Bible Commentaries
1 Kings 1

Introduction

Overview

1 Kings 1:1, Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age; 1 Kings 1:5, Adonijah, David’s darling, usurps the kingdom; 1 Kings 1:11, By the council of Nathan, 1 Kings 1:15, Bath-sheba moves the king, 1 Kings 1:22, and Nathan seconds her; 1 Kings 1:28, David renews his oath to Bath-sheba; 1 Kings 1:32, Solomon, by David’s appointment, being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph; 1 Kings 1:41, Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah’s guests fly; 1 Kings 1:50, Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, upon his good behaviour, is dismissed by Solomon.

Verse 1

old: David was probably now about sixty-nine years of age. He was thirty years old when he began to reign, reigned forty, and died in his seventieth year; and the transactions mentioned here are supposed to have taken place about a year before his death. Sixty-nine was not an advanced age; but he had been exhausted with various fatigues, and especially family afflictions, so that he was much older in constitution than in years. 2 Samuel 5:4, 1 Chronicles 23:1, 1 Chronicles 29:27, 1 Chronicles 29:28, Psalms 90:10

and stricken in years: Heb. and entered into days, Genesis 18:11, Genesis 24:1, Joshua 23:1, Joshua 23:2, Luke 1:7

Reciprocal: Joshua 13:1 - Joshua Ecclesiastes 4:11 - General

Verse 2

Let there be sought: Heb. Let them seek

a young virgin: Heb. a damsel, a virgin. stand. Deuteronomy 10:8, 1 Samuel 16:21, 1 Samuel 16:22, 2 Chronicles 29:11

cherish him: Heb. be a cherisher unto him

lie: Genesis 16:5, Deuteronomy 13:6, 2 Samuel 12:3, Micah 7:5

get heat: Ecclesiastes 4:11

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:15 - very old 1 Kings 2:17 - Abishag 2 Kings 15:38 - Jotham Esther 2:2 - Let there be

Verse 3

So: Esther 2:2, Esther 2:4

Abishag: 1 Kings 2:17-25

Shunammite: Joshua 19:18, 1 Samuel 28:4, 2 Kings 4:8, 2 Kings 4:25

Verse 4

knew her not: Matthew 1:25

Verse 5

Adonijah: 2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:2

exalted: 1 Kings 1:11, 1 Kings 2:24, Exodus 9:17, Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 18:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14

I will: Deuteronomy 17:15, Judges 9:2, 1 Chronicles 22:5-11, 1 Chronicles 28:5, 1 Chronicles 29:1

be king: Heb. reign

and he: Deuteronomy 17:16, 2 Samuel 15:1, Isaiah 2:7

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 8:11 - run 1 Samuel 22:17 - footmen 2 Samuel 23:5 - Although 1 Kings 1:18 - Adonijah 1 Kings 1:24 - reign 1 Kings 1:33 - to ride 1 Kings 2:13 - Adonijah 1 Kings 2:15 - Thou knowest 1 Kings 2:22 - the kingdom 2 Chronicles 11:23 - dispersed Proverbs 17:19 - he that Ecclesiastes 4:16 - no end

Verse 6

had not: 1 Samuel 3:13, Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13, Proverbs 23:14, Proverbs 29:15, Hebrews 12:5, Hebrews 12:6

at any time: Heb. from his days

very: 1 Samuel 9:2, 1 Samuel 10:23, 2 Samuel 14:25

bare him: 2 Samuel 3:3, 2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:2

Reciprocal: Judges 18:7 - magistrate 1 Samuel 2:23 - Why 2 Chronicles 11:23 - dispersed Hebrews 12:7 - for what

Verse 7

And he conferred: Heb. his words were, 2 Samuel 15:12, Psalms 2:2

Joab: 1 Kings 2:28, 2 Samuel 8:16, 2 Samuel 20:23

Abiathar: 1 Samuel 22:20-23, 2 Samuel 15:24-29, 2 Samuel 15:35, 2 Samuel 20:25

following Adonijah helped him: Heb. helped after Adonijah, 1 Kings 2:22, 1 Kings 2:26-35

