1 Kings 1:5

¶ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Context of 1 Kings 1:5

The first chapter of 1 Kings opens with King David in his old age, physically weak and nearing the end of his reign. This created a power vacuum and a critical question of succession for the throne of Israel. While David had previously promised the throne to Solomon, his son by Bathsheba, this promise was not yet publicly affirmed or executed. Into this uncertain environment steps Adonijah, David's fourth son and, crucially, the eldest living son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Self-Exaltation and Ambition: The verse immediately highlights Adonijah's initiative: "exalted himself, saying, I will be king." This phrase, from the Hebrew nasa' nephesh, signifies an arrogant self-proclamation and an assumption of authority not given by God or his father, David. It stands in stark contrast to the divine appointment of leaders.
  • Usurpation and Coup Attempt: Adonijah's actions were a clear attempt to seize power. He did not wait for David's decree or divine revelation but took matters into his own hands. His preparations—"chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him"—were a public display of royal pomp and military strength, mirroring the tactics previously used by his rebellious brother, Absalom, in his own failed rebellion. This show of force was designed to project an image of legitimate authority and gather support.
  • Contrasting Divine Will: Adonijah's move directly challenged God's established plan for the succession. Though he was the eldest surviving son, God had already designated Solomon to build the Temple and rule after David (see 1 Chronicles 22:9-10). This narrative underscores the tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty, where God's ultimate plan always prevails.

Practical Application

1 Kings 1:5 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and self-exaltation. Adonijah's impatience and desire for power led him to bypass proper channels and divine will. For believers today, this verse reminds us of the importance of:

  • Humility: True authority and blessing come from God's appointment, not from human striving or self-proclamation.
  • Patience: Waiting on God's timing and trusting in His plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain, is crucial.
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, God is in control of who He exalts and brings down (Psalm 75:6-7). Human schemes, however grand, cannot thwart His ultimate purposes.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 15:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 2:24 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 1:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.