So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he struck him down, and he died.
Solomon's throne was not won by the sword like David's but settled at once; and when Adonijah could not rest easy under mercy, he ruined himself by his own restless ambition. Some men know not when they are well treated and so treasure up judgment for themselves by presuming on God's patience.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:12-25
Abiathar deserved death for joining Adonijah against Solomon, contrary to God's will and David's promise; Solomon spared him only because he had borne the ark before David and suffered with him in all his afflictions. That past loyalty stayed the executioner's hand, though not forever.
AI summary
Benaiah struck him down without hearing or trial, suspected, condemned, and slain. Calmet defends this by saying princes need not follow perfect morality because policy requires it; what a diabolic maxim, fit for Fez or Morocco, not for Christian justice or constitutional law.
AI summary