1 Kings 1:6

KJV

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also [was a] very goodly [man]; and [his mother] bare him after Absalom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his father {H1} had not displeased {H6087} him at any time {H3117} in saying {H559}, Why hast thou done so {H6213}? and he also was a very {H3966} goodly {H2896}{H8389} man; and his mother bare {H3205} him after {H310} Absalom {H53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(His father had never in his life confronted him by asking, "Why are you behaving this way?" Moreover, he was a very handsome man; he was born next after Avshalom.)

Berean Standard Bible

(His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)

American Standard Version

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he was also a very goodly man; and he was born after Absalom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:6 offers a critical glimpse into the character of Adonijah, King David's fourth son, and the dysfunctional family dynamics that enabled his audacious attempt to seize the throne as his aging father lay dying. The verse highlights David's chronic failure to discipline his children, allowing Adonijah's ambition to flourish unchecked. It also notes Adonijah's striking physical attractiveness and his position as the eldest surviving son after Absalom, factors that contributed to his self-exaltation and claim to the kingship. This combination of parental indulgence, personal charisma, and perceived birthright set the stage for a dramatic succession crisis in the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens the climactic final chapter of David's reign, immediately following a description of the king's extreme old age and physical frailty (1 Kings 1:1-4). The narrative quickly shifts from David's physical decline to the looming question of succession. Adonijah's self-exaltation in 1 Kings 1:5, directly preceding this verse, sets the stage for his presumptuous actions. Verse 6 then provides the crucial background for *why* Adonijah felt emboldened to act, revealing David's long-standing pattern of parental permissiveness. This sets up the dramatic conflict that unfolds throughout the chapter, involving Nathan the prophet, Bathsheba, and ultimately, God's divine appointment of Solomon as the rightful heir, contrasting sharply with Adonijah's human ambition. The entire chapter functions as a bridge from David's reign to Solomon's, emphasizing the divine hand in the transfer of power despite human machinations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, succession was often a volatile issue, especially when the reigning king was incapacitated or near death. While primogeniture (the right of the firstborn son to inherit) was a common practice, it was not absolute, particularly in Israel where divine appointment often superseded human custom, as seen with Saul, David, and later Solomon. The king's physical health was also a significant factor; a weak king could invite challenges to his authority. Furthermore, physical appearance, as described for Adonijah ("very goodly man"), was often perceived as an indicator of divine favor and leadership potential, a trait also noted in figures like King Saul and Adonijah's brother, Absalom, whose beauty was unparalleled in Israel, as recorded in [2 Samuel 14:25](/2_samuel/14-25 "2 Samuel 14:25 - Absalom's Beauty"). David's failure to discipline his children, as highlighted here, was a recurring problem in his household, contributing to earlier tragedies like Amnon's sin and Absalom's rebellion, detailed in [2 Samuel 13](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Amnon and Tamar") and [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The most prominent is the **consequences of parental failure and unchecked ambition**. David's inability to confront his children's wrongdoing, a pattern tragically repeated from Absalom's rebellion, directly fosters an environment where Adonijah's self-exaltation can flourish, leading to instability in the kingdom. This highlights the importance of **wise and firm leadership**, not just in governance but within the family unit. Another key theme is the **contrast between outward appearance and inner character**. Adonijah's physical attractiveness, reminiscent of his brother Absalom, stands in stark contrast to his presumptuous and self-serving actions, which disregard God's known will for the succession. This sets up the tension between human schemes and **divine sovereignty**, as Adonijah's attempt to seize power directly challenges God's predetermined plan for Solomon to inherit the throne, as promised in [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon"). The narrative underscores that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of human ambition or familial failures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Displeased (Hebrew, _ʻâtsab'_):** From H6087, this primitive root means "to carve, i.e. fabricate or fashion; hence (in a bad sense) to worry, pain or anger." In this context, it signifies David's complete lack of corrective action or even verbal disapproval towards Adonijah. It's not merely that David didn't punish him, but that he never even expressed concern or asked "Why hast thou done so?" This reveals a profound parental negligence, a failure to engage with, challenge, or guide his son's behavior, allowing Adonijah's self-will to grow without any external check.
