1 Kings 1:52

52 Solomon said, "If he shows himself to be an honorable person, then not a hair of his head will be harmed. But if any evil is found in him, he will die."

1 Kings 1:52 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 1:52

And Solomon said, if he will show himself a worthy man
Will behave himself well as a good subject, and be careful not to offend for the future, or appear to be one that fears sin, as the Targum; particularly the crimes of sedition, rebellion, and treason:

there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth;
not the least harm should be done him:

but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die;
that is, if any crime worthy of death be committed by him, or any overt act of treason, and the like, he should surely be put to death, and find no mercy, notwithstanding the present general pardon. This was very wisely done by Solomon, to begin his reign without shedding blood even of delinquents; and especially of his brother, and his elder brother too; and by granting his life for the future on his good behaviour.

1 Kings 1:52 In-Context

50 Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he got up and went to grab hold of the horns of the altar.

51 Solomon was told, "Look! Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and has grabbed the horns of the altar. He's saying, ‘King Solomon must swear to me first that he won't execute his servant with the sword.'"

52 Solomon said, "If he shows himself to be an honorable person, then not a hair of his head will be harmed. But if any evil is found in him, he will die."

53 King Solomon sent word and had him brought down from the altar. He came and bowed down to King Solomon. Solomon said to him, "Go home!"