1 Kings 1:53

KJV

So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.

KJV (with Strong's)

So king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} sent {H7971}, and they brought him down {H3381} from the altar {H4196}. And he came {H935} and bowed {H7812} himself to king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}: and Solomon {H8010} said {H559} unto him, Go {H3212} to thine house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So King Shlomo sent, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and prostrated himself before King Shlomo; and Shlomo said to him, 'Go on home.'"

Berean Standard Bible

So King Solomon summoned Adonijah down from the altar, and he came and bowed down before King Solomon, who said to him, “Go to your home.”

American Standard Version

So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and did obeisance to king Solomon; and Solomon said unto him, Go to thy house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates the pivotal moment of Adonijah's submission to the newly enthroned King Solomon, marking the decisive end of his attempted usurpation. Having desperately sought refuge at the sacred horns of the altar, a traditional place of asylum, Adonijah is brought before Solomon, where he performs a profound act of obeisance, publicly acknowledging Solomon's legitimate kingship. In a display of initial prudence and conditional mercy, Solomon spares Adonijah's life, sending him home with a clear warning, thereby solidifying his own authority and ushering in a new era of royal stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the dramatic conclusion to the narrative of Solomon's accession to the throne, which unfolds throughout [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Solomon's Accession"). The chapter opens with King David's advanced age and physical decline ([1 Kings 1:1](/1_kings/1-1 "1 Kings 1:1 - David's Old Age")), creating a power vacuum that Adonijah, David's fourth son, attempts to exploit by presumptuously declaring himself king ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Self-Proclamation")). This audacious act directly challenges God's divine promise to David that Solomon would be his successor ([1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to David Regarding Solomon")). Upon learning of Adonijah's coup through the urgent intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba ([1 Kings 1:11-31](/1_kings/1-11-31 "1 Kings 1:11-31 - Nathan and Bathsheba's Intervention")), David swiftly orders Solomon's anointing by Zadok the priest ([1 Kings 1:39](/1_kings/1-39 "1 Kings 1:39 - Solomon's Anointing")). The subsequent widespread celebration of Solomon's anointing causes Adonijah's co-conspirators to scatter, and Adonijah, fearing immediate execution, flees to the sanctuary, grasping the horns of the altar for asylum ([1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Seeks Refuge at the Altar")), setting the stage for Solomon's decisive response in the present verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of seeking refuge at the altar was a deeply ingrained custom in ancient Israel, rooted in the understanding that the altar, as a sacred locus of divine presence and sacrificial atonement, offered temporary sanctuary. This tradition is explicitly referenced in Mosaic Law, particularly in [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12-14 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws of Homicide and Asylum"), which distinguished between accidental and premeditated killing, with the latter explicitly excluded from altar asylum. Adonijah's desperate grasp of the altar horns was a public appeal for clemency, invoking the sanctity of God's presence and the mercy associated with the sacrificial system. Furthermore, the act of "bowing" (prostration) before a king was a profound and universally recognized gesture of submission, homage, and acknowledgment of superior authority in the ancient Near East. For a newly installed monarch like Solomon, securing such a public and unequivocal act of submission from a prominent rival claimant was not merely a formality but a critical step in consolidating power, establishing his legitimacy, and deterring future challenges to his reign in the eyes of the entire kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the unfolding narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reigns of Israel's Kings"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Royal Succession**. Despite Adonijah's ambitious and rebellious attempt to seize the throne, God's preordained plan for Solomon to inherit the kingship is unequivocally upheld, demonstrating that true royal authority ultimately emanates from God's decree, not from human ambition or political maneuvering. Secondly, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Mercy and Prudence in Leadership**. Solomon's decision to spare Adonijah's life, rather than immediately executing him for treason, represents his inaugural act of calculated mercy and strategic wisdom as king. This initial clemency sets a precedent for his reign, showcasing a nuanced approach to justice that balances firm authority with a desire for stability. However, this mercy is explicitly conditional, contingent upon Adonijah's future good behavior, reflecting a discerning and pragmatic approach to governance, as further evidenced in [1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "1 Kings 1:52 - Solomon's Conditional Pardon"). Thirdly, Adonijah's compelled act of submission highlights the theme of **Submission to Legitimate Authority**. His public prostration before King Solomon signifies his acceptance of Solomon's rightful kingship and his surrender to the new, divinely sanctioned order, a vital step in preventing further civil unrest and solidifying Solomon's nascent rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, _mizbêach_):** This term refers to the sacrificial altar, specifically the four "horns" at its corners, which held symbolic significance and were touched during certain rituals. In ancient Israel, the altar served as a traditional, though not absolute, place of asylum for those seeking refuge from immediate retribution. Adonijah's desperate act of grasping these horns signifies his plea for sanctuary and mercy, acknowledging the sacred space as a last resort for protection from Solomon's judgment.
* **Bowed (שָׁחָה, _shâchâh_):** Derived from the primitive root H7812, meaning "to depress," "prostrate oneself," or "do homage." This action is a profound physical expression of submission, respect, and acknowledgment of a superior's authority. In this context, Adonijah's bowing before Solomon is a public and unequivocal declaration of his surrender and acceptance of Solomon's legitimate kingship, a crucial act for the stability and legitimacy of the new reign.
* **House (בַּיִת, _bayith_):** While literally meaning "your house" or "your home," Solomon's command "Go to thine house" carries significant implications beyond mere dismissal. It represents a forced withdrawal from public and political life, a return to private existence, and a conditional reprieve from immediate execution for treason. It is a clear directive to cease all rebellious activities and live peaceably, with the implicit understanding that any future transgression would result in severe and final consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar":** This opening clause immediately establishes Solomon's decisive authority and control. He does not personally confront Adonijah but dispatches his representatives, underscoring his established royal power. The act of bringing Adonijah *down* from the altar signifies the termination of his asylum, stripping him of his perceived sanctuary and placing him directly under Solomon's absolute jurisdiction and impending judgment.
* **"And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon":** This is the pivotal moment of Adonijah's public and compelled submission. His voluntary (albeit forced by circumstance) act of prostration before Solomon serves as a visual and undeniable acknowledgment of Solomon's rightful kingship. This public display is crucial for the new king's legitimacy, signaling the definitive end of Adonijah's rebellion and the transfer of power.
* **"and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house":** This statement represents Solomon's initial verdict – a remarkable display of mercy tempered with a clear and implicit warning. It grants Adonijah a reprieve from immediate death, allowing him to return to his private dwelling. However, it also functions as a strong admonition against any future rebellious actions, implying that his life is now contingent upon his peaceful conduct and absolute loyalty to Solomon's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and dramatic impact. **Symbolism** is prominently featured, with the "horns of the altar" serving as a potent symbol of desperate refuge and divine sanctuary, highlighting Adonijah's utter fear and his appeal to a higher, sacred power for protection. Adonijah's act of "bowing" is also profoundly symbolic, representing complete submission, the formal acknowledgment of Solomon's legitimate authority, and the public surrender of his own claim to the throne. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing** in Solomon's initial act of mercy. While it showcases his nascent wisdom and a desire for a peaceful transition, it also subtly hints at the conditional and precarious nature of this clemency. The reader, especially with the benefit of hindsight from [1 Kings 2](/1_kings/2 "1 Kings 2 - Solomon's Consolidation of Power"), perceives a profound layer of **Dramatic Irony**. Solomon's seemingly benign command, "Go to thine house," is laden with irony, as Adonijah's future actions will inevitably lead him away from his house and ultimately to his execution, revealing that this reprieve was only temporary and contingent upon a loyalty Adonijah could not, or would not, maintain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in Solomon's early reign profoundly illustrates the intricate intersection of divine will and human action. God's sovereign choice of Solomon as David's successor is powerfully affirmed, not through Solomon's military might, but through Adonijah's forced submission and Solomon's wise and measured handling of the situation. Solomon's initial act of mercy reflects a divine attribute, demonstrating a measured approach to justice that prioritizes stability and the establishment of legitimate authority. This conditional mercy also highlights the biblical principle that while God is abundant in mercy, there are profound consequences for rebellion against His ordained order, and a demand for true, heartfelt submission. The narrative underscores that God's ultimate plans prevail, even amidst human ambition, political maneuvering, and desperate attempts to thwart His will, and that true peace and order in a kingdom are ultimately found in acknowledging and submitting to God-ordained authority.