* **Very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** From H3966, this word denotes "vehemence," implying "wholly, speedily, etc." It functions as an intensive or superlative, meaning "exceedingly" or "greatly." When combined with "goodly," it emphasizes the extreme degree of Adonijah's physical attractiveness, highlighting that he was exceptionally handsome.
* **Goodly (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word means "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense," and can refer to moral goodness, but here, especially when combined with "very" and the implied "appearance" (H8389, _tôʼar_), it unequivocally refers to physical attractiveness. This description is significant because, in ancient cultures, physical beauty was often associated with favor, strength, and leadership qualities. It suggests Adonijah possessed a charisma that likely contributed to his ability to gather a following, echoing the description of his brother Absalom's striking appearance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?":** This clause reveals David's profound failure as a father to Adonijah. The phrase "at any time" emphasizes the consistent and long-standing nature of David's permissiveness. He never confronted Adonijah's behavior, never questioned his motives, and never imposed any form of discipline or even verbal correction. This negligence stands in stark contrast to the expectations of a father in ancient Israelite society and highlights a recurring weakness in David's character concerning his children, which had previously led to tragic consequences with Amnon and Absalom.
* **"and he also [was a] very goodly [man];":** This part describes Adonijah's physical attractiveness. The KJV's bracketed words clarify the meaning, indicating that Adonijah was exceptionally handsome. This detail is not merely descriptive but serves a narrative purpose, suggesting that Adonijah's charisma and outward appeal were factors in his ability to attract followers and assert his claim to the throne. It implicitly draws a parallel to Absalom, who also used his charm and appearance to gain popular support for his rebellion.
* **"and [his mother] bare him after Absalom.":** This final clause establishes Adonijah's birth order. He was the fourth son born to David (after Amnon, Chileab, and Absalom) and, crucially, the eldest surviving son after the deaths of Amnon and Absalom. This fact, in a society that valued primogeniture, would have given Adonijah a strong, albeit not absolute, claim to the throne in the absence of a clear divine designation. It explains why he felt entitled to the succession and why he was able to gather support from key figures in David's court.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting David's parental negligence with Adonijah's bold ambition, and Adonijah's outward "goodliness" with the implied moral deficiency of his actions. This creates a tension between appearance and reality. **Foreshadowing** is also at play, as David's past failure to discipline his sons (seen with Absalom) now directly leads to another succession crisis, hinting at the turmoil that will follow. The repeated pattern of David's leniency points to a deeper character flaw that continues to plague his household. Furthermore, the description of Adonijah serves as a form of **Characterization**, providing direct insight into his physical attributes and the context for his self-exaltation. The narrative subtly uses these details to explain Adonijah's perceived legitimacy and the ease with which he gathered support, while simultaneously preparing the reader for the inevitable conflict with God's chosen successor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 1:6 serves as a profound commentary on the far-reaching consequences of parental neglect and the deceptive nature of outward appearances. David's failure to discipline Adonijah, a pattern seen throughout his family life, underscores the biblical principle that unchecked sin and ambition will inevitably lead to chaos and sorrow. This verse highlights the tension between human will and divine purpose: Adonijah's self-appointed kingship stands in direct opposition to God's preordained plan for Solomon. The narrative implicitly critiques a leadership that prioritizes personal comfort or avoids difficult confrontations, demonstrating how such a stance can undermine the very fabric of family and kingdom. Ultimately, despite human failings and ambitious schemes, the passage affirms God's sovereignty in establishing His chosen king.

