1 Kings 1:52

KJV

And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} said {H559}, If he will shew himself a worthy {H2428} man {H1121}, there shall not an hair {H8185} of him fall {H5307} to the earth {H776}: but if wickedness {H7451} shall be found {H4672} in him, he shall die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo said, "If he will demonstrate that he is a worthy man, not a hair of his will fall to the earth. But if he is found making trouble, he will die."

Berean Standard Bible

And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”

American Standard Version

And Solomon said, If he shall show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following his swift and divinely orchestrated anointing as king, Solomon, facing the immediate challenge of his half-brother Adonijah's attempted usurpation, issues a profound pronouncement. Adonijah, having fled to the sanctuary of the altar, receives a conditional reprieve: his life will be spared if he proves himself loyal and worthy of the new king's trust, but any future act of rebellion or wickedness will result in his immediate execution. This declaration establishes Solomon's authority, demonstrates a blend of justice and mercy, and sets a clear precedent for the stability of his nascent reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic resolution to the immediate crisis of succession in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Solomon's Anointing"). The chapter opens with King David's advanced age and infirmity, which Adonijah, David's fourth son, seizes upon as an opportunity to declare himself king, gathering support from influential figures like Joab, the army commander, and Abiathar, the priest ([1 Kings 1:5-9](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-9 - Adonijah's Rebellion")). However, through the decisive intervention of Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet, David is reminded of his oath to make Solomon king ([1 Kings 1:11-31](/1_kings/1-11 "1 Kings 1:11-31 - Nathan and Bathsheba's Appeal")). This leads to Solomon's immediate and public anointing by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, accompanied by widespread rejoicing that echoes through Jerusalem ([1 Kings 1:32-40](/1_kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32-40 - Solomon's Anointing")). The news of Solomon's enthronement reaches Adonijah and his co-conspirators, causing their celebratory feast to disperse in terror ([1 Kings 1:41-49](/1_kings/1-41 "1 Kings 1:41-49 - Adonijah's Feast Interrupted")). Adonijah, fearing for his life, flees to the altar, grasping its horns as a desperate plea for asylum ([1 Kings 1:50-51](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50-51 - Adonijah Seeks Asylum")). Solomon's response in verse 52 directly addresses this act, demonstrating his initial approach to kingship—firm yet tempered with a conditional mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the succession of kings was often a volatile period, frequently marked by intrigue, violence, and the elimination of rivals to consolidate power. The practice of seeking asylum at the altar, specifically by grasping its horns, was a recognized custom in Israel, signifying a plea for divine protection and a stay of execution ([Exodus 21:14](/exodus/21-14 "Exodus 21:14 - Altar as Asylum")). The altar was considered sacred ground, and for a short time, it could offer refuge to those who had committed certain offenses, though not for premeditated murder. Adonijah's act thus reflects a desperate attempt to appeal to a higher authority (God) and to the new king's sense of justice or compassion. Solomon's response, therefore, is not merely a personal decision but a public act of state, setting a precedent for his rule. It demonstrates a king who is not wantonly vengeful but expects absolute loyalty, understanding the precarious nature of his newly established throne. The cultural expectation would have been for the new king to eliminate potential threats, making Solomon's conditional mercy a significant act.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reigns of Israel's Kings"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. While Solomon's ascent to the throne is divinely ordained ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon")), Adonijah's fate rests on his human choice to either submit or rebel. Secondly, the verse underscores **Justice and Mercy**. Solomon, though empowered to execute Adonijah immediately, chooses to offer a path to life, showcasing mercy, yet he simultaneously establishes a clear boundary of justice, where future wickedness will be met with severe consequences. This balance reflects a core aspect of biblical justice. Thirdly, the theme of **Consequences of Actions** is prominent. Adonijah's ambition and presumption led him to this perilous situation, and Solomon's declaration makes it clear that his future well-being is directly tied to his conduct. Finally, the verse speaks to **Loyalty and Obedience** to legitimate authority. Solomon's condition "if he will shew himself a worthy man" implies a demand for unwavering loyalty and submission to the divinely appointed king, a theme that will recur throughout Solomon's reign and the subsequent history of Israel's kings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worthy Man (Hebrew, _ben-chayil'_):** This phrase, literally "son of valor" or "son of strength," denotes a person of integrity, capability, and moral uprightness. In this context, it specifically refers to a man who demonstrates honorable conduct, loyalty, and trustworthiness, particularly in his submission to the king. It implies a character that is reliable and free from treachery or sedition. Solomon's condition is not merely about passive non-resistance but active demonstration of a loyal character.
