1 Kings 1:9

KJV

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Adonijah {H138} slew {H2076} sheep {H6629} and oxen {H1241} and fat cattle {H4806} by the stone {H68} of Zoheleth {H2120}, which is by {H681} Enrogel {H5883}, and called {H7121} all his brethren {H251} the king's {H4428} sons {H1121}, and all the men {H582} of Judah {H3063} the king's {H4428} servants {H5650}:

Complete Jewish Bible

One day Adoniyah killed sheep, oxen and fattened calves at the Stone of Zochelet, by 'Ein-Rogel. He summoned all his brothers the king's sons, and all the men of Y'hudah the king's servants;

Berean Standard Bible

And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king.

American Standard Version

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En-rogel; and he called all his brethren, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:9 chronicles Adonijah's audacious and unauthorized attempt to seize the throne of his aging father, King David, by orchestrating a lavish sacrificial feast at the stone of Zoheleth. This pivotal act of self-proclamation, involving the slaughter of numerous animals and the summoning of key royal and tribal figures, marks the dramatic onset of a significant succession crisis at the very end of David's reign, setting the stage for a confrontation over the divinely appointed successor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the very beginning of the narrative detailing the succession to King David's throne. It immediately follows the description of David's extreme old age and physical frailty in [1 Kings 1:1-4](/1-kings/1-4 "1 Kings 1:1-4 - David's Old Age and Abishag"). The preceding verses establish David's waning authority and inability to govern effectively, creating a power vacuum that Adonijah, David's fourth son, attempts to fill. The subsequent verses, particularly [1 Kings 1:11-31](/1-kings/1-11 "1 Kings 1:11-31 - Nathan and Bathsheba's Intervention"), detail Nathan and Bathsheba's urgent intervention to remind David of his promise regarding Solomon's succession, directly countering Adonijah's coup. The narrative then shifts to Solomon's legitimate anointing in [1 Kings 1:32-40](/1-kings/1-32 "1 Kings 1:32-40 - Solomon's Anointing as King"), presenting a stark contrast to Adonijah's illegitimate ceremony.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the succession of a king was a critical and often volatile period, especially when the reigning monarch was incapacitated or nearing death without a clearly designated heir. While primogeniture was common, it was not absolute; the reigning king often had the prerogative to choose among his sons, sometimes influenced by divine revelation or political expediency. Sacrificial feasts, like the one Adonijah orchestrated, were deeply significant communal events, often associated with covenant-making, declarations of loyalty, or royal inaugurations. The location, "the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel," was a well-known landmark in the Kidron Valley, just outside Jerusalem's walls. Enrogel was a vital water source, making it a natural gathering place, yet its position outside the city allowed for a degree of clandestine activity while still being close enough to Jerusalem to project authority and challenge the existing power structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several major themes that permeate the book of [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - Kingship and Covenant"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **usurpation and ambition**, as Adonijah, "exalting himself" as noted in [1 Kings 1:5](/1-kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Self-Exaltation"), attempts to seize power without divine sanction or his father's blessing. This stands in direct opposition to the theme of **divine sovereignty in kingship**, which emphasizes that God, not human will or ambition, ultimately determines who sits on the throne (cf. [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1-samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - Samuel Anoints David")). Secondly, it underscores the **instability of succession** in the absence of clear, divinely ordained leadership, a recurring issue throughout Israel's monarchy. Finally, it sets up the crucial contrast between **illegitimate human initiative** (Adonijah's feast) and **legitimate, God-ordained anointing** (Solomon's coronation in [1 Kings 1:39](/1-kings/1-39 "1 Kings 1:39 - Solomon's Anointing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slew (Hebrew, _zāvaḥ'_):** This verb, often translated as "sacrifice" or "slaughter," carries significant religious and ritualistic connotations. It refers to the formal, ceremonial killing of animals, typically in the context of offering a sacrifice to God or preparing a communal feast that involved such an offering. Adonijah's use of _zāvaḥ_ here elevates his gathering beyond a mere meal; it imbues it with the solemnity and authority of a covenant-making or king-making ceremony, publicly declaring his claim to the throne under the guise of a sacred act.
* **Fat cattle (Hebrew, _mĕrî'îm'_):** This term specifically refers to fatted, well-fed, and prime animals, indicating the lavishness and extravagance of Adonijah's feast. The use of such valuable animals underscores the importance Adonijah attached to this event, designed not only to feed his guests but also to impress them, demonstrate his perceived wealth and power, and secure their loyalty through a display of abundance and generosity. It was a calculated move to project an image of royal authority and prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle":** This opening clause immediately establishes Adonijah's proactive and decisive action. The act of "slew" (Hebrew _zāvaḥ_) implies a formal, ritualistic slaughter, suggesting a sacrificial feast rather than a simple meal. By providing such an abundant and lavish spread, including "fat cattle," Adonijah was mimicking the traditional components of a royal inauguration or a covenant-making ceremony, publicly declaring his claim to the throne through a grand display of feasting and sacrifice.
* **"by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel":** This phrase pinpoints the precise location of Adonijah's gathering. The "stone of Zoheleth" (literally, "serpent's stone" or "stone of the crawling thing") was a prominent landmark, likely a large rock or altar, situated near Enrogel, a vital spring in the Kidron Valley southeast of Jerusalem. This location was significant because it was accessible for a large assembly yet somewhat removed from the immediate royal court within the city, allowing Adonijah to conduct his "coronation" with a degree of discretion while still being close enough to Jerusalem to assert his presence and challenge the established order.
* **"and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants":** This final clause reveals Adonijah's strategic efforts to consolidate support. By inviting his half-brothers (excluding Solomon, Nathan, Benaiah, and the mighty men, as noted in the subsequent verse [1 Kings 1:10](/1-kings/1-10 "1 Kings 1:10 - Adonijah's Exclusions")), he sought to gain the backing of the royal family. His invitation to "all the men of Judah the king's servants" indicates an attempt to secure the loyalty of the dominant tribe of Judah and key officials within David's administration, thereby building a formidable coalition for his usurpation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Kings 1:9 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Adonijah's feast, mimicking a royal enthronement, immediately sets the stage for the intense succession crisis that will dominate the chapter. His actions foreshadow the impending confrontation with Solomon, the divinely appointed heir. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Adonijah's grand, self-proclaimed coronation, intended to establish his authority, ultimately serves to highlight his lack of legitimate claim and precipitates his downfall. The **Symbolism** of the sacrificial feast itself is crucial; it is not merely a meal but a ritualistic act designed to legitimize a claim to power, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern practice of covenant-making and royal inauguration through communal feasting and sacrifice. The detailed geographical markers ("stone of Zoheleth," "Enrogel") lend a sense of **Realism** and historical grounding to the narrative, making the events feel immediate and tangible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 1:9 serves as a stark illustration of the dangers of human ambition unchecked by divine will and legitimate authority. Adonijah's self-exaltation and attempt to seize the throne by force, rather than waiting for God's appointed time or David's clear designation, highlight a recurring biblical theme: true leadership is divinely bestowed, not forcefully taken. His actions underscore the chaos and instability that arise when individuals operate outside God's sovereign plan, contrasting sharply with the peaceful and divinely sanctioned transfer of power to Solomon. This episode reminds us that human schemes, however well-orchestrated, cannot ultimately thwart God's purposes.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges and Exalts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adonijah's story in 1 Kings 1:9 offers a timeless lesson about the perils of ambition and the importance of humility and patience in awaiting God's timing and appointment. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and aggressive pursuit of power, Adonijah's example serves as a cautionary tale. His elaborate feast, intended to solidify his claim, instead exposed his presumption and ultimately led to his downfall. For believers today, this narrative encourages us to examine our own desires for recognition, influence, or position. Are we seeking to advance ourselves through human strategies and manipulation, or are we trusting in God's sovereign hand to open doors and elevate us according to His perfect will? True authority and lasting impact come from God's anointing, not from our own efforts to seize what we believe we deserve. We are called to serve faithfully where we are, cultivating a spirit of humility and contentment, knowing that God alone is the one who "puts down one and exalts another" ([Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God's Sovereignty in Exaltation")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be tempted to "seize" something that I believe is rightfully mine, rather than waiting for God's timing and provision?**
* **How does Adonijah's ambition contrast with the humility and patience that characterize true biblical leadership?**
* **What are the practical steps I can take to cultivate a spirit of trust in God's sovereignty regarding my future and calling, rather than relying on my own schemes?**

