1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 5
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
Original Language Analysis
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א
H5375
מִתְנַשֵּׂ֥א
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 15
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ
I will be king
H4427
אֶמְלֹ֑ךְ
I will be king
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
7 of 15
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
and he prepared
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
and he prepared
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
רֶ֚כֶב
him chariots
H7393
רֶ֚כֶב
him chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
10 of 15
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וּפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים
and horsemen
H6571
וּפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים
and horsemen
Strong's:
H6571
Word #:
11 of 15
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry
אִ֖ישׁ
men
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 15
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.