King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 1:9 Mean?

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: Enrogel: or, the well Rogel

Context

7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him. he: Heb. his words were with following: Heb. helped after Adonijah

8

But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.

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: Enrogel: or, the well Rogel

10

But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

11

Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(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; 2Samuel 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.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 1:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

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