### FAQ
**Why was Adonijah's feast considered an act of usurpation, and not just a family gathering?**

Answer: Adonijah's feast was unequivocally an act of usurpation for several key reasons. Firstly, it was conducted without the knowledge, consent, or blessing of the reigning King David, who was still alive, albeit frail. In ancient monarchies, such a public gathering involving a sacrificial feast and the summoning of key royal and tribal figures was understood as a ceremonial act of royal inauguration, a public declaration of kingship. Secondly, David had already sworn an oath to Bathsheba that their son Solomon would succeed him (as revealed in [1 Kings 1:17](/1-kings/1-17 "1 Kings 1:17 - David's Oath to Bathsheba")). Adonijah's actions were a direct challenge to this established, divinely sanctioned succession plan. Thirdly, the guest list was highly selective, deliberately excluding key figures loyal to David and Solomon, such as Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, and the mighty men (mentioned in [1 Kings 1:10](/1-kings/1-10 "1 Kings 1:10 - Adonijah's Exclusions")), indicating a clear intent to form a rival power base and bypass legitimate authority. It was a calculated political maneuver designed to force his claim to the throne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adonijah's attempted usurpation in 1 Kings 1:9, a self-exaltation through human means, stands in stark contrast to the true and ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Adonijah sought to seize a throne that was not legitimately his, through a lavish display of power and strategic alliances. His ambition was rooted in self-will, leading to a temporary, illegitimate "coronation" that ultimately failed. In profound distinction, Jesus did not "slew sheep and oxen" to declare His kingship; rather, He was the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His kingship was not seized but was divinely appointed and eternally established, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign") and confirmed in the New Testament. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Unlike Adonijah, who gathered supporters for his own gain, Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). His kingdom is not of this world, established by political maneuvering, but is a spiritual kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"); [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). Adonijah's failure underscores that true authority and lasting reign come only from God's sovereign appointment, a truth fully realized in the undisputed and eternal reign of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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 17:17

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

Joshua 15:7

And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that [is] before the going up to Adummim, which [is] on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

2 Samuel 13:23

And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which [is] beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

2 Samuel 13:27

But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

Proverbs 15:8

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

2 Samuel 15:11

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, [that were] called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

2 Samuel 15:12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.