1 Kings 2:15

1 Kings 2:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.

King James Version KJV

And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s; for it was his from Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he said, You saw how the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had the idea that I would be their king; but now the kingdom is turned about, and has become my brother's, for it was given to him by the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

“You know that the kingdom was mine,” he declared, “and everyone in Israel was looking forward to me being their next king. But everything was turned upside down, and the kingdom passed to my brother, because that's what the Lord wanted.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then he said, Thou knowest that the kingdome was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reigne: howbeit the kingdome is turned away, and is my brothers: for it came to him by the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith, 'Thou hast known that the kingdom was mine, and towards me set their faces had all Israel for reigning, and the kingdom is turned round about, and is my brother's, for from Jehovah it was his;

World English Bible WEB

He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom is turned around, and has become my brother’s; for it was his from the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: but the kingdom is turned about, and hath become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou knowest that the kingdom was nine, and all Israel had preferred me to be their king: but the kingdom is transferred, and is become my brother’s: for it was appointed him by the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

He said, “You know that all the Israeli people expected me to be their king because I am David’s oldest surviving son. But that did not happen. Instead, my younger brother became king, because that is what Yahweh wanted.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 2:15

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 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר אַ֤תְּ יָדַ֨עַתְּ֙ כִּי לִ/י֙ הָיְתָ֣ה הַ/מְּלוּכָ֔ה וְ/עָלַ֞/י שָׂ֧מוּ כָֽל יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל פְּנֵי/הֶ֖ם לִ/מְלֹ֑ךְ וַ/תִּסֹּ֤ב הַ/מְּלוּכָה֙ וַ/תְּהִ֣י לְ/אָחִ֔/י כִּ֥י מֵ/יְהוָ֖ה הָ֥יְתָה לּֽ/וֹ

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַ֤תְּ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

יָדַ֨עַתְּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-2fs

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

לִ/י֙ Prep | Suff

הָיְתָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3fs

הַ/מְּלוּכָ֔ה mᵉlûwkâh H4410 kingship Art | N-fs

וְ/עָלַ֞/י ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep | Suff

שָׂ֧מוּ sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Perf-3cp

כָֽל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

פְּנֵי/הֶ֖ם pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff

לִ/מְלֹ֑ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וַ/תִּסֹּ֤ב çâbab H5437 to turn Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

הַ/מְּלוּכָה֙ mᵉlûwkâh H4410 kingship Art | N-fs

וַ/תְּהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

לְ/אָחִ֔/י ʼâch H251 brother Prep | N-ms | Suff

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

מֵ/יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

הָ֥יְתָה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3fs

לּֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 2:15

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אַ֤תְּ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

יָדַ֨עַתְּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-2fs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לִ/י֙ "" Prep | Suff

הָיְתָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

הַ/מְּלוּכָ֔ה mᵉlûwkâh H4410 "kingship" Art | N-fs

Melukah refers to a kingdom or realm, describing a king's domain or territory. It is related to the concept of royalty and kingship in the Bible.

Definition: kingship, royalty, kingly office

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal. See also: 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Kings 12:21; Psalms 22:29.

וְ/עָלַ֞/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

שָׂ֧מוּ sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

כָֽל 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.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

פְּנֵי/הֶ֖ם pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

לִ/מְלֹ֑ךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.

Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.

וַ/תִּסֹּ֤ב çâbab H5437 "to turn" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.

Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded

Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.

הַ/מְּלוּכָה֙ mᵉlûwkâh H4410 "kingship" Art | N-fs

Melukah refers to a kingdom or realm, describing a king's domain or territory. It is related to the concept of royalty and kingship in the Bible.

Definition: kingship, royalty, kingly office

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal. See also: 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Kings 12:21; Psalms 22:29.

וַ/תְּהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

לְ/אָחִ֔/י ʼâch H251 "brother" Prep | N-ms | 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.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

מֵ/יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

הָ֥יְתָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

לּֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — 1 Kings 2:15

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Context
Cross References
1 Kings 2:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:15
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:15
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Sermons on 1 Kings 2:15

Context — The Execution of Adonijah

13Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. 14Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered.

15“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.

16So now I have just one request of you; do not deny me.” “State your request,” she told him. 17Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Chronicles 22:9–10	But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for My Name. He will be My son, and I will be his Father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
2	1 Chronicles 28:5–7	And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And He said to me, ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him as My son, and I will be his Father. I will establish his kingdom forever, if he resolutely carries out My commandments and ordinances, as is being done this day.’
3	1 Kings 1:25	For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
4	1 Kings 1:5	At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.
5	2 Samuel 7:12	And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom.
6	2 Samuel 16:18	“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.
7	Proverbs 21:30	There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
8	Jeremiah 27:5–8	By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand.
9	Daniel 2:22	He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.
10	2 Samuel 12:24	Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child

1 Kings 2:15 Summary

In this verse, Adonijah is talking to Bathsheba about how he thought he would be the next king, but instead, God chose his brother Solomon. He recognizes that God is in control and has made Solomon the king. This reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, and sometimes it may not be what we expected, but we can trust that He knows what is best for us (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). We can learn to surrender our own plans and desires to God, just as Adonijah seems to be doing, and trust that He will guide us on the right path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Adonijah mean by saying the kingship was his?

Adonijah is expressing his disappointment and frustration, as he had expected to become king, but God had other plans, as seen in 1 Kings 1:38-40, where Solomon is anointed king instead.

Why does Adonijah acknowledge that the kingship has come to Solomon from the Lord?

