1 Kings 2:23

KJV

Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} sware {H7650} by the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, God {H430} do {H6213} so to me, and more also {H3254}, if Adonijah {H138} have not spoken {H1696} this word {H1697} against his own life {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then King Shlomo swore by ADONAI, "May God do terrible things to me and worse if Adoniyah hasn't condemned himself to death with this request!

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life.

American Standard Version

Then king Solomon sware by Jehovah, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah hath not spoken this word against his own life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 2:23 captures a pivotal moment in King Solomon's early reign, revealing his decisive and unwavering consolidation of power. This verse records Solomon's solemn oath, invoking the divine name, to execute Adonijah. Solomon interprets Adonijah's seemingly innocuous request for Abishag, David's former concubine, as a subtle yet treasonous attempt to usurp the throne, thereby speaking a "word against his own life" and sealing his fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the critical narrative of Solomon's establishment of his kingship, following the death of his father, David. Adonijah, an older son of David, had previously made an audacious attempt to seize the throne during David's final days, as detailed in [1 Kings 1:5-10](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-10 - Adonijah's Attempted Coup"). Though Solomon initially granted Adonijah clemency, warning him in [1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "1 Kings 1:52 - Solomon's Initial Warning to Adonijah") that any wickedness would result in his death, Adonijah's subsequent request for Abishag the Shunammite (David's concubine) through Bathsheba ([1 Kings 2:13-22](/1_kings/2-13 "1 Kings 2:13-22 - Adonijah's Request for Abishag")) is the immediate catalyst for Solomon's declaration in this verse. Solomon perceives this request not as a simple marital plea, but as a calculated move to assert a claim to the throne, which was a common practice in the ancient Near East.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the royal harem was an extension of the king's power and a symbol of his authority. To take a deceased king's concubine was often understood as an act of succession, a public declaration of one's claim to the throne, or a direct challenge to the reigning monarch. Examples include Absalom's public defilement of David's concubines in [2 Samuel 16:21-22](/2_samuel/16-21 "2 Samuel 16:21-22 - Absalom's Public Act of Usurpation") and the symbolic significance of Saul's concubine to Ish-bosheth in [2 Samuel 3:7](/2_samuel/3-7 "2 Samuel 3:7 - Rizpah and Abner"). Solomon's oath, "God do so to me, and more also," is a traditional Hebrew self-imprecatory formula, signifying the utmost solemnity and binding nature of his declaration, invoking divine judgment upon himself if he did not fulfill his word. This reflected the gravity of the perceived treason and the absolute authority of the newly established king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Kings. Firstly, it underscores the **Consolidation of Power** by King Solomon. Though young, Solomon demonstrates remarkable political acumen and firm resolve, acting swiftly and decisively to remove any potential rivals or threats to his divinely appointed rule, thereby ensuring the stability and security of his kingdom. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**. Solomon's solemn oath, invoking the LORD, emphasizes his belief that Adonijah's actions constituted not merely a rebellion against him, but against God's chosen king, a role established by divine promise to David concerning his successor in [1 Chronicles 22:10](/1_chronicles/22-10 "1 Chronicles 22:10 - God's Promise to Solomon"). The severity of the oath reflects the gravity of the perceived offense and Solomon's commitment to executing divine justice. Finally, the verse illustrates the **Consequences of Unchecked Ambition**. Adonijah's persistent desire for the throne, even after being granted clemency, ultimately leads to his demise, serving as a stark warning against defying legitimate authority and the destructive nature of self-serving ambition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sware (Hebrew, _nišba'_):** This verb, derived from the root meaning "seven" (symbolizing completeness or fullness), denotes the act of taking an oath, often by invoking a divine name. It signifies a profound, binding commitment, making the declaration inviolable and backed by the highest authority. When one "swore by the LORD," it meant placing oneself under divine judgment if the oath was broken, underscoring the absolute seriousness of Solomon's pronouncement.
* **God do so to me, and more also (Hebrew, _kōh yaʿăśeh lî ʾĕlōhîm wəḵōh yôsîf_):** This is a classic Hebrew self-imprecatory oath formula, frequently found in the Old Testament (e.g., [Ruth 1:17](/ruth/1-17 "Ruth 1:17 - Ruth's Vow to Naomi"), [1 Samuel 3:17](/1_samuel/3-17 "1 Samuel 3:17 - Eli's Charge to Samuel")). It expresses an absolute and unwavering resolve. Solomon is essentially saying, "May God inflict severe punishment upon me, even more than I can imagine, if I do not carry out this judgment against Adonijah." It conveys his unshakeable determination and the divine sanction he believes is behind his decision.
* **against his own life (Hebrew, _bənafsḥô_):** The Hebrew word _nefeš_ (life, soul, self) is here used idiomatically. The phrase means "at the cost of his life," or "to his own destruction." Adonijah's "word" (his request for Abishag) is directly responsible for bringing about his death, demonstrating a direct causal link between his action and its fatal consequence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then king Solomon sware by the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the gravity of the moment. Solomon, now firmly established as king, does not act lightly or merely out of personal vengeance. By swearing "by the LORD," he elevates his decision from a political maneuver to a divinely sanctioned act of justice, aligning his authority with God's. This invocation underscores the belief that his kingship is divinely appointed and protected.
* **"saying, God do so to me, and more also":** This is the solemn, self-imprecatory oath that confirms Solomon's absolute resolve. It is a public and binding declaration that he will carry out the judgment he is about to pronounce. The "more also" intensifies the oath, indicating that Solomon is prepared to face the severest divine consequences if he fails to act, thereby emphasizing the perceived necessity and righteousness of his impending action.
* **"if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life":** This is the condition of the oath, revealing Solomon's interpretation of Adonijah's request. Solomon sees Adonijah's "word" (the request for Abishag) as a direct act of treason, a challenge to his legitimate kingship, and thus a self-condemning statement. Adonijah's own actions and words have brought about his demise, making the judgment a consequence of his own rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Oath Formula**, specifically the self-imprecatory oath ("God do so to me, and more also"). This formula is a powerful rhetorical device that emphasizes the speaker's unwavering commitment and the solemnity of the pronouncement. It elevates the king's word to a divinely binding decree, leaving no room for doubt or retraction. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** at play. Adonijah, who had previously sought to seize the throne through a premature coronation, ultimately speaks a "word" (his request for Abishag) that directly leads to his execution. His ambition, intended to secure his life and power, paradoxically becomes the instrument of his destruction. This also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the tone for Solomon's reign as one characterized by decisive action and the swift removal of threats, demonstrating his wisdom and resolve in maintaining order and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse underscores the theological principle that God establishes and upholds legitimate authority, and that rebellion against such authority can carry severe consequences, often seen as rebellion against God Himself. Solomon's invocation of the LORD in his oath signifies his conviction that his actions are not merely political but divinely sanctioned, reflecting God's commitment to justice and the stability of His chosen kingdom. The narrative reveals that God's justice is not always immediate but is ultimately sure, and that unchecked ambition, particularly when it defies divine will or established order, leads to self-destruction. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over human kingdoms and that He will ensure the fulfillment of His promises, even through the decisive actions of His anointed leaders.

