1 Kings 2:23 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then King Solomon made a solemn oath before the LORD, saying, 'May God punish me severely if Adonijah hasn't just spoken words that will cost him his life.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

King Solomon is declaring that Adonijah's request has essentially signed his own death warrant.

📚 Historical Context

In the historical context of 1 Kings, King David has recently died, and his son Solomon has been established as the rightful king of Israel after David's decree. Adonijah, another of David's sons, had previously attempted to claim the throne for himself, and now his request for Abishag as a wife is seen by Solomon as a subtle challenge to his authority. This leads Solomon to make a solemn oath by the Lord, declaring that Adonijah's words and actions are a direct threat to his own life.

Explore Similar Verses

1 Kings 1:53

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.'

1 Kings 2:24

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.

1 Kings 2:25

So King Solomon sent Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, and he attacked him so that he died.

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