1 Kings 1:5

KJV

¶ Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Adonijah {H138} the son {H1121} of Haggith {H2294} exalted {H4984} himself, saying {H559}, I will be king {H4427}: and he prepared {H6213} him chariots {H7393} and horsemen {H6571}, and fifty {H2572} men {H376} to run {H7323} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adoniyah the son of Haggit was beginning to claim that he would be king; to this end he organized chariots and horsemen, with fifty men to run ahead of him.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.

American Standard Version

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:5 introduces Adonijah, David's fourth son, who presumptuously "exalted himself" by declaring his intention to be king, despite no divine or paternal appointment. His actions, marked by the public display of chariots, horsemen, and a retinue of fifty runners, mirrored the royal pomp of a legitimate monarch and signaled a clear attempt to usurp the throne, setting the stage for a critical succession crisis at the end of David's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the description of King David's extreme old age and physical frailty in [1 Kings 1:1-4](/1_kings/1-1 "1 Kings 1:1-4 - David's Old Age and Abishag"). The narrative establishes a power vacuum and a clear need for a successor, a situation exacerbated by David's apparent inability to govern decisively. Adonijah's self-proclamation is the direct consequence of this vulnerability, initiating the dramatic struggle for the throne that dominates the opening chapters of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings Chapter 1 - The Succession Crisis"). His actions directly challenge the divine promise of a lasting dynasty through David, which is ultimately fulfilled in Solomon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the succession to the throne was often a precarious affair, especially when the reigning king was old or infirm. While primogeniture (right of the firstborn) was a common principle, it was not absolute, and kings often designated a preferred heir, sometimes with divine endorsement. David himself had been divinely chosen, not by birth order. Adonijah, as the eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom (see [2 Samuel 3:2-5](/2_samuel/3-2 "2 Samuel 3:2-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")), would naturally have considered himself the rightful heir. His preparation of chariots, horsemen, and fifty runners was a well-known display of royal authority and prestige, a tactic previously employed by his rebellious brother Absalom in [2 Samuel 15:1](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom's Royal Entourage"). This public demonstration was a clear signal of his claim to the throne and an attempt to rally support.
* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several crucial themes that will unfold throughout the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human ambition versus divine sovereignty**. Adonijah's self-exaltation directly contrasts with God's pre-ordained plan for Solomon to succeed David and build the Temple, as revealed in [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **succession and dynastic stability**, a recurring concern in the books of Samuel and Kings. The legitimacy of the king, whether divinely appointed or self-proclaimed, is paramount. Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **David's declining authority and the consequences of parental inaction**. David's failure to publicly name his successor creates the vacuum that Adonijah exploits, demonstrating the ripple effects of leadership weakness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exalted himself (Hebrew, _nasa' nephesh_):** This phrase literally means "lifted up his soul" or "raised his spirit." It conveys a sense of arrogant self-assertion, presumption, and an assumption of authority that was not granted. It implies a willful act of taking power into one's own hands, rather than waiting for divine or legitimate human appointment. This is not merely an expression of desire but an active, public declaration of self-enthronement.
* **I will be king (Hebrew, _'ani 'emlōk_):** This declarative statement is a direct self-proclamation of kingship. It is not a question or a request, but a firm assertion of intent and perceived right. This phrase, combined with "exalted himself," emphasizes Adonijah's audacious and unauthorized seizure of royal prerogative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king:"** This opening clause immediately identifies the protagonist and his decisive, self-initiated action. Adonijah, as David's fourth son and the eldest surviving, takes it upon himself to claim the throne. The phrase "exalted himself" (Hebrew _nasa' nephesh_) signifies a presumptuous, arrogant self-proclamation, indicating that he seized authority rather than receiving it. His declaration, "I will be king," is a bold, public assertion of his ambition, setting him in direct opposition to any other potential heir, including Solomon, whom God had designated.
* **"and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him."** This second clause details the concrete steps Adonijah took to legitimize and publicize his claim. The preparation of chariots and horsemen was a significant display of military strength and royal pomp, typically reserved for the reigning monarch or a designated heir. The "fifty men to run before him" (often a royal guard or heralds) further mimicked the retinue of a king, mirroring the tactics used by Absalom in his rebellion ([2 Samuel 15:1](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom's Royal Entourage")). These actions were not subtle; they were a public demonstration designed to project an image of legitimate authority, gather support, and solidify his perceived right to the throne in the eyes of the people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is evident in Adonijah's self-exaltation, as his attempt to seize power ultimately leads to his downfall and the swift establishment of Solomon's reign, demonstrating the futility of human schemes against divine will. **Foreshadowing** is present in Adonijah's actions, which echo the rebellious tactics of his half-brother Absalom, hinting at a similar tragic outcome. The meticulous description of his preparations ("chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him") serves as **imagery** that vividly portrays his royal pretensions and the public nature of his usurpation. This detailed imagery also functions as **symbolism**, where the chariots and runners symbolize royal authority and power, which Adonijah attempts to appropriate for himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 1:5 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked human ambition and the futility of self-exaltation when it runs contrary to divine purpose. Adonijah's actions highlight a recurring biblical theme: God is the one who exalts and deposes rulers, not human striving or political maneuvering. His presumptuous grab for power underscores the contrast between those who wait for God's timing and those who attempt to force their own agenda. This narrative sets the stage for God's clear demonstration of sovereignty in establishing Solomon, teaching that true authority and lasting success come from divine appointment and obedience, not from human strength or cunning.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Daniel 4:32](/daniel/4-32 "Daniel 4:32 - God Rules the Kingdom of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adonijah's story in 1 Kings 1:5 offers a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own ambitions and desires for position, influence, or recognition. Are we willing to wait for God's timing and trust in His sovereign plan, or are we prone to "exalt ourselves" and take matters into our own hands? True leadership and blessing in God's kingdom do not come from self-promotion or outward displays of power, but from humble submission to His will and patient endurance. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that all authority ultimately belongs to God, and He alone determines who He will raise up or bring down. Our focus should be on faithfulness in our current calling, trusting that God will open doors and provide opportunities according to His perfect wisdom and timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "exalt myself" or take matters into my own hands, rather than waiting on God's timing?**
* **How does Adonijah's ambition contrast with the humility exemplified by Jesus, and what can I learn from this contrast?**
* **What are the practical implications of truly believing that God is the one who raises up and brings down leaders, both in the church and in the world?**

