KJV ORIGINAL
So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
So King Solomon sent messengers, and they brought Adonijah down from the altar. Adonijah came and bowed down before King Solomon, and Solomon told him, 'Go home.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is showing Solomon's mercy toward his brother Adonijah, who had tried to become king but then sought sanctuary at God's altar.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs after David's death when Adonijah had attempted to claim the throne while Solomon was being crowned king. Adonijah fled to the altar in the tabernacle, grasping its horns as a traditional way of seeking God's protection from execution. Solomon chose to show mercy rather than immediately execute his rival brother.
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