1 Kings 1:49
ESV
Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way.
NIV
At this, all Adonijah’s guests rose in alarm and dispersed.
NASB
Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and got up, and each went on his way.
CSB
Then all of Adonijah’s guests got up trembling and went their separate ways.
NLT
Then all of Adonijah’s guests jumped up in panic from the banquet table and quickly scattered.
KJV
And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way.
NKJV
So all the guests who were with Adonijah were afraid, and arose, and each one went his way.
What does 1 Kings 1:49 mean?
Moments before, Adonijah thought he would succeed his father, David, as king of Israel. He had the support of Joab, Abiathar the priest, the elders of Judah, and his brothers. He knew David wanted Solomon to be king, but David was aging and had not named his successor. All Adonijah had to do was wait for David to die (1 Kings 1:5–10). But David isn't as feeble as some thought. The old king had enough energy to hear of Adonijah's plan and anoint Solomon, instead (1 Kings 1:41–48).Adonijah's guests now understand that what they thought was a coronation is sedition. Adonijah is most at risk. He flees and grabs hold of the horns of the altar in a bid for asylum (Exodus 21:13–14). Solomon leaves most of the traitors to themselves, but not all of them. Before he dies, David gives him instructions on how to establish his kingdom. Doing so involves harsh but fair judgment against some of Adonijah's guests.
David's military commander, Joab, is a murderer. Saul's general Abner killed Joab's brother fairly in battle. Joab killed his brother's killer after Abner had made a treaty with David (2 Samuel 2:18–23; 3:1–27). David fired Joab after Joab disobeyed his order to not kill Absalom (2 Samuel 18:5, 14–15). In return, Joab murdered his replacement, Amasa (2 Samuel 19:13; 20:8–10). David always had a difficult time disciplining his sons, and apparently that weakness extended to his nephew Joab. Now, Joab has sided against Solomon. Solomon's kingdom can't be stable while Joab lives (1 Kings 2:5–6, 28–34).
Abiathar's disloyalty isn't explained in the text. Still, Solomon can't keep a priest who conspired against the king. Because Abiathar carried the ark, Solomon would not execute him, but Solomon would banish him to his own homestead for the rest of his life. (1 Kings 2:26–27). This fulfills God's judgment against Abiathar's ancestor Eli (1 Samuel 2:27–33).
Fortunately, David has provided Solomon with good replacements. Solomon makes Benaiah commander of the royal bodyguard, commander of the army, and Zadok the lone priest.
