Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 1:11-31
We have here the effectual endeavours that were used by Nathan and Bathsheba to obtain from David a ratification of Solomon's succession, for the crushing of Adonijah's usurpation. 1. David himself knew not what was doing. Disobedient children think that they are well enough off if they can but keep their good old parents ignorant of their bad courses; but a bird of the air will carry the voice. 2. Bathsheba lived retired, and knew nothing of it either, till Nathan informed her. Many get very comfortably through this world that know little how the world goes. 3. Solomon, it is likely, knew of it, but was as a deaf man that heard not. Though he had years, and wisdom above his years, yet we do…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:21
I and my son . . . shall be counted offenders--that is, slain, according to the barbarous usage of the East towards all who are rivals to the throne.
Adam Clarke on 1 Kings 1:21
Shall be counted offenders - When Adonijah and his party shall find that I and my son have had this promise from thee by oath, he will slay us both.
John Gill on 1 Kings 1:23
And they told the king,.... Some that attended at the door, or were in the chamber:
saying, behold, Nathan the prophet; or he is in the room, which the king through his infirmities might not be sensible of:
and when he was come in before the king; nearer to him, and as to be properly in his presence:
he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground; showing him the same reverence, though in bed, as if on his throne.
Keil & Delitzsch on 1 Kings 1:11-33
Adonijah's attempt was frustrated by the vigilance of the prophet Nathan.
Kg1 1:11-13
Nathan informed Solomon's mother, Bathsheba (see at Sa2 11:3), that Adonijah was making himself king (מלך כּי, that he had become as good as king: Thenius), and advised her, in order to save her life and that of her son Solomon (וּמלטי, and save = so that thou mayest save; cf. Ewald, 347, a.), to go to the king and remind him of his promise on oath, that her son Solomon should be king after him, and to inquire why Adonijah had become king. If Adonijah had really got possession of the throne, he would probably have put Solomon and his mother out of the way, according to the barbarous custom of the East, as h…