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 2:33 - to consume 2 Samuel 2:13 - Joab 1 Kings 1:19 - General 1 Kings 2:5 - Joab 1 Chronicles 27:34 - Abiathar Nehemiah 6:7 - a king Mark 2:26 - Abiathar

Verse 8

Zadok: 1 Kings 2:35, 2 Samuel 8:17, 2 Samuel 8:18, 2 Samuel 20:25, 1 Chronicles 27:5, 1 Chronicles 27:6, Ezekiel 44:15

Nathan: 2 Samuel 7:2-4, 2 Samuel 12:1-15

Shimei: 1 Kings 4:18, Zechariah 12:13

the mighty: 2 Samuel 23:8-39, 1 Chronicles 11:10-47

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 2:35 - I will raise 2 Samuel 15:24 - Zadok 2 Samuel 23:20 - Benaiah 1 Kings 1:10 - General 1 Kings 1:26 - General 1 Kings 1:32 - Zadok 1 Kings 1:38 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 6:8 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 6:53 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 11:22 - Benaiah 1 Chronicles 12:28 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 17:1 - Nathan 2 Chronicles 9:29 - Nathan

Verse 9

Adonijah: The Oriental banquet, in consequence of the intense heat, is often spread upon the verdant turf, beneath the shade of a tree, where the streaming rivulet supplies the company with wholesome water, and excites a gentle breeze to cool their burning temples.

slew: 2 Samuel 15:12, Proverbs 15:8

Enrogel: or, the well Rogel, 2 Samuel 17:17

called: 2 Samuel 13:23-27, 2 Samuel 15:11

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:7 - Enrogel Joshua 18:16 - Enrogel 1 Kings 1:25 - slain 2 Chronicles 18:2 - Ahab

Verse 10

1 Kings 1:8, 1 Kings 1:19, 2 Samuel 12:1-15

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 4:5 - son of Nathan 2 Chronicles 9:29 - Nathan

Verse 11

Nathan: 2 Samuel 7:12-17, 2 Samuel 12:24, 2 Samuel 12:25, 1 Chronicles 22:9, 1 Chronicles 22:10, 1 Chronicles 28:4, 1 Chronicles 28:5, 1 Chronicles 29:1

Adonijah: 1 Kings 1:5

Haggith: 2 Samuel 3:4

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:13 - Assuredly 1 Kings 1:18 - thou knowest 1 Kings 2:22 - the kingdom 2 Chronicles 9:29 - Nathan Matthew 1:6 - her

Verse 12

let me: Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 20:18, Proverbs 27:9, Jeremiah 38:15

save: 1 Kings 1:21, Genesis 19:17, Acts 27:31

the life: Judges 9:5, 2 Kings 11:1, 2 Chronicles 21:4, 2 Chronicles 22:10, Matthew 21:38

Verse 13

Assuredly: 1 Kings 1:11, 1 Kings 1:17, 1 Kings 1:30, 1 Chronicles 22:6-13

sit: 1 Kings 1:17, 1 Kings 1:24, 1 Kings 1:30, 1 Kings 1:35, 1 Kings 1:48, 1 Kings 2:12, Deuteronomy 17:18, 1 Chronicles 29:23, Psalms 132:11, Psalms 132:12, Isaiah 9:7, Jeremiah 33:21, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:46 - General 2 Kings 11:19 - he sat 1 Chronicles 14:4 - Solomon Proverbs 4:3 - General

