1 Kings 1:51 - Exposition

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 is one of many passages which show how lightly the Jews esteemed promises in comparison with oaths. The sentiment possibly took its rise in the oaths sworn by the Divine Being ( Genesis 22:16 ; Genesis 24:7 ; Exodus 16:16 , etc.), though it is possible, on the other hand, that these asseverations were made in deference to the popular sentiment. Be that as it may, the oath held a much more conspicuous and important place in the Jewish than the Christian economy. See Genesis 21:23 ; Genesis 31:23 ; Numbers 14:2 ; Numbers 30:2 ; 15:12 ; 21:1 ; 1 Samuel 14:28 ; Jeremiah 5:2 , and, to omit other passages, 1 Kings 1:13 ; 1 Kings 2:8 , 1 Kings 2:23 , 1 Kings 2:42 . Even our Lord, who rebuked the habit ( Matthew 5:34-37 ; Matthew 23:16-22 ) respected the adjuration of Caiaphas, and St. Paul frequently appeals to God ( Acts 26:29 ; 2 Corinthians 1:23 ; 2 Corinthians 11:31 ; Philippians 1:8 .) The Christian religion, as it has gradually begotten a reverence for truth, has made the simple word into a bond] that he will not slay his servant [Cf. "I will be King," 1 Kings 2:5 .] with the sword [the usual form of capital punishment, 1 Kings if. 8, 25, 31, 46. Adonijah indirectly confesses that he had merited death].