1 Kings 1:42

KJV

And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou [art] a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And while he yet spake {H1696}, behold, Jonathan {H3129} the son {H1121} of Abiathar {H54} the priest {H3548} came {H935}: and Adonijah {H138} said {H559} unto him, Come in {H935}; for thou art a valiant {H2428} man {H376}{H381}, and bringest {H1319} good {H2896} tidings {H1319}.

Complete Jewish Bible

While he was still speaking, there came Yonatan the son of Evyatar the cohen. Adoniyah said, "Come in! You're a worthy man, so you must be bringing good news!"

Berean Standard Bible

As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”

American Standard Version

While he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said, Come in; for thou art a worthy man, and bringest good tidings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 1:42, the narrative reaches a crescendo of dramatic irony as Jonathan, son of Abiathar the priest, arrives at Adonijah's presumptuous coronation feast. Unaware that King David has already commanded Solomon's anointing, Adonijah, surrounded by his celebratory guests, eagerly welcomes Jonathan, praising him as a "valiant man" and confidently anticipating news that will validate his self-proclaimed kingship. This verse marks the precise moment of transition, where Adonijah's ill-founded ambition is about to collide with the sovereign will of God and the swift actions taken to establish David's chosen successor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Succession Crisis") is one of intense political and spiritual maneuvering surrounding the succession to King David's throne. David is old and frail, creating a power vacuum. Adonijah, David's fourth son, seizes this opportunity, presumptuously declaring himself king and gathering key supporters like Joab, the army commander, and Abiathar, the priest. Unbeknownst to Adonijah, God had already chosen Solomon, Bathsheba's son, to succeed David, a divine decree affirmed by David's oath to Bathsheba in [1 Kings 1:17](/1_kings/1-17 "1 Kings 1:17 - David's Promise to Bathsheba") and [1 Kings 1:30](/1_kings/1-30 "1 Kings 1:30 - David's Oath Regarding Solomon"). While Adonijah's celebratory feast is underway, Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba alert David to the coup, prompting David to issue a swift command for Solomon's immediate anointing as king, as detailed in [1 Kings 1:32-34](/1_kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32-34 - David Commands Solomon's Anointing"). Jonathan's arrival in verse 42 serves as the narrative hinge, bringing the news from Solomon's anointing ceremony directly into Adonijah's misguided celebration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical and cultural backdrop is crucial for understanding this scene. Succession in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, particularly in Israel, was often fraught with intrigue and violence, especially when the reigning king was incapacitated. While primogeniture was common, divine election often superseded it, as seen in David's own rise to power over his elder brothers (cf. [1 Samuel 16:6-12](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6-12 - David Anointed King")). The act of anointing with oil, performed by a prophet or priest, was the definitive public declaration of God's chosen king, conferring divine legitimacy and authority. Adonijah's feast, held outside the city at En Rogel, was a customary way to publicly declare one's claim to the throne and rally support, but it lacked the crucial element of divine sanction and the king's explicit command. The presence of Abiathar and Joab, powerful figures, lent Adonijah's claim a veneer of legitimacy, yet it was ultimately a usurpation of both royal and divine prerogative.
* **Key Themes:** Several key themes converge in [1 Kings 1:42](/1_kings/1-42 "1 Kings 1:42 - Adonijah's Misplaced Hope"). Firstly, the theme of **misplaced hope and presumption** is starkly evident in Adonijah's eager welcome of Jonathan; his expectation of "good tidings" underscores his self-delusion and defiance of God's established will for the throne. He believes his ambition will triumph, unaware that the news Jonathan carries will be devastating to his plans. Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates the **clash between human ambition and divine sovereignty**. Despite Adonijah's well-orchestrated attempt to seize the throne, God's decree for Solomon to reign is already being fulfilled, demonstrating that 'many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails,' as articulated in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails"). Finally, the **pivotal role of messengers** is highlighted; Jonathan is not merely a bearer of information but the instrument through whom divine truth shatters Adonijah's illusion, signaling the immediate and irreversible collapse of his rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valiant (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** The Hebrew word חַיִל (_chayil_) is rich in meaning, encompassing strength, capability, wealth, virtue, and noble character. Adonijah's use of this term for Jonathan is laden with dramatic irony. On the surface, it might be a genuine compliment, acknowledging Jonathan's reputation as a swift and reliable messenger, as seen in [2 Samuel 15:36](/2_samuel/15-36 "2 Samuel 15:36 - Jonathan and Ahimaaz as Messengers"). However, it also reflects Adonijah's desperate hope that Jonathan's "valiance" will be demonstrated by bringing news that validates his illegitimate claim to the throne, rather than the devastating truth he is about to deliver. Adonijah projects his own desires onto Jonathan's character, expecting him to be 'valiant' in bringing news that serves Adonijah's ambition.
