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1 Kings 1:9

1 Kings 1:9 in Multiple Translations

And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king.

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’s servants:

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En-rogel; and he called all his brethren, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants:

Then Adonijah put to death sheep and oxen and fat beasts by the stone of Zoheleth, by En-rogel; and he sent for all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah, the king's servants, to come to him:

Adonijah invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and the king's officials of Judah, to come to the stone of Zoheleth, which is near En-rogel, where he sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves.

Then Adoniiah sacrificed sheepe and oxen, and fat cattel by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brethren the kings sonnes, and al the men of Iudah ye Kings seruants,

And Adonijah sacrificeth sheep and oxen and fatlings near the stone of Zoheleth, that [is] by En-Rogel, and calleth all his brethren, sons of the king, and for all the men of Judah, servants of the king;

Adonijah killed sheep, cattle, and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En Rogel; and he called all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants;

And Adonijah slew sheep, and oxen, and fat cattle, by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

And Adonias having slain rams and calves, and all fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which was near the fountain Rogel, invited all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Juda, the king’s servants:

One day Adonijah went to Snake Rock near En-Rogel Spring, which is near Jerusalem, to sacrifice some sheep and oxen and fattened cattle. He invited most of his brothers, King David’s other sons, to come. He also invited all of the king’s officials from Judah to come to the celebration.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 1:9

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 1:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּזְבַּ֣ח אֲדֹנִיָּ֗הוּ צֹ֤אן וּ/בָקָר֙ וּ/מְרִ֔יא עִ֚ם אֶ֣בֶן הַזֹּחֶ֔לֶת אֲשֶׁר אֵ֖צֶל עֵ֣ין רֹגֵ֑ל וַ/יִּקְרָ֗א אֶת כָּל אֶחָי/ו֙ בְּנֵ֣י הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וּ/לְ/כָל אַנְשֵׁ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה עַבְדֵ֥י הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֣ח zâbach H2076 to sacrifice Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲדֹנִיָּ֗הוּ ʼĂdônîyâh H138 Adonijah N-proper
צֹ֤אן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) N-cs
וּ/בָקָר֙ bâqâr H1241 cattle Conj | N-cs
וּ/מְרִ֔יא mᵉrîyʼ H4806 fatling Conj | N-ms
עִ֚ם ʻim H5973 with Prep
אֶ֣בֶן ʼeben H68 stone N-fs
הַזֹּחֶ֔לֶת Zôcheleth H2120 Serpent's N-proper
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אֵ֖צֶל ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep
עֵ֣ין ʻÊyn Rôgêl H5883 En-rogel N-proper
רֹגֵ֑ל ʻÊyn Rôgêl H5883 En-rogel N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרָ֗א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
אֶחָי/ו֙ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וּ/לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms
אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
עַבְדֵ֥י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 1:9

