1Ki 1:41-53 | KingComments | STEP | The whole event with Solomon takes place during the meal that Adonijah has caused to his own honor. The company is finished with the meal and is about to declare Adonijah king when Joab’s trained ear distinguishes the sound of the trumpet. While he makes a remark about this, Jonathan comes in. Adonijah is not yet aware of any evil. He even sees the arrival of Jonathan as a good omen. Jonathan is still a messenger, as he was eight or nine years earlier ( ). He comes to Adonijah and his company with the message of the kingship of Solomon. He mentions how this was done. It seems that he does so enthusiastically, rather than with fright. Jonathan testifies to David’s choice and what David has arranged to make Solomon king. The faithful have had Solomon sit on the mule of David. Nathan and Zadok anointed him and took him to the city with cheers. There Solomon has taken his seat on the royal throne. All the ministers of David have agreed. Like Benaiah, they have expressed the wish that God will make Solomon’s name greater than that of David and his throne more exalted than David’s throne. Finally, Jonathan also tells something we have not read before: that David has bowed down in worship on the bed ( ; cf. ). All acting with Solomon and Solomon taking his seat on the throne is entirely according to David’s thoughts. He praises God for what his eyes see. He resembles Simeon who also saw the LORD’s salvation with his eyes ( ). Possibly David also says on this occasion what we read in 1 Chronicles 29 ( ). As a matter of fact, it is a great satisfaction for God-fearing parents, when they fall asleep, to see that their children serve God and His people. The triumph of the wicked is of short duration ( ). Jonathan’s message causes an enormous shock. Adonijah’s company is fleeing. This is the terror that will catch all when they are horrified to learn that God’s Anointed returns with power and majesty. This will happen at the moment when people celebrate the results they believe they have achieved in their striving to control everything to their own devices with the exclusion of God ( ; ).

‏ 1 Kings 1:41-53

Adonijah Is Informed

The whole event with Solomon takes place during the meal that Adonijah has caused to his own honor. The company is finished with the meal and is about to declare Adonijah king when Joab’s trained ear distinguishes the sound of the trumpet. While he makes a remark about this, Jonathan comes in. Adonijah is not yet aware of any evil. He even sees the arrival of Jonathan as a good omen.

Jonathan is still a messenger, as he was eight or nine years earlier (2Sam 15:27 ; 2Sam 17:17). He comes to Adonijah and his company with the message of the kingship of Solomon. He mentions how this was done. It seems that he does so enthusiastically, rather than with fright.

Jonathan testifies to David’s choice and what David has arranged to make Solomon king. The faithful have had Solomon sit on the mule of David. Nathan and Zadok anointed him and took him to the city with cheers. There Solomon has taken his seat on the royal throne. All the ministers of David have agreed. Like Benaiah, they have expressed the wish that God will make Solomon’s name greater than that of David and his throne more exalted than David’s throne. Finally, Jonathan also tells something we have not read before: that David has bowed down in worship on the bed (1Kgs 1:47; cf. Gen 47:31b).

All acting with Solomon and Solomon taking his seat on the throne is entirely according to David’s thoughts. He praises God for what his eyes see. He resembles Simeon who also saw the LORD’s salvation with his eyes (Lk 2:29-30). Possibly David also says on this occasion what we read in 1 Chronicles 29 (1Chr 29:10-19). As a matter of fact, it is a great satisfaction for God-fearing parents, when they fall asleep, to see that their children serve God and His people.

The triumph of the wicked is of short duration (Job 20:4-5). Jonathan’s message causes an enormous shock. Adonijah’s company is fleeing. This is the terror that will catch all when they are horrified to learn that God’s Anointed returns with power and majesty. This will happen at the moment when people celebrate the results they believe they have achieved in their striving to control everything to their own devices with the exclusion of God (Psa 2:1-3; 1Thes 5:3).

Solomon Spares Adonijah

Adonijah and his company flee away. They don’t think about resisting. The guests of Adonijah go as fast and as far away as possible, away from Adonijah. What first seemed to be a guarantee of benefit has become a life-threatening place. Now to be found in the company of Adonijah equals suicide.

Adonijah himself flees to the altar. It is not mentioned where it is. There he seeks protection by seizing the horns of the altar (Exo 21:13-14). The horns symbolize power and strength. Seizing the horns of the altar means seeking protection in a place of salvation and life. By seizing the horns, the criminal places himself under the saving and helping grace of God, Who extinguishes sin and thereby takes away punishment.

For the first time and four times in these verses, there is talk of “King Solomon”. Solomon, as king, judges Adonijah and has him brought to him. Adonijah acknowledges him forced as king. We voluntarily acknowledge the Lord Jesus as Lord.

Solomon not only gives him his life, but also his possessions. He is free to go to his house. Solomon also attaches a condition to it. Adonijah will stay alive as long as he does nothing that embarrasses the trust he gets. As soon as he does something wrong, he will be killed. In his first act in government, Solomon shows mercy and demands justice. So it will be when the Lord Jesus reigns (Psa 101:8).