Verse 14

I also: 1 Kings 1:17-27, 2 Corinthians 13:1

confirm: Heb. fill up

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:24 - hast thou

Verse 15

very old: 1 Kings 1:2-4

Verse 16

bowed: 1 Kings 1:23, 1 Samuel 20:41, 1 Samuel 24:8, 1 Samuel 25:23

And the: 1 Kings 2:20, Esther 7:2, Matthew 20:21, Matthew 20:32

What wouldest thou: Heb. What to thee

Reciprocal: Genesis 43:28 - made obeisance 1 Kings 1:53 - bowed himself

Verse 17

My lord: Genesis 18:12, 1 Peter 3:6

thou swarest: It is not recorded when or upon what occasion David sware to Bathsheba that Solomon should succeed him; but it is supposed, with some degree of probability, that it took place after Absalom's rebellion; and as God himself had settled the succession, he might very properly give her this assurance. 1 Kings 1:13, 1 Kings 1:30

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:14 - I also 1 Kings 1:24 - reign 1 Kings 1:35 - sit 1 Chronicles 14:4 - Solomon

Verse 18

Adonijah: 1 Kings 1:5, 1 Kings 1:24, 2 Samuel 15:10

thou knowest: 1 Kings 1:11, 1 Kings 1:24, 1 Kings 1:27, Acts 3:17

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 2:5 - Joab Nehemiah 6:7 - a king

Verse 19

1 Kings 1:7-10, 1 Kings 1:25

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 2:33 - to consume 2 Samuel 13:23 - invited 1 Kings 1:10 - General 1 Kings 1:26 - General 1 Kings 2:5 - Joab

Verse 20

the eyes: 2 Chronicles 20:12, Psalms 25:15, Psalms 123:2, Zechariah 3:9

that thou: At this time the monarchy of Israel was unsettled; no man knew who was to succeed to the crown; and the minds of the people were as unsettled as the succession. It was neither hereditary nor elective: the king, as was anciently the case in most countries, named his successor; but in this instance, God had already assigned the throne to Solomon. 2 Samuel 23:2, 1 Chronicles 22:8-10, 1 Chronicles 28:5, 1 Chronicles 28:6, 1 Chronicles 28:10, 1 Chronicles 29:1

Verse 21

sleep: 1 Kings 2:10, Genesis 15:15, Deuteronomy 31:16

that I: That is, when Adonijah is established on the throne, I and my son Solomon shall be put to death as state criminals. The history of the world demonstrates, that the lust of dominion has tempted men to commit the most enormous crimes. A father has destroyed his son, a son deposed a father, and a brother murdered a brother, in order to obtain a crown!

offenders: Heb. sinners, 1 Kings 2:15, 1 Kings 2:22-24

Reciprocal: Genesis 43:9 - will be 1 Samuel 10:24 - God save the king 2 Samuel 7:12 - sleep 1 Kings 1:12 - save 1 Kings 11:43 - slept 2 Kings 10:35 - Jehu slept 2 Kings 13:13 - slept 2 Kings 14:16 - Jehoash 1 Chronicles 17:11 - go to be 2 Chronicles 9:31 - slept 2 Chronicles 32:33 - slept 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - which are

Verse 22

Genesis 24:15, Job 1:16-18, Daniel 9:20

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 9:29 - Nathan

Verse 23

he bowed: 1 Kings 1:16, Romans 13:7, 1 Peter 2:17

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 12:25 - Nathan 1 Chronicles 17:1 - Nathan Proverbs 9:8 - rebuke Proverbs 28:23 - General

Verse 24

hast thou: 1 Kings 1:14, 1 Kings 1:18

reign: 1 Kings 1:5, 1 Kings 1:13, 1 Kings 1:17

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:27 - and thou 1 Kings 2:22 - the kingdom 2 Kings 10:3 - Look even

Verse 25

slain: 1 Kings 1:9, 1 Kings 1:19, 1 Samuel 11:14, 1 Samuel 11:15, 1 Chronicles 29:21-23

God save king Adonijah: Heb. Let king Adonijah live, 1 Kings 1:34, 1 Samuel 10:24, 2 Samuel 16:16, 2 Kings 11:12, 2 Chronicles 23:11, *marg. Matthew 21:9, Mark 11:9, Mark 11:10, Luke 19:38

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 13:23 - invited 1 Kings 1:31 - Let my 1 Kings 1:39 - all the people 1 Kings 2:15 - Thou knowest 1 Kings 2:22 - the kingdom 1 Kings 2:26 - Abiathar 2 Kings 10:3 - Look even Nehemiah 6:7 - a king Daniel 2:4 - O king

Verse 26

1 Kings 1:8, 1 Kings 1:19, 2 Samuel 7:2, 2 Samuel 7:12-17, 2 Samuel 12:25

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 23:20 - Benaiah 1 Kings 1:32 - Zadok 1 Kings 1:38 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 6:53 - Zadok

Verse 27

and thou: 1 Kings 1:24, 2 Kings 4:27, John 15:15

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:18 - thou knowest

Verse 28

Call me: She appears to have gone out when Nathan entered; and he retired when she was readmitted.

into the king's presence: Heb. before the king, 1 Kings 1:28

Reciprocal: Matthew 1:6 - her

Verse 29

As the: 1 Kings 2:24, 1 Kings 17:1, 1 Kings 18:10, Judges 8:19, 1 Samuel 14:39, 1 Samuel 14:45, 1 Samuel 19:6, 1 Samuel 20:21, 2 Samuel 12:5, 2 Kings 4:30, 2 Kings 5:16, 2 Kings 5:20

hath: Genesis 48:16, 2 Samuel 4:9, Psalms 34:19-22, Psalms 72:14, Psalms 136:24, Psalms 138:7

Reciprocal: Psalms 34:22 - redeemeth

Verse 30

Even as I sware: 1 Kings 1:13, 1 Kings 1:17

Verse 31

did reverence: 2 Samuel 9:6, Esther 3:2, Matthew 21:37, Ephesians 5:33, Hebrews 12:9

Let my: 1 Kings 1:25, Nehemiah 2:3, Daniel 2:4, Daniel 3:9, Daniel 5:10, Daniel 6:6, Daniel 6:21

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:53 - bowed himself 1 Chronicles 29:22 - and anointed

Verse 32

Zadok: 1 Kings 1:8, 1 Kings 1:26, 1 Kings 1:38

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:43 - Verily 2 Chronicles 9:29 - Nathan Proverbs 9:8 - rebuke Proverbs 28:23 - General

Verse 33

Take: 2 Samuel 20:6

and cause: Maimonides informs us, that it was a capital offence for any one to ride on the king's mule, to sit on his throne, or to handle his sceptre, without permission; and as David ordered Solomon to ride on his own mule, etc., it was ample evidence that he had appointed him his successor.

to ride: 1 Kings 1:5, 1 Kings 1:38, 1 Kings 1:44, Genesis 41:43, Esther 6:6-11

mine own mule: Heb. the mule which belongeth to me, Leviticus 19:19

Gihon: 1 Kings 1:38, 1 Kings 1:45, 2 Chronicles 32:30

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 13:29 - mule 2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom 1 Kings 10:25 - and mules 1 Chronicles 23:1 - he made 2 Chronicles 33:14 - Gihon Esther 6:8 - the horse Esther 6:9 - proclaim Matthew 21:5 - sitting John 12:15 - sitting

Verse 34

Zadok: 1 Kings 19:16, 1 Samuel 10:1, 1 Samuel 16:3, 1 Samuel 16:12, 1 Samuel 16:13, 2 Samuel 2:4, 2 Samuel 5:3, 2 Kings 9:3, 2 Kings 9:6, 2 Kings 11:12, 2 Chronicles 23:11, Psalms 45:7, Psalms 89:20, Psalms 89:36, Isaiah 45:1, Acts 10:38, 2 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Corinthians 1:22

blow ye: 2 Samuel 15:10, 2 Kings 9:13, 2 Kings 11:14, Psalms 98:5-7

God: 1 Kings 1:25, 2 Kings 11:12

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 16:16 - God save the king 1 Chronicles 6:8 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 6:53 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 29:22 - and anointed 2 Chronicles 6:42 - thine anointed Nehemiah 6:7 - a king Esther 6:9 - proclaim

Verse 35

sit: 1 Kings 1:13, 1 Kings 1:17, 1 Kings 2:12

I have: 1 Kings 2:15, 1 Chronicles 23:1, 1 Chronicles 28:4, 1 Chronicles 28:5, Psalms 2:6, Psalms 72:1, *title Psalms 72:1, Psalms 72:2

Verse 36

Amen: Deuteronomy 27:15-26, Psalms 72:19, Jeremiah 11:5, Jeremiah 28:6, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 14:16

the Lord: 1 Samuel 25:29, 1 Chronicles 17:27, Psalms 18:2, Psalms 63:1, Psalms 89:20, Psalms 89:26

Reciprocal: Psalms 41:13 - Amen Romans 9:5 - Amen

Verse 37

As the: 1 Kings 3:7-9, Exodus 3:12, Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:17, 1 Samuel 20:13, 1 Chronicles 28:20, 2 Chronicles 1:1, Psalms 46:7, Psalms 46:11, Isaiah 8:10, Matthew 1:23, Romans 8:31

and make: 1 Kings 1:47, 2 Samuel 24:3, 2 Kings 2:9, Psalms 72:8, Psalms 72:17-19, Psalms 89:27, Daniel 7:14

Verse 38

Zadok: 1 Kings 1:8, 1 Kings 1:26

the Cherethites: 1 Samuel 30:14, 2 Samuel 8:18, 2 Samuel 15:18, 2 Samuel 20:20-23, 1 Chronicles 18:17, Zephaniah 2:5

king David's: 1 Kings 1:33

Reciprocal: Genesis 36:24 - found 2 Samuel 20:7 - General 2 Samuel 23:20 - Benaiah 1 Kings 1:32 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 11:22 - Benaiah 2 Chronicles 32:30 - Gihon

Verse 39

an horn: 1 Samuel 16:13

out: Exodus 30:23-33, Psalms 89:20

anointed: 1 Chronicles 29:22

all the people: 1 Kings 1:25, 1 Samuel 10:24, 2 Kings 11:12, 2 Chronicles 23:11, 2 Chronicles 23:13

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 9:1 - box of oil 2 Kings 9:13 - blew with trumpets 2 Kings 11:14 - all the people Psalms 45:7 - hath Psalms 72:1 - Give

Verse 40

pipes: or, flutes, Daniel 3:5

rejoiced: 1 Samuel 11:15, 2 Kings 11:14, 2 Kings 11:20, 1 Chronicles 12:38-40, Psalms 97:1, Zechariah 9:9, Luke 19:37, Revelation 11:15-18

the earth rent: We use a similar expression in precisely the same sense: "They rent the air with their cries.

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:45 - the city 1 Chronicles 12:40 - there was joy 2 Chronicles 23:13 - all the people Ezra 3:13 - and the noise Psalms 45:7 - hath Ecclesiastes 4:16 - no end Matthew 11:17 - piped

Verse 41

as they: Job 20:5, Proverbs 14:13, Ecclesiastes 7:4-6, Matthew 24:38, Matthew 24:39, Luke 17:26-29

Wherefore: Exodus 32:17, Job 15:21, Job 15:22, Psalms 73:18-20

the city: Matthew 21:9-11, Matthew 21:15, Acts 21:31

Reciprocal: Acts 19:40 - uproar

Verse 42

Jonathan: 2 Samuel 15:36, 2 Samuel 17:17

a valiant: 1 Kings 22:18, 2 Samuel 18:27, 2 Kings 9:22, Isaiah 57:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Verse 43

Verily: 1 Kings 1:32-40

Verse 44

44

Reciprocal: Genesis 36:24 - found 1 Samuel 30:14 - the Cherethites 2 Samuel 8:18 - Benaiah 2 Samuel 20:7 - General 1 Kings 1:33 - to ride 1 Chronicles 6:8 - Zadok 1 Chronicles 17:1 - Nathan 1 Chronicles 18:17 - Benaiah