וַ/יִּזְבַּ֣ח zâbach H2076 "to sacrifice" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
אֲדֹנִיָּ֗הוּ ʼĂdônîyâh H138 "Adonijah" N-proper
Adonijah was a name given to several Israelites, including a son of David who tried to take the throne from Solomon. The name means 'my lord is Jehovah'. Adonijah is mentioned in the books of Nehemiah and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.16 § Adonijah = "my lord is Jehovah" 1) fourth son of David and Solomon's rival for the throne 2) Levite sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the Law 3) a chief of the people who co-operated with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Adonijah. See also: 2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Kings 1:49; Nehemiah 10:17.
צֹ֤אן tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בָקָר֙ bâqâr H1241 "cattle" Conj | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
וּ/מְרִ֔יא mᵉrîyʼ H4806 "fatling" Conj | N-ms
A fat or well-fed animal, often a cow or cattle. It's used to describe an animal that has been fed well and is healthy.
Definition: well-fed, fatling
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fat (fed) beast (cattle, -ling). See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Isaiah 1:11; Isaiah 11:6.
עִ֚ם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֶ֣בֶן ʼeben H68 "stone" N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
הַזֹּחֶ֔לֶת Zôcheleth H2120 "Serpent's" N-proper
Zocheleth refers to a boundary stone near Jerusalem, also known as En-rogel, where Adonijah held a feast. It means serpent in Hebrew. This location is significant in biblical history.
Definition: Zoheleth = "serpent" a boundary stone near Jerusalem where Adonijah slew sheep and oxen Another name of en ro.gel (עֵין רֹגֵל "En-rogel" H5883)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Zoheleth. See also: 1 Kings 1:9.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֵ֖צֶל ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep
Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.
Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.
עֵ֣ין ʻÊyn Rôgêl H5883 "En-rogel" N-proper
En-rogel means fount of the fuller, a place near Jerusalem. It is the source of the pool of Siloam and is located on the border between Judah and Benjamin.
Definition: § En-rogel = "fount of the fuller" a place near Jerusalem on the border between Judah and Benjamin and from which the permanent source of the pool of Siloam comes
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: En-rogel. See also: Joshua 15:7; 2 Samuel 17:17; 1 Kings 1:9.
רֹגֵ֑ל ʻÊyn Rôgêl H5883 "En-rogel" N-proper
En-rogel means fount of the fuller, a place near Jerusalem. It is the source of the pool of Siloam and is located on the border between Judah and Benjamin.
Definition: § En-rogel = "fount of the fuller" a place near Jerusalem on the border between Judah and Benjamin and from which the permanent source of the pool of Siloam comes
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: En-rogel. See also: Joshua 15:7; 2 Samuel 17:17; 1 Kings 1:9.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֗א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֶחָי/ו֙ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וּ/לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
עַבְדֵ֥י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 1:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.
2 2 Samuel 13:23–27 Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?” “No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. “If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked. But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons.
3 2 Samuel 15:11–12 Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.
4 Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
5 Joshua 15:7 Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, turning north to Gilgal, which faces the Ascent of Adummim south of the ravine. It continued along the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel.

1 Kings 1:9 Summary

In 1 Kings 1:9, Adonijah is trying to become king by sacrificing animals and inviting important people to join him, similar to how Jesus was tempted by Satan to take power and authority in Luke 4:5-7. However, this is not God's plan, and Adonijah's actions will ultimately lead to his downfall, as seen in the rest of the chapter. This verse reminds us that true leadership and authority come from God, as stated in Romans 13:1-2, and that we should trust in His plan and timing, rather than trying to take matters into our own hands, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Adonijah sacrifice sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth?

Adonijah likely did this to gain support and recognition from the people and the royal family, as seen in 1 Kings 1:9, in an attempt to solidify his claim to the throne, similar to how Solomon was later anointed king in 1 Kings 1:38-40.

Who were the men of Judah who were servants of the king that Adonijah invited?

These men were likely officials, administrators, or other high-ranking individuals who served under King David, as mentioned in 1 Kings 1:9, and Adonijah invited them in an attempt to secure their loyalty and backing.

What is the significance of the location near the stone of Zoheleth, next to En-rogel?

The location near the stone of Zoheleth, next to En-rogel, may have been a significant gathering place or a symbol of authority, as seen in 1 Kings 1:9, and Adonijah's choice to hold his sacrifice there may have been an attempt to associate himself with this significance, much like how Jesus often taught in significant locations, such as in Matthew 5:1-2.

How does Adonijah's actions in this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

Adonijah's actions in 1 Kings 1:9 set the stage for the events that unfold in the rest of the chapter, as his attempt to secure the throne ultimately fails, and Solomon is anointed king instead, as seen in 1 Kings 1:38-40, highlighting the importance of God's sovereignty and plan, as stated in Proverbs 19:21.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like Adonijah, may be seeking to elevate myself or secure my own position, rather than trusting in God's plan?
  2. How can I, like the men of Judah who were servants of the king, remain loyal to God's appointed leaders and authorities in my life?
  3. What are some 'stones of Zoheleth' in my life, where I tend to seek recognition or validation from others, rather than from God?
  4. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or out of control, as seen in 1 Kings 1:9 and the rest of the chapter?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 1:9

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle,.... To make a feast of for those that were of his party, which was numerous, and some of them persons of the first rank, and therefore a large and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 1:9

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants: En-rogel -

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:9

Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle; partly for a sacrifice; and partly for feasts, that he might engage God to be on his side, and draw a multitude of people after him. By En-rogel, or, the fountain of Rogel, or, of the fuller; a place nigh to Jerusalem: see 18:16 . Called all his brethren the king’ s sons; either because he knew they envied and were discontented with Solomon, and therefore would favour him; or that he might engage them so to do. All the men of Judah the king’ s servants; except these here excepted, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:9

1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king’ s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’ s servants:Ver. 9. And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen.] Hitherto all went ‘ hail well’ with these gallants: and many a health, no doubt, was drunk to Adonijah: many a confident boast of their prosperous design, many a scorn of the despised faction of Solomon, &c. But the triumphing of the wicked is short.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:9

(9) The stone of Zoheleth.—The meaning is uncertain. The derivation seems to be from a root, meaning to “crawl,” or “steal on.” Some interpreters render, the “stone of the serpents;” the Targums make it “the rolling stone;” other authorities “the stone of the conduit,” which would suit well its position as here described.En-rogel.—“The spring of the fuller.” (See Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:16; 2 Samuel 17:17.) Its proximity would be useful for the purposes of sacrifice; for it appears to be the only natural spring near Jerusalem, situated not far from Siloam.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:9

Verse 9. Slew sheep and oven] Making a royal feast, in reference to his inauguration. As he had Abiathar the priest with him, no doubt these animals were offered sacrificially, and then the guests fed on the flesh of the victims. He had not only a splendid feast, but a great sacrifice; and he gave by this a popular colour to his pretensions, by affecting to receive his authority from God.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 1:9

9. Adonijah slew &c.] The verb is that which is constantly used for sacrificing. And here there was no doubt intended to be a certain solemnity connected with the feast held in honour of Adonijah’s proclamation. Beside its use in this chapter, where it is rendered ‘to slay’ in 1 Kings 1:19; 1 Kings 1:25, the verb is only so translated in 1 Kings 19:21 of Elisha’s slaughter of his oxen, and 2 Kings 23:20 of Josiah’s slaughter of the priests of the high places, both which acts partook of the nature of a solemn sacrifice. by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel] The name En-rogel signifies the ‘fountain of the fuller,’ a name probably given to it from the use to which the water was applied. They washed by stamping on the clothes with the foot (Heb. regel). From the other places where it is mentioned (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:16; 2 Samuel 17:17) it is clear that En-rogel lay on the south-east of Jerusalem, and formed one of the landmarks between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Attempts have been made to identify it with the ‘fountain of Job (or Joab),’ which is situate at the junction of the valleys of Kedron and Hinnom; while others are in favour of the ‘fountain of the Virgin,’ as it is now called, from whence comes the water to the pool of Siloam. It is in favour of the latter, that women still resort to it as a place for washing clothes. Of the ‘stone of Zoheleth’ we have no notice but in this passage.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 1:9

Adonijah’s feast was probably of a sacrificial character, and intended to inaugurate him as king. Compare the “sacrifices” of Absalom 2 Samuel 15:12. Zoheleth - No satisfactory explanation has been given of this name.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:9

9. Adonijah slew sheep — “Thus also imitating Absalom, who, in order to cover his sin with the cloak of religion, and to ingratiate himself with those whom he invited to the banquet, began his rebellion with a sacrificial feast.

Sermons on 1 Kings 1:9

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C.H. Spurgeon Continue Upright by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of being upright in our lives, as the prayer of the upright is a delight to God, according to Proverbs 15:8. He urges believers to maintai
David Wilkerson Because You Are God's Beloved Child by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of prayer mixed with faith as the essential response to every aspect of our lives. He highlights the importance of seeking God first, as instru
Peter Hammond Polycarp, John and Jesus by Peter Hammond Peter Hammond preaches about the inspiring story of Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, who faced persecution with unwavering faith and courage, refusing to renounce Christ even in the

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