1 Kings 1 Footnotes

1:2 The phrase “lie by your side” in Hebrew is literally “lie in your lap,” indicating physical proximity, not sexual intimacy.

1:5 Adonijah was the fourth son of David, but the eldest surviving son after the death of Absalom (1Ch 3:1-2).

1:8 This is the same Shimei who cursed David and threw stones at him (2Sm 16:5-14).

1:9 This was a fellowship offering (Lv 7:11-36), a common occasion for feasting. “En-rogel,” literally, “the Fuller’s Eye.” In geographic names, eye always refers to a water source, a natural place to set up an altar where water is needed for the rites. A “fuller” was someone who thickened and shrunk newly shorn wool or newly woven cloth; also he washed or bleached clothing.

1:41 The Hebrew word for “town” denotes a smaller settlement than a city. The uproar was in Gihon, not Jerusalem.

1:42 The phrase “important man” literally means “man of strength,” one high in social standing, a nobleman.

1:45 “Gone up” refers to the journey to Jerusalem from Gihon, spreading the announcement of Adonijah’s claim to rule.

1:50 The four corners of the altar curved upward to points, called “horns.” A common practice in the ancient Near East was to seek refuge from summary execution in a temple or other sanctuary.