1 Kings 1:50

KJV

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Adonijah {H138} feared {H3372} because {H6440} of Solomon {H8010}, and arose {H6965}, and went {H3212}, and caught hold {H2388} on the horns {H7161} of the altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adoniyah too was afraid because of Shlomo; he got up, went and took hold of the horns of the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.

American Standard Version

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:50 captures the dramatic moment of Adonijah's desperate fear and flight following the news of Solomon's anointing as king. Having presumptuously declared himself heir, Adonijah's ambition crumples as David's divinely sanctioned choice is revealed. His immediate instinct is to seek sanctuary at the horns of the altar, a traditional place of asylum, hoping to escape the swift retribution of the newly established monarch. This act underscores his recognition of Solomon's legitimate authority and his own precarious position.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Adonijah's failed coup attempt and the immediate aftermath of Solomon's anointing. The preceding verses (1 Kings 1:5-10) describe Adonijah's self-exaltation and gathering of support, contrasting sharply with David's divine promise to Bathsheba regarding Solomon's succession (1 Kings 1:11-31). The decisive action taken by Nathan and Bathsheba prompts David to command Solomon's anointing at Gihon (1 Kings 1:32-39). The joyous sounds of Solomon's coronation celebration then reach Adonijah's feast, causing his co-conspirators to scatter in fear (1 Kings 1:41-49). Verse 50 directly follows this dispersal, illustrating Adonijah's personal reaction to the sudden and irreversible shift in power. His flight to the altar is a direct consequence of the events that have just unfolded, setting the stage for Solomon's initial act of mercy or judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of seeking refuge at the altar was a well-established custom in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East. The "horns of the altar" were the four corner protrusions of the bronze altar of burnt offering, first in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. These horns were sacred, often smeared with the blood of sacrificial animals (e.g., [Leviticus 4:7](/leviticus/4-7 "Leviticus 4:7 - Blood on the Altar Horns")). By grasping them, an individual was appealing to the sanctity of the holy place and invoking divine protection, effectively putting themselves under God's immediate jurisdiction and gaining a temporary reprieve from immediate retribution. This tradition allowed time for a judicial process to determine the accused's fate, distinguishing between accidental and premeditated offenses (e.g., [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws of Homicide and Asylum")). Adonijah's action demonstrates his understanding of this legal and religious tradition, seeking a stay of execution rather than a full pardon.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of 1 Kings 1:50 highlights several profound themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **sovereignty of God in kingship**, demonstrating that human ambition (Adonijah's self-proclamation) is ultimately subordinate to God's divine appointment (Solomon's anointing, as promised by David and confirmed by Nathan). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **fear and desperation** in the face of consequences, as Adonijah's initial boldness gives way to terror when confronted with the reality of Solomon's legitimate power. This fear drives him to seek **sanctuary and mercy**, a desperate plea for his life that highlights the sanctity of the altar as a place of refuge, albeit one that does not guarantee absolute immunity, as seen later with Joab in [1 Kings 2:28-34](/1_kings/2-28 "1 Kings 2:28-34 - Joab's Failed Attempt at Sanctuary"). Finally, it sets up the theme of **justice and clemency** as Solomon, the new king, is immediately presented with a decision regarding his rival's fate, foreshadowing the nature of his reign and his initial acts of judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yare'_)**: This verb signifies a profound and often overwhelming sense of dread or terror. It is not merely a mild apprehension but an intense, visceral fear, often associated with a sense of impending danger or judgment. In Adonijah's case, it reflects his sudden realization of the gravity of his failed coup and the potential for immediate capital punishment under the new king. This fear is a direct consequence of his rebellion against God's chosen successor.
* **Caught hold (Hebrew, _ḥazaq_)**: This verb means "to be strong," "to seize," or "to grasp firmly." Adonijah's action is not a casual touch but a desperate, firm grip, indicating a fervent and urgent appeal for protection. It suggests a physical act of clinging to the only perceived source of safety, symbolizing his complete vulnerability and reliance on the ancient custom of asylum.
* **Horns of the altar (Hebrew, _qarnot hammizbeaḥ_)**: These were the four protrusions at the corners of the sacrificial altar. Symbolically, the horns represented strength, power, and divine presence. To grasp them was to appeal to the very heart of Israelite worship and the sanctity of God's dwelling place. It was a public and desperate plea for mercy, acknowledging the authority of the sanctuary and, by extension, the God to whom it belonged.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Adonijah feared because of Solomon":** This clause immediately establishes Adonijah's emotional state and the cause of it. His fear is a direct response to the news of Solomon's anointing and the swift, decisive nature of David's action. It signifies the collapse of his ambitions and the recognition of Solomon's legitimate authority, which now posed an existential threat to him.
* **"and arose, and went":** This indicates a rapid, purposeful movement driven by his fear. Adonijah does not hesitate or deliberate; his action is an immediate flight from danger. The sequence of "arose and went" suggests a desperate urgency to find safety before any punitive action could be taken against him.
* **"and caught hold on the horns of the altar":** This is the specific action Adonijah takes to secure his safety. It is a culturally significant gesture, a traditional act of seeking asylum. By grasping the sacred horns, Adonijah publicly declares his need for sanctuary, appealing to the religious and legal custom that offered temporary protection to those accused of certain crimes, particularly non-premeditated ones. It was a desperate, public plea for mercy and a stay of execution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its dramatic impact. **Fear** is a central motif, driving Adonijah's actions and highlighting the immediate shift in power dynamics. The **Symbolism** of the "horns of the altar" is paramount; it represents not just a physical structure but a sacred space of refuge and divine protection, a last resort for those facing dire consequences. The narrative uses **Juxtaposition** by placing Adonijah's terror directly after the jubilant sounds of Solomon's coronation, creating a stark contrast between the celebratory atmosphere for the legitimate king and the panicked flight of the usurper. Furthermore, the rapid sequence of verbs—"feared," "arose," "went," "caught hold"—creates a sense of **Urgency** and immediacy, emphasizing the swiftness of Adonijah's reaction and the suddenness of his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 1:50 powerfully illustrates the divine sovereignty in establishing leadership, even amidst human ambition and political intrigue. Adonijah's fear and flight to the altar underscore the futility of opposing God's chosen path. Theologically, the altar, a place of sacrifice and atonement, becomes a temporary refuge, highlighting God's provision for mercy, even for those who have erred. This act of seeking sanctuary points to a deeper human need for refuge from judgment, a need ultimately fulfilled not by a physical structure but by a spiritual reality. The scene sets the stage for Solomon's initial demonstration of justice tempered with mercy, reflecting the character of God.

* [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12 "Law of Asylum at the Altar")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Taking Refuge in Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adonijah's desperate grasp of the altar horns serves as a profound reminder that when our self-serving ambitions clash with God's sovereign will, fear and desperation are often the bitter fruits. His flight to a sacred space for refuge echoes a universal human longing for safety and mercy when confronted with the consequences of our actions. For believers today, this passage invites us to consider where we seek refuge when our lives unravel, or when we face the repercussions of our choices. Do we, like Adonijah, cling to external symbols or traditions, or do we run to the true and living God, who is our ultimate sanctuary? The narrative encourages us to humble ourselves before God's established order, trusting in His perfect plan rather than striving through our own strength and pride. It teaches us that true security is found not in manipulating circumstances or clinging to physical structures, but in surrendering to the divine will and finding our refuge in the Lord, who alone can grant true peace and forgiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars" or false securities do I tend to grasp onto when I am afraid or facing the consequences of my actions?**
* **How does Adonijah's fear contrast with a posture of humble repentance and trust in God's mercy?**
* **In what ways does this story challenge my own ambitions and desires for control, encouraging me to align with God's sovereign will?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "horns of the altar" in ancient Israelite culture?**

Answer: The "horns of the altar" were the four prominent protrusions at each corner of the altar of burnt offering, both in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. These horns were highly symbolic and sacred. They were often smeared with the blood of sacrificial animals during atonement rituals (e.g., [Leviticus 4:7](/leviticus/4-7 "Leviticus 4:7 - Blood on the Altar Horns")), representing the power and efficacy of the sacrifice. Culturally, grasping these horns became a recognized act of seeking asylum or sanctuary. It was a desperate plea for mercy, placing the individual under the immediate protection of the sacred space and, by extension, God himself. This tradition provided a temporary reprieve from immediate retribution, allowing for a judicial process to determine the accused's guilt and fate, particularly distinguishing between accidental and premeditated offenses (e.g., [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws of Homicide and Asylum")). However, it did not guarantee absolute immunity, especially for capital crimes or those who had acted with deliberate malice, as seen in the case of Joab (2 Kings 2:28-34).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adonijah's desperate flight to the horns of the altar, seeking refuge from the judgment of the newly established king, Solomon, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The physical altar in the Old Testament, with its horns symbolizing a temporary place of asylum and a point of contact with God's mercy, foreshadows the spiritual refuge offered in Christ. While the Old Covenant altar provided a temporary stay of execution, it could not ultimately cleanse the conscience or guarantee eternal safety. Jesus, however, is the true and perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate and final atonement. He is not merely a place of temporary refuge, but our eternal sanctuary, the one to whom we can [flee for refuge](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Taking Refuge in Hope") and lay hold of the hope set before us. Unlike Adonijah, who feared a king and sought a physical structure, we are invited to come boldly to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") through Christ, our great High Priest, to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. In Him, the judgment for our rebellion is fully absorbed, and we find not just a reprieve, but complete and eternal salvation, becoming part of His eternal kingdom where there is no fear of condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")).

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 2:28

Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Exodus 21:14

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

Exodus 38:2

And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

Exodus 27:2

And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

Psalms 118:27

God [is] the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, [even] unto the horns of the altar.