* **Good tidings (Hebrew, _besorah'_):** The Hebrew term בְּשׂוֹרָה (_besorah_) refers to 'news' or 'message,' often carrying a positive connotation, akin to 'good news' or 'gospel.' This word is frequently used in contexts where a messenger brings joyful or triumphant news (e.g., [2 Samuel 4:10](/2_samuel/4-10 "2 Samuel 4:10 - Bringing Good News")). Adonijah's eager declaration, "and bringest good tidings," is the linchpin of the dramatic irony in this verse. He assumes the 'goodness' of the news based on his own desired outcome, completely oblivious to the reality that the 'tidings' Jonathan brings are catastrophic for his aspirations. This highlights Adonijah's profound misjudgment and self-deception, as the 'good tidings' are, in fact, the 'bad news' of his downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dramatic timing. Adonijah is in mid-sentence, likely boasting or celebrating, when Jonathan's sudden appearance interrupts the revelry. The phrase "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) signals an immediate and significant event. Jonathan's identity as "the son of Abiathar the priest" is crucial, as Abiathar is one of Adonijah's key co-conspirators, lending an air of anticipated legitimacy to Jonathan's arrival from Adonijah's perspective. Jonathan is recognized as a trusted messenger, especially by Abiathar, who had sent him (cf. [1 Kings 1:43](/1_kings/1-43 "1 Kings 1:43 - Jonathan Delivers the News")).
* **"and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou [art] a valiant man, and bringest good tidings":** Adonijah's welcome is effusive and revealing. His immediate invitation, "Come in," suggests urgency and a desire to hear the news quickly. His declaration, "for thou art a valiant man," is a compliment but also an expression of his confident expectation. He associates Jonathan's character with the positive nature of the news he expects, believing that a man of such caliber would only bring favorable reports. The phrase "and bringest good tidings" is the apex of the dramatic irony, as Adonijah's presumption leads him to interpret Jonathan's arrival as confirmation of his success, when in reality, it portends his immediate failure. This statement encapsulates Adonijah's profound self-deception and the impending collapse of his ill-conceived plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Kings 1:42](/1_kings/1-42 "1 Kings 1:42 - Dramatic Irony in Adonijah's Feast") is **Dramatic Irony**. The audience is fully aware of Solomon's anointing and enthronement (from [1 Kings 1:32-40](/1_kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32-40 - Solomon's Anointing")), while Adonijah and his guests remain blissfully ignorant, celebrating what they believe is his successful usurpation. Adonijah's confident assertion that Jonathan "bringest good tidings" is therefore tragically ironic, as the news is anything but good for him. This irony amplifies the tension and underscores Adonijah's profound self-delusion. Additionally, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**; Jonathan's arrival, though initially welcomed, subtly hints at the impending doom for Adonijah's plans, as the very messenger expected to confirm his triumph will instead announce his defeat. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the boisterous celebration of Adonijah's feast and the solemn, divinely sanctioned anointing of Solomon happening concurrently, highlighting the illegitimate nature of Adonijah's actions against the backdrop of God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [1 Kings 1:42](/1_kings/1-42 "1 Kings 1:42 - Theological Implications of Succession") are profound, centering on the themes of divine sovereignty, human presumption, and the nature of true authority. Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne represents a classic case of human ambition clashing with God's preordained plan. His misplaced hope in Jonathan's 'good tidings' serves as a powerful illustration of the futility of opposing God's will. True authority and blessing flow from alignment with divine purposes, not from self-appointed power or popular acclaim. This episode underscores that God's plans will ultimately prevail, regardless of human schemes or resistance. It also highlights the danger of self-deception, where one's desires blind them to reality and impending judgment.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Psalm 2:4-6](/psalms/2-4-6 "Psalm 2:4-6 - God Laughs at Kings' Schemes")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of [1 Kings 1:42](/1_kings/1-42 "1 Kings 1:42 - Reflection and Application") offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Adonijah's fatal flaw was his presumption – he assumed God's blessing on his self-serving ambition, ignoring divine precedent and the clear indications of God's favor elsewhere. This challenges us to examine our own aspirations: Are our plans rooted in God's revealed will and humble dependence, or are they fueled by personal ambition, seeking 'good tidings' that validate our own desires? The swift reversal of Adonijah's fortunes reminds us that human efforts, however well-orchestrated, are ultimately futile if they stand in opposition to God's sovereign purposes. We are called to cultivate discernment, seeking God's wisdom through His Word and prayer, rather than relying on our own understanding or the approval of others. Ultimately, true peace and success are found not in achieving our own will, but in joyfully submitting to God's perfect plan, even when it diverges from our expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be operating with presumption, expecting "good tidings" that are not aligned with God's will?**
* **How can I better discern God's sovereign plan for my life and submit my ambitions to His purposes?**
* **What "good tidings" do I truly seek, and are they rooted in God's truth or my own desires?**