Adonijah recognizes God's sovereignty in the matter, similar to what we see in Romans 13:1-2, where it is written that all authority comes from God, and in 1 Samuel 2:7-8, where God is described as the one who sets up and brings down kings.

Is Adonijah being sincere in his conversation with Bathsheba?

While Adonijah's words may seem sincere, his intentions are likely not pure, as evidenced by his request in 1 Kings 2:17, which could be seen as a power play or an attempt to undermine Solomon's authority, reminiscent of the warning in Proverbs 26:24-25 about hidden intentions.

What can we learn from Adonijah's statement about God's role in our lives?

Adonijah's statement reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and directing our paths, as seen in Psalm 37:23, where it is written that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord, and in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to give us a future and a hope.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when God's plans for my life are different from my own expectations, and what can I learn from Adonijah's experience?
In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty in my life, just as Adonijah seemingly does in this verse?
What are some areas where I may be trying to take control or assert my own will, rather than trusting in God's plan, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
How can I balance my own desires and ambitions with a willingness to accept and follow God's plan, even when it is unclear or difficult?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 2:15

And he said, thou knowest that the kingdom was mine,.... Belonged to him by virtue of his birthright; he was heir to it, being the eldest son: and [that] all Israel set their faces on me, that I

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 2:15

He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15

The kingdom was mine, both by birthright and by actual inauguration. It seems he could not yet forget his pretence to the crown, nor his ambition for it, but continues his claim; which, it seems, Solomon did apprehend and resent, though Bath-sheba did not; the wives and concubines of the late king being reputed to appertain to the successor. See . All Israel set their faces on me; they looked upon me as their king, and David’ s successor, expecting that David should confirm my election. The kingdom is turned about; translated from me to him, by the vicissitude of human affairs, and the changeable humour of the people. It was his from the Lord; either, first, By God’ s providence so disposing David’ s mind, and the people’ s hearts. Or rather, secondly, By God’ s appointment and particular designation, wherein he would seem to acquiesce; which he mentions, not that he made any conscience of it, or had any regard to it; but only that by this pretence he might deceive both her and Solomon, as if he were far from any design of usurping the kingdom.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15

1 Kings 2:15 And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and [that] all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’ s: for it was his from the LORD.Ver. 15. Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine,] viz., By right of succession, I being the eldest son now alive, and chosen by the people too. Howbeit the kingdom is turned about.] By that great Induperator, who putteth down one and setteth up another; “ Ludit in humanis divina potentia rebus. ” For it was his from the Lord.] Why then would Adonijah dash against the divine decree, and sin against his own knowledge, by saying, I will be king?

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15

(15) Thou knowest.—Adonijah’s words show craft, flattering Bath-sheba by extolling her influence, and making merit of his surrender to Solomon, in obedience to the Lord’s decree, of a kingdom which, in evident contradiction to fact, he asserts to have been destined to him by popular desire. The petition, however, apparently harmless, and (since Abishag was concubine of David only in name) involving nothing unnatural, had perhaps a covert design: for, by universal Eastern custom, to take a king’s wives was the known privilege or duty of his successor. Hence the counsel, most unseemly but still probably politic, given by Ahithophel to Absalom (2 Samuel 16:21). If, therefore, Adonijah had publicly espoused Abishag, it might have seemed a virtual renewal of his claim to the crown. This Solomon sees at once, though Bath-sheba, strangely enough, does not see it.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15

Verse 15. Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine] It certainly was his by the right of primogeniture, and it was his by the voice of the people, and the consent of the high priest. But there was a right paramount to all these, the right of God; it was his kingdom; the kings were his lieutenants, and he had a right to give the crown to whomsoever he pleased, and he was pleased to give it to Solomon.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 2:15

15. Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine] He means that as the eldest living son of David, he could rightly claim it. Thus he in a way apologizes for his previous attempt to secure the succession to himself. set their faces on me] They looked forward to my accession and were resolved on bringing it about. Comp. Jeremiah 42:17 ‘the men that set their faces to go down into Egypt … shall die.’ Adonijah would thus also make it appear that the voice and goodwill of the people had been on his side. for it was his from the Lord] He professes his resignation to what has happened, and ascribes it to the Divine will that he may the better cloak his desires and intentions. Perhaps ‘it became his from the Lord’ would give the force of his words better. It is to be noted how, as if in friendship, he speaks of Solomon as his brother.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 2:15

15. The kingdom was mine — By the right of primogeniture. All Israel set their faces on me — A multitude of people had followed the ambitious youth, as we may learn from chapter 1 Kings 1:9; but it

Sermons on 1 Kings 2:15

	Sermon	Description
	A Man of Rest . . . He Shall Build. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true builders of lasting structures are those who find rest in God, as exemplified by Solomon's construction of the Temple rather than David's. He highli
	God's Eternal Thought of Sonship by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that sonship is the core of God's eternal thought, illustrated through the life of Solomon, who was chosen by God to build His house. Solomon's role as
	Who Is the King by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adonijah from the Bible. Adonijah exalted himself and declared that he would be king, but later realized that King David had ma
	Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ministering to the Lord before going out to the mission field. He encourages pastors to prioritize their ministry to God an
	The Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapter 44. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the two priesthoods that exist in the Bible. The
	Results of Neglect by Theodore Epp	Theodore Epp discusses the consequences of neglect in leadership, using King David's failure to declare his successor as a cautionary tale. As David neared the end of his reign, hi
	Will You Miss the Coming Revival? by David Smithers	David Smithers preaches about the anticipation of a mighty move of God, emphasizing the need for the Church to be empowered and purified for Christ's sake and service in preparatio