Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. New Living Translation About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, “I will make myself king.” So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him. English Standard Version Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Berean Standard Bible At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. Berean Literal Bible And Adonijah son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself a chariot and horsemen and fifty men to run before his face. King James Bible Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. New King James Version Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. New American Standard Bible Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, with fifty men to run before him. NASB 1995 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen with fifty men to run before him. NASB 1977 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen with fifty men to run before him. Legacy Standard Bible Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” So he prepared for himself a chariot and horsemen and fifty men as runners before him. Amplified Bible Then Adonijah the son of [David’s wife] Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I [the eldest living son] will be king.” So [following Absalom’s example] he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Berean Annotated Bible At that time Adonijah (my lord is YHWH), David’s son by Haggith (festive), began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king! And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. Christian Standard Bible Adonijah son of Haggith kept exalting himself, saying, “I will be king! ” He prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Adonijah son of Haggith kept exalting himself, saying, “I will be king!” He prepared chariots, cavalry, and 50 men to run ahead of him. American Standard Version Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. English Revised Version Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. GOD'S WORD® Translation Adonijah, son of Haggith, was very handsome. His mother gave birth to him after Maacah had Absalom. Adonijah was boasting that he was king. So he got a chariot and horses and 50 men to run ahead of him. International Standard Version Meanwhile, about this time Haggith's son Adonijah began to seek a reputation for himself and decided, "I'm going to be king!" So he prepared chariots, cavalry, and 50 soldiers to serve as a security detail to guard him. NET Bible Now Adonijah, son of David and Haggith, was promoting himself, boasting, "I will be king!" He managed to acquire chariots and horsemen, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard. New Heart English Bible Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, "I will be king." So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Webster's Bible Translation Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. World English Bible Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Adonijah son of Haggith is lifting himself up, saying, “I reign”; and he prepares for himself a chariot and horsemen, and fifty men running before him, Berean Literal Bible And Adonijah son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself a chariot and horsemen and fifty men to run before his face. Young's Literal Translation And Adonijah son of Haggith is lifting himself up, saying, 'I do reign;' and he prepareth for himself a chariot and horsemen, and fifty men running before him, Smith's Literal Translation And Adonijah, son of Haggith being lifted up, saying, I will reign; and he will make to himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Adonias the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying: I will be king. And he made himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Adonijah, the son of Haggith, exalted himself, saying, “I shall reign!” And he appointed for himself chariots and horsemen, with fifty men who would run before him. New American Bible Adonijah, son of Haggith, boasted, “I shall be king!” and he provided himself with chariots, horses, and a retinue of fifty to go before him. New Revised Standard Version Now Adonijah son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”; he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Aduniah, son of Khagith was exalting himself and he said: “I will be King!” , and he made for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men were running before him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying: 'I will be king'; and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Adonias the son of Aggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king; and he prepared for himself chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Adonijah Usurps the Kingdom5At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. 6(His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)… Cross References At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, 2 Samuel 3:4 his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; 1 Chronicles 3:2 the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith; began to exalt himself, 2 Chronicles 26:16 But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. Daniel 5:20 But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. saying, “I will be king!” 1 Kings 2:15 “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. 2 Samuel 15:10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” 2 Samuel 15:6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 Samuel 15:1 Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. 