* [Exodus 21:14](/exodus/21-14 "Exodus 21:14 - No Altar Refuge for Premeditated Murder")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's handling of Adonijah's rebellion offers profound and enduring lessons for leadership, justice, and the nature of submission in both spiritual and temporal realms. His initial act of mercy, though strategically astute, demonstrates a wisdom that seeks to consolidate power through clemency and a measured approach rather than immediate bloodshed, thereby setting a significant tone for his nascent reign. For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that true authority, whether in civil government, the church, or within our families, is ultimately established by God, and our willing submission to legitimate leadership is often the pathway to peace, order, and stability. It challenges us to deeply consider how we respond when our personal ambitions are thwarted, or when authority is placed over us that we did not choose or perhaps even resent. Do we, like Adonijah, seek temporary refuge in outward acts of submission while harboring inner rebellion, or do we humbly and genuinely submit to the established order, trusting in God's overarching and perfect plan? This story serves as a cautionary tale against seizing power through improper means, emphasizing the paramount importance of humility, patience, and unwavering trust in God's timing and divine providence, rather than resorting to self-serving ambition or manipulative tactics. It calls us to reflect on the nature of true repentance and submission, which is not merely an outward, performative act but a genuine transformation of heart that leads to lasting peace and alignment with God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to seize control or act out of self-serving ambition, rather than patiently trusting in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan?**
* **How can I better demonstrate genuine, heartfelt submission to legitimate authorities in my life, even when I strongly disagree with their decisions or find their leadership challenging?**
* **What profound insights does Solomon's conditional mercy teach me about the delicate yet crucial balance between justice and compassion in my own interactions and judgments of others?**
* **When I face the natural consequences for my actions, do I genuinely seek reconciliation and humble submission, or do I merely seek a temporary reprieve from discomfort or accountability?**

