1 Kings 1:52

_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 SWEAR UNTO ME TO DAY THAT HE WILL NOT SLAY HIS SERVANT WITH THE SWORD._ 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...

Verse 1 Kings 1:52. _IF HE WILL SHOW HIMSELF A WORTHY MAN_] If, from henceforth, he behave well, show himself to be contented, and not endeavour to make partisans, or stir up insurrections among the people, he shall be safe; _but if wickedness be found in him _- if he act at all contrary to this - _he shall die_; his blood shall be upon him....

THERE SHALT NOT AN HAIR ... - This was a proverbial expression, meaning “he shall suffer no hurt at all.” Solomon’s clemency in pardoning Adonijah is very remarkable. In the East not only are pretenders almost always punished with death, but it has often been the custom for each king upon his accession to put to death all his brothers as mere possible pretenders....

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 SOLOMON SAID, IF HE WILL SHOW HIMSELF A WORTHY MAN,.... Will behave himself well as a good subject, and be careful not to offend for the future, or appear to be one that fears sin, as the Targum; particularly the crimes of sedition, rebellion, and treason: THERE SHALL NOT AN HAIR OF HIM FALL TO THE EARTH; not the least harm should be done him: BUT IF WICKEDNESS SHALL BE FOUND IN HIM, HE SHALL DIE; that is, if any crime worthy of death be committed by him, or any overt act of treason, and the like, he should surely be put to death, and find no mercy, notwithstanding the present general pardon. This was very wisely done by Solomon, to begin his reign without shedding blood even of delinquents; and especially of his brother, and his elder brother too; and by granting his life for the future on his good behaviour....

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 ...

SHEW HIMSELF Some codices, with one early printed edition, add "toward me". WORTHY MAN. a son of valour. NOT AN HAIR, &C. Figure of speech _Paroemia_. App-6....

_not a hair of him fall to the earth_ The expression is common and proverbial to express that no harm of any kind shall befall. Cf. 1 Samuel 14:45; 2 Samuel 14:11. _if wickedness shall be found in him_ Josephus gives the sense: -If he shall again be caught with any new plots....