1 Kings 1:9

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:

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}:

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;

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.

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

1 Kings 1:9 vividly describes Adonijah's bold attempt to usurp the throne of his father, King David, by holding a lavish, unauthorized coronation feast. This pivotal verse sets the stage for a significant succession crisis at the twilight of David's reign.

Context

As King David grew very old and frail, his fourth son, Adonijah, began to assert himself, believing he was the natural successor to the throne. This verse details his calculated move to gather support and publicly declare his kingship. The chosen location, "the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel," pinpoints a well-known site in the Kidron Valley, just outside Jerusalem's walls. This area was accessible for a large gathering but also somewhat removed from the immediate royal court, allowing for a degree of secrecy or pre-emptive action. Adonijah's actions were a direct challenge to David's prior promise to Bathsheba that Solomon would succeed him, a promise divinely sanctioned.

Key Themes

  • Usurpation and Ambition: Adonijah's act of "slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle" was more than just a meal; it was a grand sacrificial feast, a traditional component of covenant-making and royal inauguration in ancient Israel. He was publicly declaring his claim to the throne without the consent of the reigning king or divine appointment. This highlights the dangers of unchecked personal ambition and seizing power prematurely.
  • Succession Crisis: The aging King David's failure to publicly name his successor created a volatile situation. Adonijah's swift action underscores the instability inherent in royal succession when a clear, legitimate transfer of power is not established. This unofficial coronation stands in stark contrast to Solomon's divinely ordained and publicly recognized anointing later in the chapter.
  • Strategic Alliances: By inviting "all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants," Adonijah sought to consolidate power by aligning himself with key figures within the royal family and the dominant tribe of Judah. It is crucial to note who was excluded from this gathering—those loyal to David and God's chosen successor, Solomon—as detailed in the very next verse.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "slew" (*zavach*) implies a formal, ritualistic slaughter, often associated with sacrifice or a covenant meal, further emphasizing the ceremonial and king-making intent behind Adonijah's feast. The phrase "fat cattle" (*meri'im*) refers to prime, well-fed animals, indicating the lavishness and importance Adonijah attached to this event, designed to impress and secure loyalty from his guests.

Practical Application

This historical account serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of self-exaltation and attempting to seize power through unauthorized means. Adonijah's attempt to force his way to the throne ultimately failed because it was not in God's will and lacked legitimate authority. It underscores the importance of humility, patience, and recognizing God's sovereign plan for leadership and destiny, rather than grasping for positions or influence. Believers are called to seek God's will and trust in His timing, knowing that true authority comes from Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 17:17 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 15:8 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 15:11 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.