1 Kings 1:41 - Meaning and Application

We have here the news of Solomon’s coronation brought to Adonijah and his group in the middle of their feast. They had finished eating, and it seems they were at it for a long time, because Solomon’s anointing was carried out and completed while they were still dining and enjoying themselves. Those who do not serve the Lord Christ, but oppose him, often serve their own appetites (Romans 16:18), and make food their god (Philippians 3:19). Their long feast also shows how secure and confident they felt, because they would not have wasted so much time if they had feared danger.

The old world and Sodom were eating and drinking, carefree and sensual, when ruin came on them (Luke 17:26). When they had finished eating and were ready to proclaim their king and bring him into the city in triumph, they heard the sound of the trumpet (1 Kings 1:41). To them, it was a frightening sound, like the terrible warning described in Job 15:21. Joab, the old warrior, was alarmed and thought the city was in confusion. Adonijah, however, was sure the messenger, being an honorable man, had brought good news (1 Kings 1:42).

Usurpers often comfort themselves with false hopes of success, and those in the greatest danger are often the least afraid. But how can those who do evil expect good news? No, the most honorable man brought them the worst news, as the priest’s son did here to Adonijah (1 Kings 1:43). In effect, he said, “The best news I can give you is that Solomon has been made king, so all your claims are ended.” He then explained the matter fully. First, he described the great ceremony by which Solomon became king (1 Kings 1:44, 1 Kings 1:45), and said that Solomon was now sitting on the royal throne (1 Kings 1:46). Adonijah had hoped to step into the throne before him, but Solomon was ahead of him.

Second, he showed that Solomon’s kingship was welcomed by everyone, so it was not likely to be overturned. The people were pleased, as shown by their joyful shouts (1 Kings 1:45). The courtiers were pleased too, and the king’s servants came with a message of honor and congratulations (1 Kings 1:47). Their words blessed King David, praised his wise concern for the public good, admitted how happy they had been under his rule, and prayed for his recovery. They also prayed for Solomon, asking God to make his name greater than his father’s, which made sense since Solomon would build on David’s foundation. A child on a giant’s shoulders is higher than the giant himself.

Third, the king himself was pleased. He bowed on his bed, not only to show that he accepted his servants’ words, but also to offer his own praise to God (1 Kings 1:48): “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has brought this about for Israel’s good, and let my own eyes see it.” It is a great comfort to good people, when they are leaving this world, to see their family affairs in good order, their children rising to serve God and their generation, and especially to see peace in Israel and its firm establishment.

This news completely crushed Adonijah’s scheme. It ruined the party, scattered the company, and forced each man to look out for himself. The triumph of the wicked is brief. They had been building a house in the air, and since it had no foundation, it was soon going to fall and crush them. They were afraid of being caught while still together plotting treason, so each one fled as best he could.

Adonijah himself was terrified, and he took steps to protect himself. He was now as low as he had once been high (1 Kings 1:42, 1 Kings 1:50). He had treated Solomon with contempt before, refusing him even as a guest (1 Kings 1:10), but now he feared Solomon as his judge. So it will be with those who oppose Christ and his kingdom: they will soon tremble before him and cry in vain for rocks and mountains to hide them from his wrath.

Adonijah took hold of the horns of the altar, which were commonly seen as a place of refuge (Exodus 21:14). By doing this, he showed that he did not dare stand trial, but threw himself on the mercy of the king. In seeking mercy, he was relying on the mercy of God, shown in the sacrifices offered there and in the forgiveness that followed. Perhaps Adonijah had once despised the altar’s service, but now he wanted its protection. Many who neglect the great salvation while they feel safe would gladly depend on Christ and his merit when God’s terrors seize them, and then, too late, they try to cling to the horns of the altar.

He then made a humble appeal to Solomon for mercy. Through those who told Solomon where he was, he sent a request for his life (1 Kings 1:51): “Let King Solomon swear to me that he will not kill me, his servant.” He calls Solomon his prince and himself his servant. He does not defend himself, but pleads before his judge. It was a great change. In the morning he was reaching for a crown, and before night he was begging to keep his life. Then Adonijah seemed to reign, now he trembles, and he does not feel safe unless Solomon swears not to put him to death.

Solomon then gave his orders about him. He let him go on good behavior (1 Kings 1:52, 1 Kings 1:53). He considered that Adonijah was his brother and that this was his first offense. Since Adonijah had been made aware of his wrong so quickly and had not kept on rebelling, he might still become not only a peaceful subject, but a useful one. So if he would behave well in the future, the past would be forgiven. But if he remained stubborn, hostile, and ambitious, this offense would be remembered, and he would be dealt with as one already convicted. In the same way, the Son of David receives mercy even toward those who have rebelled: if they return to loyalty and are faithful to their King, their earlier sins will not be brought up against them. But if they keep serving the world and the flesh, that will be their ruin. Adonijah was brought in, told the terms he stood under, and showed thankful submission. Then he was sent home to live quietly there. Solomon not only spared his life, but also kept his property, and so strengthened his throne by mercy.