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Matthew Henry

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:6

And his father had not displeased him at any time ,.... Always humoured him in everything, let him have his own way and will, and granted him what he desired, and never corrected him for his faults, or made him ashamed, as the Targum, by telling him of them, and chastising him for them; this was not to the credit of David, being guilty of the same sin with Eli; and on this Adonijah presumed much, that he would not contradict and countermand in this as he had not in other things before: in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest ,.... About getting the kingdom into his hands: and they were very proper persons to consult with, who, if gained to his interest, might be of great service, the one being the general of the army, and so had a great interest in the soldiery, with whom he could make way for him, and defend him, and the other was the high priest, who might be thought to have a great share in the affections of the people, and whose... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:7

And he conferred with Joab - Joab well knew, if he made the new king, he would necessarily be continued in the command of the army, and so govern him. read more

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

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