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1 Kings 1:50

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 1:50 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Adonijah feared because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
1 Kings 1:50 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
47And moreover the king`s servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, Thy God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne: and the king bowed himself upon the bed.
48And also thus said the king, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.
49And all the guests of Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way.
50And Adonijah feared because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
51And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon; for, lo, he hath laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me first that he will not slay his servant with the sword.
52And Solomon said, If he shall show himself a worthy man, there shall not a hair of him fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in him, he shall die.
53So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and did obeisance to king Solomon; and Solomon said unto him, Go to thy house.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, etc.] Lest he should seize him as an usurper and traitor, and put him to death: and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar; either that which was at Gibeon, where the tabernacle now was; (see <110304>1 Kings 3:4); so Jarchi; or rather that which was nearest, the altar that David had built in the threshingfloor of Araunah, (<102425>2 Samuel 24:25); the altar was a sort of asylum, or refuge, for such who had committed any crime worthy of death; not by divine appointment, but by custom, it being supposed that none would presume to defile with blood that which was sacred to the Lord; or shed the blood of men where the blood of beasts…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“ADONIJAH, FLEEING TO THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR, IS DISMISSED BY SOLOMON. (Kg1 1:50-53) Adonijah . . . went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar--most probably the altar of burnt offering which had been erected on Mount Zion, where Abiathar, one of his partisans, presided as high priest. The horns or projections at the four corners of the altar, to which the sacrifices were bound, and which were tipped with the blood of the victim, were symbols of grace and salvation to the sinner. Hence the altar was regarded as a sanctuary (Exo 21:14), but not to murderers, rebels, or deliberate perpetrators. Adonijah, having acted in opposition to the will of the reigning king, was guilty of rebellion,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“On the “horns” of the altar, see Exodus 27:2 note. The altar to which Adonijah fled was probably in the “tabernacle” already referred to 1 Kings 1:39. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:50-53 Fearing for his life, Adonijah sought refuge at the horns (projections at the corners) of the altar (Exod 27:2), hoping for mercy according to biblical precedent (cp. Exod 21:12-14). However, such protection was provided only for unintentional homicide, so Adonijah’s treason could only be forgiven by the king. Solomon treated him graciously on the condition that he remain loyal. Appearances aside, Adonijah was still looking for ways to usurp the kingship and was later killed as a troublemaker (1 Kgs 2:13-25).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“caught: Kg1 2:28; Exo 21:14, Exo 38:2; Psa 118:27 3 Kings (1 Kings) 1:52”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification