1 Kings 1:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 1:5-10

David had much affliction in his children. Amnon and Absalom had both been his grief; the one his first-born, the other his third, 2 Sam. 3:2, 3. His second, whom he had by Abigail, we will suppose he had comfort in; his fourth was Adonijah (2 Sam. 3:4); he was one of those that were born in Hebron; we have heard nothing of him till now, and here we are told that he was a comely person, and that he was next in age, and (as it proved) next in temper to Absalom, 1 Kgs. 1:6. And, further, that in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:5

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself ,.... This was his mother's name, 2 Samuel 3:4 ; his father David being old and infirm, and not like to live long, notable to oppose him; and he being the eldest son, and a comely person, was inspired with ambition to set up for king: saying, I will be king ; though he knew that Solomon was appointed of God, and promised by David, and expected by the people to be king, yet he was resolved to set up himself for king, and try if he could... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:5

Adonijah the son of Haggith - Who this woman was we know not; Adonijah was evidently David's eldest son now living, and one of whom his father was particularly fond; see 1 Kings 1:6 . Prepared him chariots and horsemen - He copied the conduct of his brother Absalom in every respect. See 2 Samuel 15:1 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:5

Then Adonijah [="Jehovah is my Lord." The fourth son of David, and now apparently the eldest surviving. It seems probable that Chileab, or Daniel ( 1 Chronicles 3:1 ), David's second son, died in infancy. For Amnon's death, see 2 Samuel 13:29 ; for Absalom's, 2 Samuel 18:14 . 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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:5

Adonijah and the Lord's Anointed. The conspiracy of Adonijah and its issue may suggest some lessons as to the kingdom of Christ and those who oppose His reign. For consider— I. SOLOMON IS A TYPE OF OUR BLESSED LORD . This is universally allowed. The true "son of David" is the Son of God. He is the Divine Wisdom, the true Anointed One, the eternal King of Israel. Solomon "the peaceful" prefigured the great "Prince of Peace." II. THE KINGDOM OF SOLOMON ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:5

The sin of ambition. Ambition is not always wrong. It is a common inspiration; and when the desire for distinction is associated with fitness for it, the call to effort and advance is from God. But for such ambition the world would stagnate. When the schoolboy is working for a prize, when the writer or speaker resolves to be amongst the foremost men of his age, when the man of business presses on towards the front ranks in the commercial world, we see what should be applauded and not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 1:5

The narrative concerning - Abishag, the Shunammite (see the margin reference “a”), is introduced as necessary for a proper understanding of Adonijah’s later history (see 1 Kings 2:13-25.) But even as it stands, it heightens considerably the picture drawn of the poor king’s weak and helpless condition, of which Adonijah was not ashamed to take advantage for his own aggrandizement. Adonijah was born while David reigned at Hebron, and was therefore now between thirty-three and forty years of age.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 1:5

1 Kings 1:5. Then Upon notice of the desperateness of the king’s disease, and the approach of his death; Adonijah exalted himself Entertained high thoughts and designs; saying, I will be king As the right of the kingdom is mine, (1 Kings 1:6,) so I will now take possession of it. And he prepared him chariots, &c. As Absalom had done upon the like occasion, 1 Samuel 15:1. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

1:1-4:34 SOLOMON ESTABLISHES HIS KINGDOMSolomon becomes king (1:1-53)David was old and his health was failing. He needed a nurse with him continually, one of her duties being to lie with him in bed to give him warmth. Although this nurse, Abishag, was not David’s concubine, many people apparently thought she was (1:1-4; see note on 2:22).Adonijah, David’s oldest surviving son, decided to establish himself as king while David was still alive, and so prevent any possible claim to the throne by... read more

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