1 Samuel 8:11 He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. Deuteronomy 17:16 But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ 2 Samuel 3:2-4 And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; / his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; / his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; 2 Samuel 13:28-29 Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” / So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule. 2 Samuel 14:25-27 Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw. / And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard. / Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman. 2 Samuel 18:9-15 Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair. / When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” / “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!” … 2 Samuel 19:10 But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” Treasury of Scripture Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. Adonijah 2 Samuel 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 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: exalted 1 Kings 1:11 Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? 1 Kings 2:24 Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. Exodus 9:17 As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go? I will Deuteronomy 17:15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. Judges 9:2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. 1 Chronicles 22:5-11 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death… be king [heb] reign Deuteronomy 17:16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. 2 Samuel 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots: Jump to Previous Adonijah Adoni'jah Ahead Carriages Chariot Chariots Exalted Fifty Forward Haggith Horsemen Horses Lifting Mother Prepared Prepareth Pride Provided Ready Reign Run Runners Running WarJump to Next Adonijah Adoni'jah Ahead Carriages Chariot Chariots Exalted Fifty Forward Haggith Horsemen Horses Lifting Mother Prepared Prepareth Pride Provided Ready Reign Run Runners Running War1 Kings 1 1. Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age5. Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom 11. By the council of Nathan 15. Bathsheba moves the king 22. And Nathan seconds her 28. David renews his oath to Bathsheba 32. Solomon, by David's appointment, 38. being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph 41. Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly 50. Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, Adonijah was the fourth son of King David, born to him by Haggith. His older brothers Amnon and Absalom were dead, and Chileab is not mentioned as a contender for the throne, making Adonijah the eldest surviving son. This context sets the stage for his ambition. The mention of Haggith highlights the multiple wives of David, a common practice for kings of that era, which often led to familial strife and competition among siblings. began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe fourth son of King David, known for his ambition to become king. His actions in this verse set the stage for a significant conflict over the succession of the throne of Israel. 2. Haggith One of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah. Her mention highlights the familial connections and potential rivalries within David's household. 3. Chariots and Cavalry Symbols of military power and authority. Adonijah's preparation of these indicates his intent to assert his claim to the throne through force and display of strength. 4. Fifty Men These men running ahead of Adonijah symbolize his attempt to establish a royal presence and legitimacy, mimicking the practices of established kings. 5. Jerusalem While not mentioned directly in this verse, the events unfold in the context of the capital city, where the political and spiritual heart of Israel resides. Teaching Points The Dangers of Self-ExaltationAdonijah's self-promotion serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of pride and ambition. Believers are reminded to seek God's will rather than their own advancement. The Importance of Divine Appointment The account underscores the importance of waiting for God's timing and appointment, as opposed to seizing power through human means. Family Dynamics and Leadership The account highlights the complexities of family relationships and leadership, encouraging believers to seek wisdom and guidance in managing familial and leadership roles. The Role of External Appearances Adonijah's use of chariots and men to project power reminds us that true leadership and authority come from God, not from outward appearances or displays of strength. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 1:5?2. How does Adonijah's self-exaltation in 1 Kings 1:5 warn against pride? 3. What leadership qualities did Adonijah lack according to 1 Kings 1:5? 4. How does Adonijah's actions connect to Proverbs 16:18 about pride? 5. How can we ensure our ambitions align with God's will, unlike Adonijah's? 6. What steps can we take to avoid self-promotion seen in 1 Kings 1:5? 7. Why did Adonijah exalt himself as king in 1 Kings 1:5? 8. How does Adonijah's ambition in 1 Kings 1:5 reflect human nature? 9. What does 1 Kings 1:5 teach about God's sovereignty over human plans? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1? 11. Why is there scant historical or archaeological evidence supporting Adonijah’s self-declaration as king (1 Kings 1:5–10)? 12. Is the sudden political shift to support Solomon, described in 1 Kings 1:11–14, historically plausible without records of major resistance or conflict? 13. What are the key events and lessons from Solomon's life? 14. How do we reconcile the swift punishments in 1 Kings 2:22–25 and 2:29–34 with David’s emphasis on justice elsewhere, and is there historical evidence supporting these executions? What Does 1 Kings 1:5 Mean At that time• The verse opens with a timestamp that ties Adonijah’s scheme to David’s final days (1 Kings 1:1–4). • David is bedridden and frail, yet still God’s anointed king; the kingdom is vulnerable (1 Chron 23:1). • Scripture often shows that moments of leadership transition test hearts—compare the vacuum after Moses (Deuteronomy 31:14) or after Joshua (Judges 2:7–10). Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith • Adonijah is David’s fourth son (2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Chron 3:2). Both his birth order and royal pedigree tempt him to assume the throne. • He is a full brother to no one else in the line of succession, lacking the covenant favor God promised through Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba (1 Chron 22:9–10). • His older brothers Amnon and Absalom are dead; he sees an opening much like Absalom once did (2 Samuel 15:1–6). began to exalt himself • Instead of waiting on God, Adonijah lifts himself up—echoing the warning, “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). • God alone promotes (Psalm 75:6-7); David himself waited for God’s timing under Saul’s persecution (1 Samuel 24:6-15). • James 4:6 reminds, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”—a timeless principle on display here. saying, “I will be king!” • The throne had already been promised to Solomon by divine decree (1 Chron 22:9-10) and by David’s oath (1 Kings 1:17). • Self-appointment challenges God’s revealed will, much like Korah’s rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16:1-3). • The contrast is stark: David never declared “I will be king”; God declared it for him (1 Samuel 16:12-13). And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him • This public pageant mimics Absalom’s earlier coup tactics (2 Samuel 15:1). • Deuteronomy 17:16 warned Israel’s kings not to multiply horses—a command Adonijah ignores, revealing a heart set on power, not obedience. • Flashy escorts impress people but do not sway the Lord; by contrast, Jesus later rides a humble colt into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5). summary Adonijah exploits David’s weakness, trusts pedigree over promise, exalts himself in pride, proclaims his own destiny, and stages a royal spectacle—all in defiance of God’s stated plan for Solomon. The verse stands as a cautionary snapshot: whenever ambition outruns submission to God’s word, downfall is inevitable. (5) Adonijah (my Lord is Jehovah), David's fourth son, born in Hebron (2Samuel 3:4), at least thirty-three years before. From the words of Solomon in 1Kings 2:22, we may gather that he claimed the throne as being now the eldest son. Hence it is probable that Chileab (or Daniel, see 2Samuel 3:3; 1Chronicles 3:1), the second son, was dead, as well as Amnon and Absalom. The similarity between Adonijah and Absalom, in respect of personal beauty, favour with a too-indulgent father, ambition and trust in popularity, is evidently suggested by the narrative, which places them in close connection, although born of different mothers. The means, moreover, which Adonijah employed, the body-guard of fifty men, and the maintenance of "chariots and horsemen," are exactly imitated from the example of Absalom (2Samuel 15:1); and we note that the festal sacrifice, with the support of two important leaders in peace and war, recalls the same model. But Adonijah hardly shows the craft and ruthless determination of the elder rebel. His attempt on the crown seems crude and ill-planned in conception, and wanting in promptitude of action.Verse 5. - Then Adonijah [ = "Jehovah is my Lord." The fourth son of David, and now apparently the eldest surviving. It seems probable that Chileab, or Daniel (1 Chronicles 3:1), David's second son, died in infancy. For Amnon's death, see 2 Samuel 13:29; for Absalom's, 2 Samuel 18:14. He must now have been between thirty-three and forty years of age (having been born in Hebron)] the son of Haggith [ = "Festive" (Gesen.) "the dancer" (Stanley)] exalted himself, saying [to him self and his confederates], I will be king. [It is not difficult to trace this resolve to its sources. They were(1) his seniority (1 Kings 2:22). It is true there was no "right of primogeniture" in the Hebrew monarchy. "The God King had reserved to Himself the choice of the earthly king" (Keil). David himself was not the eldest, but the youngest brother. At the same time primogeniture, ceteris paribus, would have, and as a matter of fact had, considerable weight. The firstborn had the birthright; can we doubt he would expect the crown, and think it hard if he were passed over? (see 2 Chronicles 21:3). (2) His personal attractions. Adonijah would think that his beauty and stature (Josephus mentions the latter) marked him out, as similar gifts had done Saul (1 Samuel 9:2),. for the throne. (3) He was encouraged in his pretensions, if indeed they were not suggested to him, by others, by Joab, for example (see on ver. 7). . . . Hebrew At that time Adonijah,וַאֲדֹנִיָּ֧ה (wa·’ă·ḏō·nî·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 138: Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites [David's] son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son by Haggith, חַגִּ֛ית (ḥag·gîṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2294: Haggith -- 'festal', a wife of David began to exalt himself, מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א (miṯ·naś·śê) Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take saying, לֵאמֹ֖ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I will be king!” אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ (’em·lōḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel And he acquired וַיַּ֣עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make chariots רֶ֚כֶב (re·ḵeḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone and horsemen וּפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים (ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry and fifty וַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים (wa·ḥă·miš·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural Strong's 2572: Fifty men אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person to run רָצִ֥ים (rā·ṣîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7323: To run ahead of him. לְפָנָֽיו׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face Links 1 Kings 1:5 NIV1 Kings 1:5 NLT 1 Kings 1:5 ESV 1 Kings 1:5 NASB 1 Kings 1:5 KJV 1 Kings 1:5 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 1:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 1:5 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 1:5 French Bible 1 Kings 1:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 1:5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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