And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me today that he will not slay his servant with the sword.
Someone told Solomon, 'Look, Adonijah is afraid of you as king. He has grabbed onto the corners of the altar, saying, "Let King Solomon promise me today that he won't kill me with a sword."'
Adonijah, who had tried to become king instead of Solomon, is now desperately seeking protection at God's altar, begging Solomon to promise not to execute him.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs right after Solomon became king of Israel following David's death. Adonijah had attempted to seize the throne while David was still alive, but Solomon was chosen as the rightful heir. In ancient Israel, grabbing the horns (corners) of the altar was a way to claim sanctuary - seeking God's protection from enemies or punishment.
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