1 Kings 1:50

Translations

Modern

But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.

Traditional

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Literal

And Adonijah was afraid of Solomon. And he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar.

Latin

Adonias autem timens Salomonem, surrexit, et abiit, tenuitque cornu altaris.

Original

Hebrew

English

But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.

Notes

1 Kings 1:50–53

Fearing for his life, Adonijah sought safety at the horns (projections at the corners) of the altar (Exodus 27:2), hoping for mercy based on biblical tradition (see Exodus 21:12–14). However, this protection was only for accidental killings, so only the king could forgive Adonijah's treason. Solomon showed him kindness if he stayed loyal. Despite appearances, Adonijah still tried to make himself king and was later killed for causing trouble (1 Kings 2:13–25).

1 Kings 1:1–2:12

The book of 1 Kings begins with the Lord's promise to David (see 2 Samuel 7:11–16). Solomon was the rightful and God-chosen heir to what God gave his father David. The problems during Solomon's rise to power suggested there would be more troubles later in his reign and between Israel and Judah in the future(1 Kings 1:1–2:46; 11:12–43).

Theme notes and profiles

Abiathar Bathsheba David Solomon Zadok The Cities of Refuge

Related verses

1 Kings 2:28
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.
Exodus 27:2
Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze.
Exodus 21:14
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.
Psalm 118:27
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.
Exodus 38:2
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.

People

Adonijah: Son of David who attempted to seize the throne Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

Adonijah Asylum Bathsheba Horn Kings, Books of First and Second Nathan Solomon (Person) Tabernacle

Topics

Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altars: Protection Afforded By

1 Kings 1:50

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