1 Kings 1:50 - Exposition

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; acacia) wood overlaid with brass, and served a double purpose. Victims were bound to them ( Psalms 118:27 ), and blood was put upon them, Exodus 29:12 . As to the altar as a place of sanctuary, see on 1 Kings 2:28 . Evidently a right of sanctuary existed amongst both Jews and Gentiles at the time of the Exodus, and probably from time immemorial. It is referred to in Exodus 21:14 , but it was much circumscribed by the appointment of the cities of refuge ( Numbers 35:10 sqq.) By "laying hold of the horns the offender thereby placed himself under the protection of the saving and helping grace of God" (Bähr, "Symbolik," 1:474)