1 Kings 1:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he is gone down {H3381} this day {H3117}, and hath slain {H2076} oxen {H7794} and fat cattle {H4806} and sheep {H6629} in abundance {H7230}, and hath called {H7121} all the king's {H4428} sons {H1121}, and the captains {H8269} of the host {H6635}, and Abiathar {H54} the priest {H3548}; and, behold, they eat {H398} and drink {H8354} before {H6440} him, and say {H559}, God save {H2421} king {H4428} Adonijah {H138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he has gone down today and killed oxen, fattened calves and sheep in great numbers; and he has summoned all the king's sons, the commanders of the army and Evyatar the cohen; right now they are eating and drinking in his presence and proclaiming, 'Long live King Adoniyah!'

Berean Standard Bible

For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’

American Standard Version

For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fatlings 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 are eating and drinking before him, and say, Long live king Adonijah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:25 vividly portrays Adonijah's audacious attempt to seize the throne of Israel while his father, King David, lay on his deathbed. This verse details the lavish feast Adonijah orchestrated at En-rogel, where he gathered key figures—including many of David's sons, the commander of the army, and a prominent priest—to publicly acclaim him as king. This elaborate ceremony, complete with abundant sacrifices and a formal acclamation, was a direct and defiant challenge to David's authority and God's established plan for Solomon's succession, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation over the future of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial point in Nathan the prophet's urgent report to King David, informing him of Adonijah's clandestine coronation attempt. The narrative immediately preceding it establishes David's advanced age and frailty, rendering him seemingly incapable of governing or even knowing what was happening around him ([1 Kings 1:1-4](/1-kings/1-4 "1 Kings 1:1-4 - David's Old Age and Abishag")). Adonijah, David's fourth son and now the eldest living, presumptuously "exalted himself" ([1 Kings 1:5](/1-kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Self-Exaltation")) and began to gather support, notably from Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest ([1 Kings 1:7](/1-kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Adonijah's Supporters")). This action directly contravened David's solemn promise to Bathsheba that their son Solomon would succeed him ([1 Kings 1:13](/1-kings/1-13 "1 Kings 1:13 - Nathan's Counsel to Bathsheba") and [1 Kings 1:17](/1-kings/1-17 "1 Kings 1:17 - Bathsheba Reminds David of His Promise")). Nathan and Bathsheba's coordinated intervention, culminating in this report to David, is designed to compel the aging king to act decisively and confirm Solomon's rightful place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal succession was often a volatile period, especially if the reigning monarch had not clearly designated an heir or if there were multiple eligible sons. While primogeniture (succession by the eldest son) was a common custom, it was not an absolute rule, and kings often had the prerogative to choose their successor, sometimes influenced by divine revelation or political expediency. The act of holding a public feast with sacrifices, inviting key military and religious figures, and receiving an acclamation ("Long live the king!") was a traditional means of legitimizing a new king's claim. By performing these rituals at En-rogel, just outside Jerusalem, Adonijah was attempting a *fait accompli*—presenting his kingship as an established fact before David could intervene. The involvement of Joab and Abiathar was particularly significant, as their support lent both military might and religious sanction to Adonijah's bid.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Usurpation and Ambition**, showcasing the dangers of unchecked human desire for power that disregards divine will and established authority. Adonijah's actions are a stark contrast to the patient waiting and divine appointment seen in figures like David himself. Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **Loyalty and Disloyalty** within the royal court, as key figures like Joab and Abiathar defect to Adonijah's side, while others like Nathan, Zadok, and Benaiah remain steadfastly loyal to David and Solomon ([1 Kings 1:8](/1-kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - Loyalists to David and Solomon")). Thirdly, the entire episode is a testament to **Divine Sovereignty** over human schemes. Despite Adonijah's elaborate efforts and powerful allies, God's plan for Solomon to sit on the throne ultimately prevails, demonstrating that human plans are subject to God's ultimate decree, as reflected in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). The tumultuous succession also sets a precedent for future struggles over the throne, a recurring motif throughout the book of Kings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slain (Hebrew, _zāḇaḥ_):** This verb refers specifically to the ritual slaughter of animals, often for sacrifice and subsequent feasting. It implies more than just killing for food; it suggests a covenantal or religious act, lending a sense of legitimacy and divine approval to Adonijah's gathering. By performing such a sacrifice, Adonijah was attempting to consecrate his claim to the throne and invoke divine blessing for his reign, mirroring the practices associated with legitimate coronations.
* **abundance (Hebrew, _rōḇ_):** The term "in abundance" signifies the lavishness and scale of Adonijah's feast. This was not a small, private gathering but a grand display of wealth and power, intended to impress and solidify the allegiance of his guests. The sheer quantity of animals slaughtered underscores his perceived status and his ability to provide for his supporters, a crucial aspect of ancient leadership.
* **God save king Adonijah (Hebrew, _yeḥî ha-meleḵ Adoniyyah_):** This is a formal acclamation, best translated as "Long live King Adonijah!" It is not a prayer for spiritual salvation but a public declaration of allegiance and recognition of Adonijah as the legitimate monarch. This cry, echoing the traditional acclamation for a newly installed king, served to publicly ratify Adonijah's claim and rally support, presenting his coronation as a *fait accompli* to the broader populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he is gone down this day":** This refers to Adonijah's strategic move to En-rogel, a spring just outside Jerusalem, which was a traditional site for public gatherings and rituals. His "going down" implies a deliberate, planned action to initiate his self-coronation away from David's immediate presence.
* **"and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance":** This clause describes the lavish sacrificial feast Adonijah prepared. The abundance of animals indicates a grand, public event designed to demonstrate his power, wealth, and readiness to assume kingship, mirroring the celebratory feasts associated with legitimate royal installations.
* **"and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest":** This highlights the strategic selection of guests. By inviting the king's sons (though notably excluding Solomon and his loyalists), the military commander Joab, and the high priest Abiathar, Adonijah sought to garner support from the royal family, the army, and the religious establishment, thereby legitimizing his claim.
* **"and, behold, they eat and drink before him":** This signifies the active participation and acceptance of Adonijah's claim by those present. The shared meal was a communal act of solidarity and allegiance, publicly affirming their support for his kingship.
* **"and say, God save king Adonijah":** This is the climactic moment of the self-coronation, the formal acclamation "Long live King Adonijah!" It is a public, vocal declaration of Adonijah's perceived legitimacy and the attendees' allegiance, intended to solidify his position and challenge David's authority.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Adonijah's meticulously planned and lavish feast, intended to secure his power, ultimately serves as the catalyst for his downfall by alerting David to his usurpation. The very act meant to establish his reign leads to its swift termination. **Symbolism** is also at play, with the feast itself symbolizing a covenant or agreement, a public declaration of allegiance and the establishment of a new order. The act of "slaying oxen and fat cattle" carries sacrificial connotations, attempting to imbue Adonijah's claim with religious legitimacy. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** between Adonijah's public, self-exalting display and the quiet, divinely ordained promise given to David and Bathsheba regarding Solomon's succession. This contrast underscores the difference between human ambition and divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 1:25 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of true authority and the futility of human ambition when it runs contrary to divine purpose. Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne by human machination, gathering powerful allies and staging a lavish public display, stands in stark contrast to the divine appointment of Solomon. This episode reinforces the biblical principle that ultimate sovereignty belongs to God, who establishes and deposes rulers according to His will, not according to human schemes or popular acclamation. It teaches that true leadership is not merely about power or popularity, but about alignment with God's design and timing.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 2:2-4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:2-4 - The Lord Laughs at Rebellious Kings")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adonijah's story in 1 Kings 1:25 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It is a vivid reminder of the dangers of impatience, self-promotion, and the temptation to seize what we believe is ours, rather than waiting for God's perfect timing and method. Adonijah, driven by ambition and a sense of entitlement as the eldest living son, circumvented David's authority and God's known will. This narrative challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we trust God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem to delay His promises? Are we willing to submit to established authority, even when it conflicts with our personal desires or perceived rights? True spiritual leadership and flourishing come not from grasping for power, but from humble submission to God's plan and patient obedience to His leading. We are called to discern God's will and align our lives with it, rather than attempting to force outcomes through our own strength or manipulation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be tempted to act presumptuously, rather than waiting on God's timing and direction?**
* **How do I discern between legitimate authority and self-proclaimed power, especially in spiritual or relational contexts?**
* **What does Adonijah's downfall teach me about the ultimate futility of schemes that oppose God's sovereign will?**
* **In what ways might I be "eating and drinking" with those whose ambitions are not aligned with God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why was Adonijah's feast considered an act of usurpation, rather than a legitimate claim to the throne?**