### FAQ

**Why did Adonijah flee to the altar?**

Answer: Adonijah fled to the altar because it was a well-established and traditional place of asylum in ancient Israel. The horns of the altar were considered sacred, and grasping them was a desperate, public appeal for sanctuary and clemency. This custom was rooted in the Mosaic Law, which provided for cities of refuge and, in certain circumstances, sanctuary at the altar for those who had committed unintentional homicide ([Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12-14 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws of Asylum and Homicide")). Adonijah, having failed in his coup attempt against Solomon and fearing immediate execution for treason, sought to invoke this ancient right to avoid swift retribution, hoping for a reprieve or a fair hearing.

**Was Solomon's mercy genuine or strategic?**

Answer: Solomon's mercy in [1 Kings 1:53](/1_kings/1-53 "1 Kings 1:53 - Adonijah's Submission to Solomon") was likely a sophisticated blend of both genuine clemency and strategic prudence. As a newly crowned king, Solomon needed to consolidate his power and establish his authority without immediately resorting to widespread bloodshed, which could destabilize his nascent reign and alienate potential supporters. Extending mercy to Adonijah, a prominent rival and David's son, demonstrated his wisdom, strength, and a measured, judicious approach to justice. It also offered Adonijah a chance to prove his loyalty. However, this mercy was explicitly conditional ("if he show himself a worthy man," as stated in [1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "1 Kings 1:52 - Solomon's Conditional Pardon")), indicating that it was also a strategic move to test Adonijah's future conduct and ensure the long-term stability of the kingdom. Solomon's decisive actions in [1 Kings 2](/1_kings/2 "1 Kings 2 - Solomon's Consolidation of Power"), where Adonijah is later executed for another perceived threat, reveal the precise and conditional nature of this initial mercy.

**What happened to Adonijah after this event?**

Answer: Adonijah's reprieve was short-lived and ultimately conditional. After this event, he returned home as commanded by Solomon. However, in [1 Kings 2](/1_kings/2 "1 Kings 2 - Solomon's Consolidation of Power"), following King David's death, Adonijah approaches Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, with a request to marry Abishag, David's former companion. Solomon interprets this request not as a simple desire for a wife but as another insidious attempt to claim the throne, as marrying a deceased king's concubine or companion was a recognized way to assert a claim to the kingship in the ancient Near East. Seeing this as a direct challenge to his authority and a violation of the conditional mercy he had extended, Solomon immediately orders Adonijah's execution through Benaiah, thereby decisively eliminating a potential rival and fulfilling the implicit warning given in [1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "1 Kings 1:52 - Solomon's Warning to Adonijah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Adonijah's desperate rebellion and Solomon's measured, conditional response finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. Solomon's initial act of mercy, while prudent and conditional upon Adonijah's future conduct, foreshadows the boundless, unconditional, and transformative mercy of God revealed in Christ. Unlike Adonijah, who clung to a physical altar for temporary refuge from a human king's wrath, humanity finds eternal asylum and ultimate safety not in a sacred object, but in Christ Himself, who is our true [refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). The "horns of the altar" symbolized a desperate plea for life and a temporary stay of execution, but Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice on the cross, providing not just a temporary reprieve but eternal life, complete forgiveness, and full reconciliation with God ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Adonijah's forced bowing to Solomon signifies submission to an earthly king whose reign was limited and temporal; however, the Scriptures declare that every knee will one day [bow to Jesus](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus"), acknowledging His universal, eternal, and righteous kingship, which is not gained through human political maneuvering or military conquest but through divine appointment, sacrificial love, and resurrection power ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness in Christ")). Solomon's command "Go to thine house" offered Adonijah a conditional and precarious peace, but Christ offers a peace that surpasses all understanding, a true and eternal dwelling in God's presence for all who genuinely repent and submit to His Lordship ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")). He is the King whose reign is not contingent on human worthiness or performance but is founded on His perfect righteousness and boundless grace, offering eternal security and an unshakeable kingdom to all who come to Him by faith.

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 14:28

¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

1 Kings 1:31

Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

Proverbs 24:21

¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:

1 Kings 2:36

And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.

2 Samuel 1:2

It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

1 Kings 1:16

And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?

2 Samuel 14:24

And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.