### FAQ
**Why did Adonijah hold a feast at En Rogel, and what was its significance?**

Answer: Adonijah's feast at En Rogel (also known as En-rogel or "Fuller's Fountain") was a deliberate and public act of self-proclamation as king. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such feasts were often used to solidify political alliances, rally support, and publicly declare one's claim to authority. By inviting key figures like Joab, the army commander, and Abiathar, the priest, Adonijah sought to legitimize his usurpation of the throne. The location, just outside Jerusalem, allowed for a public display without directly challenging David within the city walls initially. However, the feast's significance was entirely undermined by its lack of divine sanction and King David's explicit command. While Adonijah intended it as a coronation, it became a dramatic stage for the revelation of his downfall, as the news of Solomon's legitimate anointing, described in [1 Kings 1:32-40](/1_kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32-40 - Solomon's Anointing and Enthronement"), abruptly shattered the illusion of his power, as conveyed by Jonathan in [1 Kings 1:43-48](/1_kings/1-43 "1 Kings 1:43-48 - Jonathan Delivers the News of Solomon's Kingship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic irony and themes of divine sovereignty versus human ambition in [1 Kings 1:42](/1_kings/1-42 "1 Kings 1:42 - Christ-Centered Fulfillment") find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Adonijah's self-appointed kingship, based on human strength and popular support, stands in stark contrast to the kingship of Jesus, which is divinely appointed and established by God's eternal decree. While Adonijah sought to seize a temporal throne, Jesus, the true Son of David, did not cling to earthly power but humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant (cf. [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")). The 'good tidings' Adonijah desperately sought were fleeting and false, leading to his downfall. In contrast, the 'good tidings' (εὐαγγέλιον, _euangelion_) of the New Testament are the eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ, who brings true salvation, peace, and eternal life to all who believe (cf. [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Unlike Adonijah, whose reign was immediately thwarted, Jesus' kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, not of this world, established by God Himself and reigning forever (cf. [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). The narrative of Adonijah's failed ambition thus points forward to the absolute and unchallenged sovereignty of the Messiah, whose reign is beyond human plotting and whose 'good tidings' bring ultimate hope.

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

2 Samuel 15:36

Behold, [they have] there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's [son], and Jonathan Abiathar's [son]; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

2 Samuel 18:27

And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He [is] a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

2 Samuel 17:17

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

2 Samuel 15:27

The king said also unto Zadok the priest, [Art not] thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

2 Kings 9:22

And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?

1 Kings 22:18

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.