Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 1:41-53

We have here, I. The tidings of Solomon's inauguration brought to Adonijah and his party, in the midst of their jollity: They had made an end of eating, and, it should seem, it was a great while before they made an end, for all the affair of Solomon's anointing was ordered and finished while they were at dinner, glutting themselves. Thus those who serve not our Lord Christ, but oppose him, are commonly such as serve their own belly (Rom. 16:18) and made a god of it, Phil. 3:19. Their long... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:50

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon ,.... Lest he should seize him as an usurper and traitor, and put him to death: and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar ; either that which was at Gibeon, where the tabernacle now was; see 1 Kings 3:4 ; so Jarchi; or rather that which was nearest, the altar that David had built in the threshingfloor of Araunah, 2 Samuel 24:25 ; the altar was a sort of asylum, or refuge, for such who had committed any crime worthy of death;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:51

And it was told Solomon ,.... By some of his courtiers: saying, behold, Adonijah feareth King Solomon ; lest he should take away his life: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar ; which was the last resort of the guilty when they despaired of mercy otherwise: saying, let King Solomon swear unto me this day that he will not slay his servant with the sword ; he owns Solomon to be king, and himself his subject and servant; this no doubt he did to conciliate his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:50

Adonijah feared - He knew he had usurped the kingdom, and had not his father's consent; and, as he finds now that Solomon is appointed by David, he knows well that the people will immediately respect that appointment, and that his case is hopeless; he therefore took sanctuary, and, fleeing to the tabernacle, laid hold on one of the horns of the altar, as if appealing to the protection of God against the violence of men. The altar was a privileged place, and it was deemed sacrilege to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:50

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon and he arose and went and caught hold of the horns of the altar. [Cf. 1 Kings 2:28 . Probably the altar of Mount Zion, 1 Kings 3:15 ; 2 Samuel 6:17 . Though it is impossible to say positively whether this or the altar at Gibeon ( 2 Samuel 3:4 ) or that recently erected on the threshing floor of Araunah ( 2 Samuel 24:25 ) is meant. For the "horns," see Exodus 27:2 ; Exodus 38:2 ; and compare Exodus 30:2 . They were of shittim ( i.e; ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:51

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 1 Kings 1:1 and 1 Kings 1:35 .] swear unto me today [Cf. 2 Samuel 19:23 . This... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:51

And Solomon said [ i.e; he refused to swear], If he will shew himself a worthy man [ בֶּן־חַיִל , cf. אִיש־חַיִל , 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 1 Samuel 14:45 ; 2 Samuel 14:11 ; Acts 27:34 . 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,"... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 1:50

On the “horns” of the altar, see Exodus 27:2 note. The altar to which Adonijah fled was probably in the “tabernacle” already referred to 1 Kings 1:39. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 1:50-51

1 Kings 1:50-51. Adonijah feared, &c. He fled to the altar for protection and safety, it being a privileged place; not, indeed, by the appointment of the law, but by the custom of all nations. And caught hold on the horns of the altar With a resolution, it seems, of not stirring therefrom till Solomon had given his oath, or solemn word, not to take away his life. And by thus doing Adonijah appears to have hindered the offering of sacrifices on the altar till such time as Solomon... read more

Group of Brands