* **Not an hair of him fall to the earth (Hebrew, _lo' yippol misse'arato 'arets'_):** This is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying complete safety, meticulous preservation, or absolute protection from harm. It appears in other biblical contexts to emphasize divine or human guarantees of safety (e.g., [1 Samuel 14:45](/1_samuel/14-45 "1 Samuel 14:45 - Jonathan's Life Spared"), [2 Samuel 14:11](/2_samuel/14-11 "2 Samuel 14:11 - Joab's Promise to the Woman of Tekoa"), [Acts 27:34](/acts/27-34 "Acts 27:34 - Paul's Assurance of Safety")). Solomon's use of this idiom promises Adonijah absolute security and protection, provided he fulfills the condition of loyalty.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This broad term encompasses evil, malice, trouble, or disaster. Here, it specifically refers to any future act of rebellion, conspiracy, disloyalty, or sedition against Solomon's legitimate rule. It implies a moral failing that manifests in actions detrimental to the kingdom and the king's authority. The finding of "wickedness" would be the definitive evidence of Adonijah's continued threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon said,"**: This simple introductory phrase highlights Solomon's immediate and authoritative response. As the newly anointed king, his words carry the weight of royal decree, establishing his power and judgment from the very outset of his reign.
* **"If he will shew himself a worthy man,"**: This clause sets the crucial condition for Adonijah's survival. It's an invitation for Adonijah to prove his loyalty and integrity. The burden is on Adonijah to demonstrate through his future actions that he is not a threat to Solomon's throne. This implies a period of observation and an expectation of genuine submission.
* **"there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth:"**: This is the promised outcome of Adonijah meeting the condition. It's a powerful idiom guaranteeing his complete safety and protection. Solomon assures him that not only will his life be spared, but he will suffer no harm whatsoever, provided he remains loyal. This demonstrates a measure of mercy and a desire for stability rather than immediate bloodshed.
* **"but if wickedness shall be found in him,"**: This introduces the contrasting condition and its severe consequence. "Wickedness" here refers to any future act of disloyalty, conspiracy, or rebellion against Solomon. The phrase "shall be found in him" suggests that such wickedness might be hidden but will ultimately be revealed or manifested through his actions.
* **"he shall die."**: This is the absolute and uncompromising consequence of failing the condition. It underscores the gravity of challenging the king's authority and the seriousness with which Solomon will deal with any future threats to his reign. This firm statement establishes Solomon's resolve and the non-negotiable nature of loyalty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. Firstly, it is a **Conditional Statement**, structured as an "if-then" proposition, clearly delineating the terms of Adonijah's fate. This highlights Solomon's deliberate and calculated approach to justice rather than impulsive retribution. Secondly, the phrase "not an hair of him fall to the earth" is a vivid **Idiom**, emphasizing complete and meticulous preservation, conveying the absolute nature of Solomon's promise of safety. This hyperbolic language underscores the extent of the mercy offered. Thirdly, the entire interaction serves as **Foreshadowing**. While Solomon offers mercy here, the condition "if wickedness shall be found in him" subtly hints at Adonijah's eventual demise in [1 Kings 2:25](/1_kings/2-25 "1 Kings 2:25 - Adonijah's Execution"), where his continued ambition leads to his execution. Finally, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** between the promised safety for loyalty and the certain death for wickedness, starkly presenting the two possible outcomes based on Adonijah's choices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's conditional pronouncement to Adonijah offers a profound theological parallel to God's dealings with humanity. While God is infinitely merciful and gracious, offering salvation and life, His justice remains absolute. Just as Solomon's mercy was contingent upon Adonijah's future conduct and loyalty, so too is God's covenant relationship with His people often presented with conditions of obedience and faithfulness. Unrepentant wickedness and deliberate rebellion against divine authority ultimately lead to separation and judgment. This verse illustrates the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and while grace abounds, it does not nullify the reality of divine justice. It reminds us that true security and flourishing come from living in alignment with God's will and submitting to His righteous rule, rather than pursuing self-serving ambitions that invariably lead to peril.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")
* [Psalm 103:10](/psalm/103-10 "Psalm 103:10 - God's Mercy and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Adonijah and Solomon's conditional mercy provides a powerful lens through which to examine our own lives and relationship with God. We are reminded that while God's grace is boundless, genuine faith is demonstrated through a life of ongoing loyalty and obedience. Just as Adonijah was given a chance to prove himself "a worthy man," so too are believers called to live lives consistent with their confession, demonstrating fidelity to Christ and His kingdom. Any "wickedness"—whether overt rebellion, subtle disloyalty, or unrepentant sin—can jeopardize our spiritual well-being and communion with God. This passage challenges us to consider whether our actions truly reflect our professed allegiance to Christ, or if there are areas where we are still pursuing self-serving ambitions that are contrary to His will. It encourages a posture of humility, repentance, and unwavering commitment to the Lordship of Jesus, knowing that in Him alone is true and lasting security found.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to pursue my own ambitions rather than submitting to God's established authority?**
* **How does Solomon's balance of mercy and justice reflect God's character as revealed in Scripture?**
* **What does it mean for me to "show myself a worthy man/woman" in my daily walk with Christ?**
* **Are there any "wickednesses" in my life that I need to confess and repent of, knowing that they can lead to spiritual peril?**