Answer: Adonijah's feast was unequivocally an act of usurpation for several critical reasons. Firstly, King David was still alive and, though frail, remained the reigning monarch. Adonijah acted without his father's knowledge, consent, or blessing, which was a direct affront to the king's authority. Secondly, David had already, by divine revelation, designated Solomon as his successor, a promise he had made to Bathsheba ([1 Kings 1:17](/1-kings/1-17 "1 Kings 1:17 - David's Promise to Bathsheba")). Adonijah's actions bypassed both royal decree and divine will. Thirdly, the elaborate nature of the feast—the sacrifices, the calling of key military and religious figures, and the public acclamation "God save king Adonijah!"—was a deliberate attempt to perform a *de facto* coronation, presenting his kingship as an established fact before any formal succession could occur. It was a power grab, not a legitimate transition.

**What was the significance of the specific people Adonijah invited to his feast?**

Answer: Adonijah's guest list was highly strategic, designed to consolidate power and lend legitimacy to his claim. He invited "all the king's sons" (excluding Solomon and his loyalists), seeking to rally support from the royal family and present a united front. Crucially, he secured the allegiance of Joab, the commander of Israel's army, whose military backing was essential for any successful coup. He also enlisted Abiathar, a prominent priest, whose presence would lend religious sanction and perceived divine approval to his kingship. By gathering these influential figures—representing the royal lineage, military might, and religious authority—Adonijah aimed to create an unassailable claim to the throne, demonstrating that he had the backing of the kingdom's most powerful institutions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The failed usurpation of Adonijah in 1 Kings 1:25 serves as a profound Old Testament shadow of the true King, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is established not by human ambition or lavish feasts, but by divine decree and sacrificial love. Adonijah, driven by self-exaltation, attempted to seize a throne that was not rightfully his, ultimately leading to his downfall. In stark contrast, Jesus, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). While Adonijah's followers cried, "God save king Adonijah," the true King of Israel was met with cries of "Crucify him!" ([Matthew 27:22](/matthew/27-22 "Matthew 27:22 - Crucify Him!")). Yet, it was through His obedient suffering on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension that God truly "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalts Jesus")). Jesus, the true Son of David, did not need to scheme or gather allies to claim His throne; His kingship was divinely appointed from eternity, confirmed by His resurrection ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus, Son of David and Son of God")), and His reign is eternal, unlike any earthly kingdom ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Everlasting Dominion")). He is the King who truly saves, not merely by acclamation, but by His redemptive work on the cross, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")).

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 Samuel 10:24

And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that [there is] none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

1 Kings 1:9

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

1 Kings 1:19

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.

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

1 Chronicles 29:21

And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, [even] a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, [and] a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:

1 Chronicles 29:13

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

2 Samuel 16:16

And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.