* [Proverbs 29:15](/proverbs/29-15 "Proverbs 29:15 - The Rod and Reproof")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [1 Kings 2:15](/1_kings/2-15 "1 Kings 2:15 - Adonijah's Claim and Fate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless lessons for parents, leaders, and individuals alike. For parents, it serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked indulgence. Loving discipline, which includes both correction and affirmation, is essential for shaping character and preparing children for responsible adulthood. David's failure reminds us that avoiding confrontation, though seemingly easier in the short term, can lead to far greater heartache and disruption later. For leaders, it underscores the necessity of addressing issues promptly and decisively, whether in a family, church, or organization. Allowing problems to fester due to a desire to "not displease" can undermine authority and create an environment ripe for rebellion. Finally, for all believers, Adonijah's story cautions against being swayed by superficial qualities like physical attractiveness or charisma. True leadership and character are rooted in humility, obedience to God's will, and a willingness to serve, not self-exaltation. We are called to look beyond the outward appearance and discern the heart, trusting that God's plan will always prevail over human ambition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "not displease" others, even when correction or firm boundaries are necessary?**
* **How do I balance love and discipline in my relationships, particularly with those I lead or influence?**
* **What role does outward appearance or charisma play in my assessment of others, and how can I cultivate a deeper discernment of character?**
* **How does Adonijah's ambition challenge or affirm my understanding of God's sovereignty in human affairs?**

### FAQ

**Why was David so lenient with Adonijah, and how did this impact his family?**

Answer: David's leniency with Adonijah, stated as "his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?", reflects a recurring pattern of parental failure in David's life. This weakness was also evident in his handling of Amnon's sin and Absalom's rebellion, where a lack of firm intervention allowed serious issues to escalate. This permissiveness stemmed from a combination of factors, possibly including David's own emotional struggles, the complexities of his large polygamous family, and perhaps a reluctance to confront his children after his own moral failures (e.g., the Bathsheba affair). The impact was devastating: it fostered a sense of entitlement and unbridled ambition in his sons, leading to internal strife, rebellion, and a chaotic succession crisis that threatened the stability of the kingdom and brought immense sorrow to David himself.

**What was the significance of Adonijah's physical appearance?**

Answer: Adonijah is described as "a very goodly man," meaning exceptionally handsome or attractive. In ancient cultures, physical beauty was often seen as a sign of divine favor, strength, and suitability for leadership. This trait was also noted in King Saul, who was described as outstanding among the sons of Israel in [1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Stature"), and, more directly, in Adonijah's brother Absalom, who was renowned for his beauty, as recorded in [2 Samuel 14:25](/2_samuel/14-25 "2 Samuel 14:25 - Absalom's Unmatched Beauty"). Adonijah's good looks likely contributed to his charisma and ability to gather a significant following, including powerful figures like Joab and Abiathar, as mentioned in [1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Adonijah Gathers Support"). However, the narrative subtly contrasts this outward appeal with his inner character, which was driven by self-exaltation and a disregard for God's divine plan for the succession, ultimately demonstrating that true worth and leadership are not determined by physical attributes but by character and divine appointment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 1:6, with its depiction of Adonijah's self-exaltation enabled by David's parental indulgence, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human ambition and divine humility, and between a flawed earthly father and the perfect Heavenly Father. Adonijah, seeking to seize a throne not rightfully his by divine decree, represents the fallen human tendency to grasp for power and glory, a stark opposite to the character of Christ. Jesus, though truly the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many, as He Himself declared in [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Unlike Adonijah, who was "a very goodly man" in outward appearance but corrupt in ambition, Jesus is the truly "goodly man" whose beauty is perfect holiness and righteousness, reflecting the very image of God, as affirmed in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"). Furthermore, David's failure to discipline his son highlights the need for a perfect Father, one who always acts in love and truth. God the Father perfectly disciplines those He loves, as stated in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves"), not out of neglect but out of a desire for their sanctification. The ultimate fulfillment lies in Jesus Christ, the one true King, whose reign is established not by human schemes or physical appearance, but by divine appointment and humble obedience, culminating in His exaltation above all names, as described in [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"). He is the true heir of David's throne, whose kingdom is not of this world, yet is eternal and righteous, as He told Pilate in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World").

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 3:3

And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

2 Samuel 3:4

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

1 Samuel 3:13

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

1 Chronicles 3:2

The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

Proverbs 22:15

¶ Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 23:13

Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Proverbs 23:14

Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.