Verse 45

Gihon: This was a fountain on the west of Jerusalem - consequently in an opposite direction to En-rogel on the east, where Adonijah was proclaimed king of which there were two pools, an upper and a lower - 2 Chronicles 32:30. There is a large square cistern in the ravine west of the city, mentioned by Dr. Richardson as a little to the south of the Jaffa gate, which Dr. Pococke describes as a basin about 250 paces long and 100 broad. It is commonly called the pool of Bathsheba, but seems to be the lower pool of Gihon. "Nearly a mile to the nnw is the pool of Gihon, which I suppose to be the upper pool. It is a very large basin, and, if I mistake not, is cut down about ten feet into the rock, there being a way down to it by steps. It was almost dry at that time, and seems designed to receive the rain waters which come from the hills about it. There is a canal from the pool to the city, which is uncovered part of the way, and, it is said, goes to the pool in the streets near the holy sepulchre. The fountain of Gihon arose either in the upper pool, or out of the high ground above it." - Travels, book i. chapter 6.

the city: 1 Kings 1:40, 1 Samuel 4:5, Ezra 3:13

This is: 1 Kings 14:6, 1 Samuel 28:14, Daniel 5:26-28

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 2:35 - I will raise 1 Kings 1:33 - Gihon 2 Chronicles 33:14 - Gihon

Verse 46

1 Kings 1:13, 1 Chronicles 29:23, Psalms 132:11, Haggai 2:22

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 2:12 - sat Solomon Esther 1:2 - sat

Verse 47

bless: Exodus 12:32, 2 Samuel 8:10, 2 Samuel 21:3, Ezra 6:10, Psalms 20:1-4

God: 1 Kings 1:37, Luke 19:38

bowed: Genesis 47:31, Hebrews 11:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:2 - thou shalt Genesis 47:7 - And Jacob 1 Chronicles 28:2 - stood up Psalms 72:1 - the king's Proverbs 22:1 - name

Verse 48

Blessed: Genesis 14:20, 1 Chronicles 29:10, 1 Chronicles 29:20, Nehemiah 9:5, Psalms 34:1, Psalms 41:13, Psalms 72:17-19, Psalms 103:1, Psalms 103:2, Psalms 145:2, Daniel 4:34, Luke 1:46, Luke 1:47, Luke 1:68, Luke 1:69, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:3

which: 1 Kings 3:6, 1 Chronicles 17:11-14, 1 Chronicles 17:17, Psalms 132:11, Psalms 132:12, Proverbs 17:6

mine eyes: 2 Samuel 24:3, Psalms 128:5, Psalms 128:6

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:13 - sit 1 Kings 5:7 - which hath Proverbs 13:19 - The desire Proverbs 15:20 - wise Proverbs 23:24 - father

Verse 49

Proverbs 28:1, Isaiah 21:4, Isaiah 21:5, Daniel 5:4-6

Verse 50

caught: 1 Kings 2:28, Exodus 21:14, Exodus 38:2, Psalms 118:27

Reciprocal: Exodus 27:2 - horns of it upon the four corners thereof 1 Kings 2:13 - Adonijah 1 Chronicles 29:24 - all the sons Ecclesiastes 8:3 - stand

Verse 51

Reciprocal: Exodus 21:14 - take him

Verse 52

there shall: 1 Samuel 14:45, 2 Samuel 14:11, Matthew 10:30, Luke 21:18, Acts 27:34

wickedness: 1 Kings 2:21-25, Job 15:22, Proverbs 13:6, Proverbs 21:12

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 2:24 - put

Verse 53

bowed himself: 1 Kings 1:16, 1 Kings 1:31, 2 Samuel 1:2

Go to: 1 Kings 2:36, 2 Samuel 14:24, 2 Samuel 14:28, Proverbs 24:21