1 Kings 1:53

and they brought him down from the altar The expression refers perhaps to the steps on which Adonijah must have gone up to cling to the sides of the altar, or it may be to the elevation of the whole situation as the altar stood before the ark on Mt. Zion.

bowed himself The same word as in 47 is used of David's religious reverence. So Adonijah did homage to Solomon as his lord; and by pardoning the chief offender the new king shewed the rest of Adonijah's adherents that they need not despair of forgiveness. Thus he would be most likely to change them from foes to friends.