1 Kings 1:9

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 1:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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:
1 Kings 1:9 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And 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:

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 slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle, etc.] To make a feast of for those that were of his party, which was numerous, and some of them persons of the first rank, and therefore a large and elegant entertainment was provided for them: by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel; or the fullers’ fountain, as the Targum, where the fullers washed their clothes, using their feet in doing it, from whence it had its name; and which they laid upon this stone for the water to drain out of them, “Zoheleth” signifying a slow motion of waters, or on which they beat them to get out the spots; the Targum calls it the stone of a watchtower, on which they could stand and look to a great…”
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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
“En-rogel--situated (Jos 15:7-10) east of Jerusalem, in a level place, just below the junction of the valley of Hinnom with that of Jehoshaphat. It is a very deep well, measuring one hundred twenty-five feet in depth; the water is sweet, but not very cold, and it is at times quite full to overflowing. The Orientals are fond of enjoying festive repasts in the open air at places which command the advantage of shade, water, and verdure; and those fetes champetres are not cold collations, but magnificent entertainments, the animals being killed and dressed on the spot. Adonijah's feast at En-rogel was one of this Oriental description, and it was on a large scale (Sa2 3:4-5; Sa2 5:14-16; Ch1…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Adonijah’s feast was probably of a sacrificial character, and intended to inaugurate him as king. Compare the “sacrifices” of Absalom 2 Samuel 15:12. Zoheleth - No satisfactory explanation has been given of this name. Large blocks of stone always attract attention in the East, and receive names which are often drawn from some trivial circumstance. Sinai and Palestine are full of such “Hajars,” which correspond to the “Ebens” or “stones” of Holy Scripture. (Compare Genesis 28:22; Jos 4:9; 1 Samuel 6:14.) For En-Rogel, see the margin reference. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:9 En-rogel (modern Bir Ayyub, “Job’s well”) lay south of Jerusalem at the intersection of the Kidron and Hinnom valleys. Earlier, it harbored David’s two informants, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, during Absalom’s rebellion (see 2 Sam 17:17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Adonijah: The Oriental banquet, in consequence of the intense heat, is often spread upon the verdant turf, beneath the shade of a tree, where the streaming rivulet supplies the company with wholesome water, and excites a gentle breeze to cool their burning temples. slew: Sa2 15:12; Pro 15:8 Enrogel: or, the well Rogel, Sa2 17:17 called: Sa2 13:23-27, Sa2 15:11 3 Kings (1 Kings) 1:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification