Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 1 - Verse 50

When Adonijah feared Solomon's wrath, he sought refuge by grabbing hold of the horns of the altar. In ancient Israel, the horns of the altar were considered a place of sanctuary and safety. By clinging to the horns of the altar, Adonijah was seeking protection from being killed as a result of his failed attempt to seize the throne. This action was a common practice in biblical times for those seeking mercy or forgiveness. Adonijah's fear of Solomon demonstrates the power and authority that Solomon held, as well as the consequences of trying to usurp his position. The horns of the altar symbolize a place of divine intervention and repentance, where individuals could seek refuge and be shielded from harm. This moment highlights the tension and drama surrounding the transfer of power in ancient Israel, as well as the importance of religious rituals and symbols in shaping the behaviors and decisions of biblical figures.

When examining the verse, 'And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.', there are theological interpretations that can be drawn from this passage. In this verse, Adonijah's action of grabbing hold of the horns of the altar can be seen as a desperate attempt to seek refuge and protection. The horns of the altar were considered to be a place of sanctuary in the ancient Israelite culture. By physically clinging to the altar, Adonijah may have been trying to appeal to the mercy of God and find safety from his perceived threat, Solomon. This act can also be viewed as a sign of Adonijah's recognition of his guilt or fear of punishment for his actions against Solomon. In terms of word studies, the phrase 'caught hold' in this verse can be translated from the Hebrew word 'achaz' which can also mean 'seize' or 'grasp', emphasizing Adonijah's desperate attempt at seeking protection. Overall, this verse showcases the theme of seeking refuge in God during times of trouble and highlights the importance of recognizing one's own wrongdoing.