* [Deuteronomy 17:15](/deuteronomy/17-15 "Deuteronomy 17:15 - Choosing a King")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God as Judge")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's decisive action in 1 Kings 2:23 offers profound lessons on leadership, the consequences of ambition, and the seriousness of oaths. For leaders, it highlights the often difficult but necessary task of maintaining order, upholding justice, and protecting the integrity of the institution they serve, even when it requires confronting internal threats. It underscores that true leadership, especially in a divinely appointed role, sometimes demands firm resolve and the courage to make unpopular decisions for the greater good and the stability of the realm. For individuals, Adonijah's story serves as a stark warning against unchecked ambition and a persistent spirit of rebellion, even after receiving grace. His inability to accept Solomon's legitimate rule and his continued scheming ultimately led to his demise, illustrating that defiance of established, God-ordained authority carries severe consequences. Furthermore, Solomon's solemn oath reminds us of the gravity of our words and commitments, particularly when invoking God's name. It calls us to integrity, to weigh our words carefully, and to honor our promises, recognizing that our actions, even seemingly subtle ones, can have far-reaching and unforeseen consequences, impacting not only ourselves but also those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's decisive action here inform our understanding of leadership, even when difficult decisions are required for the sake of justice and stability?**
* **What does Adonijah's persistent ambition, despite being granted clemency, teach us about the dangers of unchecked desire and rebellion against legitimate authority?**
* **In what ways do our words or actions, even seemingly innocuous ones, have unforeseen consequences, and how can we cultivate greater discernment and integrity in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Why was Adonijah's request for Abishag considered a capital offense by Solomon?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, taking a deceased king's concubine was widely understood as a symbolic act of claiming the throne or asserting succession rights. Abishag had served David in his final days, making her part of the royal household. Therefore, Adonijah's request, though seemingly a personal marital plea, was interpreted by Solomon as a subtle but direct challenge to his divinely appointed kingship and a renewed attempt to usurp the throne. Solomon, understanding the political implications, viewed it as an act of treason punishable by death, especially given Adonijah's previous attempt to seize power as recorded in [1 Kings 1:5-10](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-10 - Adonijah's Attempted Coup").

**What is the significance of Solomon swearing "by the LORD" and using the phrase "God do so to me, and more also"?**

Answer: Solomon swearing "by the LORD" signifies that he is invoking God as a witness and guarantor of his oath. This elevates his declaration from a mere political statement to a divinely sanctioned decree, underscoring his conviction that his actions are aligned with God's will and justice. The phrase "God do so to me, and more also" is a powerful, self-imprecatory oath formula common in the Old Testament. It means, "May God inflict severe punishment upon me, even more than I can imagine, if I do not fulfill this promise or threat." By using this, Solomon demonstrates absolute and unwavering resolve to execute judgment against Adonijah, binding himself to the divine consequences if he were to fail in what he perceived as his duty to secure the kingdom God had given him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's decisive action in 1 Kings 2:23, though harsh, points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, in profound ways. Solomon, as the son of David, was tasked with establishing and securing his earthly kingdom, often through the necessary elimination of threats. His reign, marked by wisdom and the consolidation of power, foreshadows the perfect and eternal reign of Christ. While Solomon's judgment involved the death of a rival, Jesus, the true Son of David, establishes His kingdom not by executing His enemies, but by dying for them, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant"). He is the King whose "word" brings life, not death, to those who believe, as declared in [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life"). Unlike Adonijah's earthly ambition that led to his demise, Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet it is universally sovereign. He perfectly fulfills the Davidic covenant, as the angel Gabriel proclaimed in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary"), and His reign will have no end. Ultimately, Christ will return as the righteous Judge, the "King of kings, and Lord of lords," who will definitively put down all rebellion and establish perfect justice, as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"), bringing true and lasting peace to His eternal kingdom.

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.