt was primarily against the revealed will of God,... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:1-53

An Intrigue for the SuccessionThis chapter relates Adonijah’s attempt to obtain the succession, its defeat through the agency of Nathan, and the enthronement of Solomon. The history contained in it is omitted in 1 Ch, where, however, mention is made of Solomon’s having been crowned not once only but twice (1 Chronicles 29:22). Probably the second occasion corresponds to what is related in 1 Kings 1:39 (cp. 1 Chronicles 29:24 with 1 Kings 1:53).1. Now] better, ’and,’ connecting this book with... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Kings 1:9

(9) The stone of Zoheleth.—The meaning is uncertain. The derivation seems to be from a root, meaning to “crawl,” or “steal on.” Some interpreters render, the “stone of the serpents;” the Targums make it “the rolling stone;” other authorities “the stone of the conduit,” which would suit well its position as here described.En-rogel.—“The spring of the fuller.” (See Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:16; 2 Samuel 17:17.) Its proximity would be useful for the purposes of sacrifice; for it appears to be the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

AN EASTERN COURT AND HOME1 Kings 1:1-53"Pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness."Ezekiel 16:49A MAN does not choose his own destiny; it is ordained for higher ends than his own personal happiness. If David could have made his choice, he might, indeed, have been dazzled by the glittering lure of royalty; yet he would have been in all probability happier and nobler had he never risen above the simple life of his forefathers. Our saintly king in Shakespeare’s tragedy says:-"My crown is... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:5-53

ADONIJAH’S REBELLION1 Kings 1:5-53"The king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?"- Ecclesiastes 8:4THE fate of Amnon and of Absalom might have warned the son who was now the eldest, and who had succeeded to their claims.Adonijah was the son of Haggith, "the dancer." His father had piously given him the name, which means "Jehovah is my Lord." He too, was "a very goodly man," treated by David with foolish indulgence, and humored in all his wishes. Although the rights of... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Kings 1:1-27

Analysis and Annotations I. DAVID’S LAST DAYS AND THE CROWNING OF SOLOMON 1. Adonijah’s Exaltation to be King CHAPTER 1:1-27 1. David’s decrepitude (1 Kings 1:1-4 ) 2. Adonijah’s self-exaltation (1 Kings 1:5-9 ) 3. The plot of Nathan and Bath-sheba (1 Kings 1:10-14 ) 4. Bath-sheba and Nathan before the king (1 Kings 1:15-27 ) David was about 70 years old and extremely feeble. The strenuous life he had led, the exposures and hardships of his youth, the cares and anxieties of his... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:1-53

ADONIJAH EXALTS HIMSELF (vs.1-10) Being 70 years old, David was near to death. He complained of the cold, though well covered with blankets. His servants thought that a young girl, a virgin, would help to warm him. Why could not one of his wives do this? But they found a beautiful young woman, Abishag, and brought her to the king (v.2). She ministered to the king's needs, but he did not cohabit with her (v.4). Men will employ any available means of dealing with problems instead of committing... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

THE CORONATION OF SOLOMON THE OCCASION FOR SOLOMON’S CORONATION (1 Kings 1:10 ) The incident in the first four verses is recorded not for itself, but because of what grew out of it in Adonijah’s case (1 Kings 2:13-25 ). It was a custom in the Orient, and still is, to do this for hygienic reasons on the supposition “that the inhalation of young breath will give new vigor to a worn-out frame.” The event shows that Abishag was made a concubine or secondary wife to the king (1 Kings 2:22 ).... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Kings 1:1-53

Usurpation 1 Kings 1:0 DAVID is "old and stricken in years." Round about him there are certain proceedings which are almost always associated with the death of great men. There are persons who are wondering who will succeed to the throne. One man has made up his mind that he will be the king. Could we understand all that is going on in the minds of our friends when we ourselves are approaching the hour and article of death, we should be surprised by some revelations of character which we had... read more