1 Kings 1:42

_AND WHILE HE YET SPAKE, BEHOLD, JONATHAN THE SON OF ABIATHAR THE PRIEST CAME: AND ADONIJAH SAID UNTO HIM, COME IN; FOR THOU ART A VALIANT MAN, AND BRINGEST GOOD TIDINGS._ No JFB commentary on these verses....

32-53 The people expressed great joy and satisfaction in the elevation of Solomon. Every true Israelite rejoices in the exaltation of the Son of David. Combinations formed upon evil principles will soon be dissolved, when self-interest calls another way. How can those who do evil deeds expect to have good tidings? Adonijah had despised Solomon, but soon dreaded him. We see here, as in a glass, Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God, exalted to the throne of glory, notwithstanding all his enemies. His kingdom is far greater than that of his father David, and therein all the true people of God cordially rejoice. The prosperity of his cause is vexation and terror to his enemies. No horns of the altar, nor forms of godliness, nor pretences to religion, can profit those who will not submit to His authority, and accept of his salvation; and if their submission be hypocritical, they shall p...

Jonathan had acted in a similar capacity, as a carrier of intelligence, in the time of Absalom’s attempt 2 Samuel 15:36; 2 Samuel 17:17; but at that time, like his father, he was faithful to David, and “a valiant man,” “a virtuous man,” or “a man of worth.” (See 1 Kings 1:52; Proverbs 12:4.)...

EXPOSITION THE REVOLT OF ADONIJAH AND THE ACCESSION OF SOLOMON.—The first chapter of this book is occupied with the accession of Solomon and with the circumstances which preceded, marked, and followed that event. The author, or compiler, evidently considered that his work properly began with the reign of Israel's third king, and David's illness and death are only introduced into the narrative because they necessitated a hasty and premature coronation of Solomon, and exercised an important influence on the beginning of his reign (1 Kings 2:1). In the natural order of events, Solomon would not have succeeded until his father's death, but Adonijah's attempt to possess himself of the kingdom required the immediate elevation of Sol

AND WHILE HE YET SPAKE, BEHOLD, JONATHAN THE SON OF ABIATHAR THE PRIEST CAME,.... Whom his father had left in the city, to observe what passed there, and give him notice of it: AND ADONIJAH SAID UNTO HIM, COME IN, FOR THOU [ART] A VALIANT MAN, AND BRINGEST GOOD TIDINGS; which seems to be not a very wise speech, as if there was a connection between being valiant, and bringing good news, or that the one had any influence upon the other; though perhaps it means no more than a good man, "a man of virtue" i, as it may be rendered; one that fears sin, as the Targum, and so would report nothing but what was true, and therefore might be depended on; see 2 Samuel 18:27; the same phrase is rendered "a worthy man", 1 Kings 1:52. i איש חיל "vir virtutis", Montanus, Vatab

2. THE ANOINTING OF SOLOMON AND ADONIJAH'S SUBMISSION CHAPTER 1:28-53 _ 1. The renewed promise to Bath-sheba (1 Kings 1:28)_ 2. The anointing of Solomon commanded (1 Kings 1:32) 3. Solomon made king (1 Kings 1:38) 4. The consternation of Adonijah (1 Kings 1:41) 5. Adonijah's fear and submission (1 Kings 1:50) Bath-sheba had withdrawn while Nathan was before the king. She is called back and David once more assures her that Solomon her son should reign after him. Then David commands that Solomon

LAST DAYS OF DAVID AND ACCESSION OF SOLOMON. This chapter with the following has many analogies with the court history of David (2 Samuel 11-20). The narrative bears every sign of an authentic account of actual events, told with complete impartiality, and without any attempt to comment favourably or otherwise on the events related. David is represented as a very aged man nursed by his youngest wife, Abishag the Shunammite (1 Kings 1:3). Her beauty is especially noticed as it may have caused the death of David's son, Adonijah. Shunem, her native place, was a slope overlooking the plain of Esdraelon near Jezreel, and she is the Shulammite in the Song of Songs (Ca. 1 Kings 6:13). The pivot around which all revolves is the succession. The chief claimant was Adonijah the son of Haggith ...

_Jonathan the son of Abiathar_ They had left in the city some who should bring them word of any stir which their doings might cause. Jonathan had discharged the same office of watchman and newsbringer at the time of Absalom's revolt. See 2Sa 15:27; 2 Samuel 17:17. But then he was to bring word to David. _a valiant man_ Perhaps rather, a WORTHY MAN. The same word, which is often translated by -valour," -wealth," -might," is also used of any special excellence. Thus Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 31:10 it is used in the description of -the _virtuous_woman"; also in this chapter, 1 Kings 1:52, we have the word translate

FOR THOU ART A VALIANT MAN— His being a valiant man was no great argument of recommendation in the present case. The original word is rendered _virtuous_ in Proverbs 12:4 and would be so rendered with much greater propriety here. The Targum has it, _thou art a man who fearest to sin._ The marginal reference confirms this interpretation....

C. THE APPREHENSION OF ADONIJAH 1:41-53 While Jerusalem was jubilant at the coronation of a new king, the assembly at En-rogel was filled with fear and apprehension. The two paragraphs of this section deal with (1) the report of Jonathan to the conspirators (1 Kings 1:41-48); and (2) the flight of Adonijah to the altar for safety (1 Kings 1:49-53). _1. THE REPORT OF JONATHAN_ (1 Kings 1:41-48) TRANSLATION (41) Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard, yet they finished eating. But when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, then he said, Why is the noise of the city as an uproar? (42) While he was yet speaking, behold Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest