1 Kings 1:19

KJV

And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he hath slain {H2076} oxen {H7794} and fat cattle {H4806} and sheep {H6629} in abundance {H7230}, and hath called {H7121} all the sons {H1121} of the king {H4428}, and Abiathar {H54} the priest {H3548}, and Joab {H3097} the captain {H8269} of the host {H6635}: but Solomon {H8010} thy servant {H5650} hath he not called {H7121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He has killed oxen, fattened calves and sheep in great numbers; and he has summoned all the sons of the king, Evyatar the cohen and Yo'av the commander of the army; but he didn't summon Shlomo your servant.

Berean Standard Bible

And he has sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the other sons of the king, as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon.

American Standard Version

and he hath slain oxen and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host; but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 1:19 vividly portrays Adonijah's audacious attempt to usurp the throne of his aging father, King David, by orchestrating a lavish sacrificial feast and inviting key figures to solidify his claim. This verse specifically highlights the deliberate exclusion of Solomon, whom God had designated as David's successor and to whom David had sworn the kingdom. It underscores the intense political maneuvering and the stark contrast between human ambition and divine appointment during a critical moment in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening chapter of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession Crisis"). The narrative begins by establishing King David's advanced age and physical frailty, setting the stage for a power vacuum and a succession crisis. Adonijah, David's fourth son, seizes this opportunity, exalting himself as king, gathering chariots and horsemen, and attracting a following (as detailed in [1 Kings 1:5-6](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-6 - Adonijah's Self-Exaltation")). Verse 19 specifically details the public manifestation of Adonijah's coup—a grand feast—and crucially, identifies both his key allies (Abiathar and Joab) and his primary rival, Solomon, by noting his pointed exclusion. This act of omission serves as a direct challenge to David's known intention and God's prior declaration regarding Solomon's succession, setting up the immediate conflict that Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba will bring to David's attention in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 1:11-18](/1_kings/1-11 "1 Kings 1:11-18 - Nathan and Bathsheba's Intervention")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the succession of a king was a critical and often tumultuous period, frequently marked by intrigue, violence, and power struggles, especially when the reigning monarch was incapacitated or had not clearly designated an heir. A grand feast, often involving sacrifices, was a common cultural practice used to celebrate a new king's ascension, to gather support, and to publicly declare one's authority and legitimacy. By inviting the king's sons, the high priest (Abiathar), and the captain of the host (Joab), Adonijah was strategically attempting to secure the backing of the royal family, the religious establishment, and the military—the three pillars of power in ancient Israel. The deliberate exclusion of Solomon and his known supporters (like Nathan and Zadok) was not merely an oversight but a calculated political statement, signaling Adonijah's claim and his rejection of any rival claims.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven in this verse and the broader [chapter](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession of Solomon") include **Usurpation and Ambition**, as Adonijah's actions exemplify a self-serving desire for power that bypasses divine will and established authority. It highlights the **Battle for Succession**, a recurring motif in biblical narratives of kingship, demonstrating the intense political maneuvering and personal loyalties at play. The verse also underscores the theme of **Loyalty and Disloyalty**, revealing the divisions within David's court and family, as some key figures align with Adonijah while others remain faithful to David and God's plan for Solomon. Ultimately, this episode serves as a powerful illustration of **Divine Appointment vs. Human Schemes**, where Adonijah's elaborate human plot is set in stark contrast to God's sovereign plan for Solomon to sit on David's throne, a plan that ultimately prevails ([1 Kings 1:39-40](/1_kings/1-39 "1 Kings 1:39-40 - Solomon's Anointing as King")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slain (Hebrew, _zāḇaḥ'_):** While literally meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," in this context, it refers to the preparation of animals for a large, celebratory feast. Such feasts were often associated with covenant-making, declarations of loyalty, or the inauguration of a king, making Adonijah's act a public, quasi-sacred declaration of his self-proclaimed kingship. The sheer "abundance" of animals indicates the lavishness and scale of the event, designed to impress and secure widespread support.
* **Called (Hebrew, _qārā'_):** This word signifies a formal invitation or summons. Adonijah's act of "calling" specific individuals was a deliberate act of alliance-building and a public declaration of who he considered his supporters and who he expected to acknowledge his authority. The list of those called—"all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host"—reveals his strategic targeting of key power brokers.
* **Not called (Hebrew, _lōʾ qārā'_):** The negation here is profoundly significant. The deliberate omission of Solomon, along with Nathan, Zadok, and Benaiah (implied by the context of [1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - Those Not Invited by Adonijah")), was a public snub and a declaration of rivalry. It was Adonijah's way of publicly discrediting Solomon's claim and asserting his own authority over his presumed rival. This exclusion served as the immediate catalyst for Nathan and Bathsheba's intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance":** This clause describes the lavish nature of Adonijah's feast. The "abundance" of slaughtered animals—oxen, fat cattle, and sheep—signifies not only wealth and generosity but also the grand scale of his self-coronation ceremony. Such a feast was a traditional way to gather people, demonstrate power, and secure allegiance, mimicking the actions of a legitimate king.
* **"and hath called all the sons of the king":** Adonijah's invitation extended to his half-brothers, the other royal princes. This was a crucial step in legitimizing his claim, as their presence would imply their recognition and support of his ascension, consolidating his position within the royal family.
* **"and Abiathar the priest":** Abiathar was one of the two chief priests during David's reign, a highly influential religious figure. His presence at Adonijah's feast lent religious sanction and legitimacy to the proceedings, suggesting divine approval for Adonijah's claim. His alignment with Adonijah marked a significant defection from David's loyalists.
* **"and Joab the captain of the host":** Joab was David's seasoned and powerful commander of the army, a figure of immense military authority. His support was critical for any claimant to the throne, as he controlled the military might of the kingdom. Joab's decision to back Adonijah indicated a major shift in loyalties within David's inner circle.
* **"but Solomon thy servant hath he not called":** This final clause is the pivotal point of the verse, highlighting the deliberate and strategic exclusion of Solomon. The phrase "thy servant" (referring to Solomon) is used by Bathsheba in her address to David ([1 Kings 1:17](/1_kings/1-17 "1 Kings 1:17 - David's Oath to Bathsheba")), subtly underscoring Solomon's humility and faithfulness in contrast to Adonijah's presumptuous self-exaltation. This omission was a direct challenge to David's promise and God's chosen successor, setting the stage for the dramatic intervention that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 1:19 effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Contrast** is central, immediately evident in the juxtaposition of those Adonijah "called" versus Solomon whom he "hath not called." This highlights the clear division and the deliberate nature of Adonijah's challenge. **Foreshadowing** is also present; Adonijah's ambitious, self-appointed feast, while seemingly a show of strength, ironically foreshadows his ultimate failure and downfall, as his actions provoke the very response that secures Solomon's rightful place on the throne. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Adonijah's attempt to secure power through a public display of strength and alliance-building ultimately exposes his rebellion and precipitates the swift and decisive action that confirms Solomon's divinely appointed kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Adonijah's attempted coup, particularly the strategic exclusion of Solomon in 1 Kings 1:19, serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of divine sovereignty versus human ambition. It underscores that God's plans for leadership and succession cannot be thwarted by human machinations or attempts at self-promotion. Despite Adonijah's impressive display of power and his ability to garner support from influential figures like Joab and Abiathar, his efforts were ultimately futile because they ran contrary to God's pre-ordained will for Solomon to inherit the throne. This narrative reinforces the biblical principle that true authority and legitimate leadership flow from divine appointment rather than human schemes or popular acclamation. It teaches that while humans may plot and conspire, the Lord's purpose will prevail ([Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Prevail")).

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Adonijah's failed usurpation in 1 Kings 1:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of unchecked ambition and the dangers of seeking to elevate oneself outside of God's timing or established authority. Adonijah's grand feast, meant to solidify his claim, instead exposed his rebellion and ultimately hastened his demise. This reminds us that true leadership and lasting influence are not achieved through self-promotion or human manipulation, but through humble submission to God's will and patient trust in His sovereign plan. We are called to discern carefully who we align ourselves with, recognizing that not all popular or powerful figures operate according to God's righteous standards. Instead of striving for positions or recognition through our own efforts, we are to cultivate a spirit of humility, faithfulness, and obedience, trusting that God will open doors and elevate those whom He chooses, in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to act out of self-ambition rather than trusting God's timing and plan?**
* **How can I better discern between opportunities that are divinely appointed and those that are merely humanly appealing?**
* **What does Adonijah's story teach me about the importance of humility in leadership and service?**
* **How does this narrative encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abiathar and Joab support Adonijah instead of David or Solomon?**

Answer: Abiathar and Joab's support for Adonijah stemmed from a combination of factors, likely including personal loyalty, political calculation, and perhaps a sense of being overlooked or losing influence. Abiathar, as a priest, may have felt his position threatened by Zadok, the other chief priest, who remained loyal to David and Solomon. Joab, David's long-serving and often ruthless military commander, had a complex relationship with David, marked by both loyalty and defiance (e.g., the killing of Absalom, [2 Samuel 18:9-15](/2_samuel/18-9 "2 Samuel 18:9-15 - Joab Kills Absalom")). He may have seen Adonijah as a stronger or more reliable successor than Solomon, or perhaps he feared losing his powerful position under a new regime. Their alignment with Adonijah indicates a significant faction within David's court that favored a different line of succession, highlighting the deep political divisions at the end of David's reign. Ultimately, their choice proved to be a miscalculation, leading to their downfall under Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 2:28-35](/1_kings/2-28 "1 Kings 2:28-35 - Joab and Abiathar's Fate")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Adonijah's failed usurpation and Solomon's divinely appointed kingship in 1 Kings 1:19 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Adonijah, in his self-exaltation and attempt to seize a throne not rightfully his, serves as a type of anti-Christ figure, mirroring the prideful rebellion of Satan who sought to ascend above God ([Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")). In stark contrast, Solomon, though flawed, is a type of Christ, the true and divinely appointed King. Just as Solomon's claim was established not by human machinations but by David's oath and God's decree, so too is Jesus's kingship established by divine right, not by human election or earthly power struggles. He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who did not grasp for power but humbly submitted to the Father's will, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/phil/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). The "not called" status of Solomon in Adonijah's feast foreshadows how the true King, Jesus, was often rejected and "not called" by the world's systems and powers ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, despite human rejection and attempts to thwart God's plan, Christ's kingdom is eternal and His reign is supreme, established by God Himself, far above all rule and authority ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/eph/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")). He is the true heir to David's throne, ruling not just over Israel but over all creation, and His anointing is not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit without measure ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Son of David's Throne") and [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 1:7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him].

1 Kings 1:10

But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

1 Kings 1:25

For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.