50 And Adonijah was afraid of Solomon , and he arose , went and took hold of the horns of the altar . 51 Now it was told Solomon , saying , "Behold , Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon , for behold , he has taken hold of the horns of the altar , saying , 'Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword .' " 52 Solomon said , "If he is a worthy man , not one of his hairs will fall to the ground ; but if wickedness is found in him, he will die ." 53 So King Solomon sent , and they brought him down from the altar . And he came and prostrated himself [1]before King Solomon , and Solomon said to him, "Go to your house ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 1:50-53
Commentary on 1 Kings 1:32-53
(Read 1 Kings 1:32-53)
The people expressed great joy and satisfaction in the elevation of Solomon. Every true Israelite rejoices in the exaltation of the Son of David. Combinations formed upon evil principles will soon be dissolved, when self-interest calls another way. How can those who do evil deeds expect to have good tidings? Adonijah had despised Solomon, but soon dreaded him. We see here, as in a glass, Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God, exalted to the throne of glory, notwithstanding all his enemies. His kingdom is far greater than that of his father David, and therein all the true people of God cordially rejoice. The prosperity of his cause is vexation and terror to his enemies. No horns of the altar, nor forms of godliness, nor pretences to religion, can profit those who will not submit to His authority, and accept of his salvation; and if their submission be hypocritical, they shall perish without remedy.