Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.
Now therefore, as surely as the LORD lives—the one who established me and placed me on my father David's throne, and who has given me a royal dynasty as he promised—Adonijah will be executed today.
King Solomon is declaring that he will have his rival brother Adonijah killed, swearing by God who gave him the throne and fulfilled His promises.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs early in Solomon's reign after David's death, when political tensions remained high over succession. Adonijah had previously attempted to claim the throne before Solomon was crowned, and now he had requested to marry Abishag, David's former attendant—a move Solomon interpreted as another attempt to claim royal authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, marrying a former king's wife or concubine was often seen as a claim to the throne.
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