### FAQ

**What does "exalted himself" mean in this context?**

Answer: In 1 Kings 1:5, "exalted himself" (Hebrew _nasa' nephesh_) means that Adonijah arrogantly and presumptuously took it upon himself to claim the kingship. It signifies a self-proclamation of authority and status without legitimate divine or human appointment. He was not merely expressing a desire, but actively asserting his right to the throne and taking steps to publicly assume the role of king, in defiance of David's unstated but understood preference for Solomon and God's prior designation of Solomon. This phrase implies a strong sense of self-will and an overestimation of his own position.

**Why was Adonijah's attempt to become king a problem if he was the eldest surviving son?**

Answer: While primogeniture was a common custom, it was not an absolute rule for succession in Israelite monarchy, especially when God had a specific plan. The primary reason Adonijah's attempt was problematic was that God had already designated Solomon, David's son by Bathsheba, to be the next king and to build the Temple (see [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon") and [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). David himself had made a private oath to Bathsheba that Solomon would succeed him ([1 Kings 1:13](/1_kings/1-13 "1 Kings 1:13 - Nathan's Words to Bathsheba")). Adonijah's actions were a direct usurpation of both divine will and the king's prerogative to name his successor, making it an illegitimate coup attempt rather than a rightful claim.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adonijah's self-exaltation and attempt to seize the throne in 1 Kings 1:5 stands in stark contrast to the true King, Jesus Christ. Adonijah sought a kingdom by human ambition and outward display, preparing chariots and horsemen to assert his power. Jesus, however, came not to be served, but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), and His kingdom was not of this world, established by force, but by humble obedience and sacrificial love ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). While Adonijah's claim was illegitimate and ultimately failed, Jesus' kingship is divinely appointed and eternal, established by God the Father who "highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalted Jesus")). Adonijah's display of earthly power foreshadows the futility of human attempts to establish lasting dominion apart from God's will, while Christ's humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey ([Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")) perfectly fulfills prophecy and demonstrates the true nature of divine kingship—one of peace, righteousness, and ultimate victory through self-giving.

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 15:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

2 Samuel 3:4

And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

1 Kings 2:24

Now therefore, [as] the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.

Isaiah 2:7

Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither [is there any] end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither [is there any] end of their chariots:

Exodus 9:17

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

1 Kings 1:11

¶ Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth [it] not?

Deuteronomy 17:15

Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother.