1 Kings 1:5

Adonijah Seeks David’s Throne

5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith was exalting himself, saying, "I will be king," so he prepared for himself a chariot and horsemen and fifty men running before him.

1 Kings 1:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 1:5

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself
This was his mother's name, ( 2 Samuel 3:4 ) ; his father David being old and infirm, and not like to live long, notable to oppose him; and he being the eldest son, and a comely person, was inspired with ambition to set up for king:

saying, I will be king;
though he knew that Solomon was appointed of God, and promised by David, and expected by the people to be king, yet he was resolved to set up himself for king, and try if he could not get himself to the throne; on this he was bent and determined:

and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before
him;
just as Absalom had done, when he had the same thing in view, to make him respectable among the people, see ( 2 Samuel 15:1 ) .

1 Kings 1:5 In-Context

3 So they sought a beautiful young woman in all the territory of Israel, and they found Abishag the Shunnamite and brought her to the king.

4 Now the young woman was very beautiful; she was of use for the king, and she served him, but the king did not {have sexual relations with her}.

5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith was exalting himself, saying, "I will be king," so he prepared for himself a chariot and horsemen and fifty men running before him.

6 His father did not rebuke him {at any time} [by] saying, "Why did you do so?" Now he was also very handsome of appearance; she had borne him after Absalom.

7 {He conferred} with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and {they supported Adonijah}.