I Kings 1:50
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But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Anointing And Accession Of Solomon - 1 Kings 1 The attempt of Adonijah to seize upon the throne when David's strength was failing (Kg1 1:1-10), induced the aged king, as soon as it was announced to him by Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan, to order Solomon to be anointed king, and to have the anointing carried out (vv. 11-40); whereupon Adonijah fled to the altar, and received pardon from Solomon on condition that he would keep himself quiet (Kg1 1:41-53).
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. David declining in his health (Kg1 1:1-4). II. Adonijah aspiring to the kingdom, and treating his party, in order to it (Kg1 1:5-10). III. Nathan and Bathsheba contriving to secure the succession to Solomon, and prevailing for an order from David for the purpose (v. 11-31). IV. The anointing of Solomon accordingly, and the people's joy therein (Kg1 1:32-40). V. The effectual stop this put to Adonijah's usurpation, and the dispersion of his party thereupon (Kg1 1:41-49). VI. Solomon's dismission of Adonijah upon his good behaviour (Kg1 1:50-53).
Open source ↗1:50-53 Fearing for his life, Adonijah sought refuge at the horns (projections at the corners) of the altar (Exod 27:2), hoping for mercy according to biblical precedent (cp. Exod 21:12-14). However, such protection was provided only for unintentional homicide, so Adonijah’s treason could only be forgiven by the king. Solomon treated him graciously on the condition that he remain loyal. Appearances aside, Adonijah was still looking for ways to usurp the kingship and was later killed as a troublemaker (1 Kgs 2:13-25).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar.
But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.
Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze.
He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze.
The LORD is God; He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.