### FAQ
**Why did Adonijah flee to the altar and grasp its horns?**

Answer: Adonijah fled to the altar and grasped its horns as a traditional act of seeking asylum or sanctuary. In ancient Israel, the altar, particularly its horns, was considered sacred ground, a place where those accused of certain crimes (though not premeditated murder) could seek temporary refuge from immediate retribution. It was a desperate plea for protection, appealing to the sanctity of the divine presence and the mercy of the new king. Adonijah's act signified his fear for his life and his acknowledgment, albeit reluctant, of Solomon's newly established authority. This custom is also seen in [Exodus 21:14](/exodus/21-14 "Exodus 21:14 - Altar as Asylum") and [1 Kings 2:28](/1_kings/2-28 "1 Kings 2:28 - Joab Seeks Asylum").

**What does the idiom "not an hair of him fall to the earth" signify?**

Answer: This idiom is a powerful expression found in several biblical texts, signifying complete and absolute safety, preservation from harm, or meticulous protection. It means that not even the smallest part of the person will be harmed. In [1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "1 Kings 1:52 - Solomon's Conditional Mercy to Adonijah"), Solomon's use of this phrase guarantees Adonijah's total security and physical well-being, provided he adheres to the condition of loyalty. It underscores the comprehensive nature of the mercy offered, promising that no harm will come to him if he remains faithful. This idiom is also used in [1 Samuel 14:45](/1_samuel/14-45 "1 Samuel 14:45 - Jonathan's Life Spared by the People") and [Acts 27:34](/acts/27-34 "Acts 27:34 - Paul's Assurance of Safety During Shipwreck").

**Was Solomon's response to Adonijah merciful or harsh?**

Answer: Solomon's response was a calculated blend of both mercy and firm justice. It was merciful in that he spared Adonijah's life, despite Adonijah's clear act of treason by attempting to usurp the throne. In many ancient Near Eastern monarchies, such an act would have resulted in immediate execution. Solomon offered a conditional reprieve, providing Adonijah an opportunity to live if he demonstrated genuine loyalty. However, it was also harsh and uncompromising in its justice. The condition was absolute: any future "wickedness" or disloyalty would result in immediate death. This firm stance was necessary to establish the legitimacy and stability of Solomon's new reign, sending a clear message that challenges to his divinely appointed authority would not be tolerated. Ultimately, Adonijah's later actions demonstrated his continued "wickedness," leading to his execution in [1 Kings 2:25](/1_kings/2-25 "1 Kings 2:25 - Adonijah's Execution").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Solomon's conditional mercy to Adonijah demonstrates a king who balances justice with an opportunity for redemption, it ultimately points to the infinitely greater and unconditional grace offered by Jesus Christ. Solomon's promise of safety was contingent on Adonijah proving himself a "worthy man," a condition that Adonijah ultimately failed. In contrast, Christ, the true and eternal King, offers salvation not based on our worthiness or our ability to "show ourselves worthy," but through His own perfect worthiness and sacrificial obedience ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ, Our Sinless High Priest")). He became the "worthy man" on our behalf, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Baptism and Righteousness")), so that we might receive unconditional forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Him ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Yet, like Solomon's warning of "wickedness," the New Testament also speaks of a final judgment where those who reject Christ and persist in their rebellion will face the ultimate consequence ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Disbelief"), [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Solomon's decree foreshadows both the mercy and the ultimate justice of the divine King, Jesus, who offers unmerited grace to all who turn to Him, while also being the righteous Judge before whom all must one day stand.

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 14:45

And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: [as] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

2 Samuel 14:11

Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

Proverbs 13:6

¶ Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

Proverbs 21:12

¶ The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.

1 Kings 2:21

And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.

1 Kings 2:25

And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.

Job 15:22

He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.