1 Kings 1:42

42 While he was still speaking, behold, 1Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, "Come in, 2for you are a worthy man and bring good news."

1 Kings 1:42 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 1:42

And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar
the priest came
Whom his father had left in the city, to observe what passed there, and give him notice of it:

and Adonijah said unto him, come in, for thou [art] a valiant man, and
bringest good tidings;
which seems to be not a very wise speech, as if there was a connection between being valiant, and bringing good news, or that the one had any influence upon the other; though perhaps it means no more than a good man, "a man of virtue" F9, as it may be rendered; one that fears sin, as the Targum, and so would report nothing but what was true, and therefore might be depended on; see ( 2 Samuel 18:27 ) ; the same phrase is rendered "a worthy man", ( 1 Kings 1:52 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F9 (lyx vya) "vir virtutis", Montanus, Vatablus.

1 Kings 1:42 In-Context

40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise.
41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, "What does this uproar in the city mean?"
42 While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, "Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news."
43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, "No, for our lord King David has made Solomon king,
44 and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they had him ride on the king's mule.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 2 Samuel 15:27, 36; 2 Samuel 17:17
  • 2. 2 Samuel 18:27
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.