1 Kings 1:42

42 While he was still speaking, behold, ¹Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. Then Adonijah said, "Come in, for ²you are a valiant 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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

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

1 Kings 1:42 In-Context

40 All the people went up after him, and the people were playing on flutes and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth shook at their noise.

41 Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, "Why is the city making such an uproar?"

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

43 But Jonathan replied to Adonijah, "No! Our lord King David has made Solomon king.

44 "The king has also sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites; and they have made him ride on the king's mule.

Cross References

• 1. 2 Samuel 15:27, 36; 2 Samuel 17:17
• 2. 2 Samuel 18:27