1 Kings 1:41
New International Version
Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they were finishing their feast. On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, “What’s the meaning of all the noise in the city?”

New Living Translation
Adonijah and his guests heard the celebrating and shouting just as they were finishing their banquet. When Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn, he asked, “What’s going on? Why is the city in such an uproar?”

English Standard Version
Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “What does this uproar in the city mean?”

Berean Standard Bible
Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab.

King James Bible
And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

New King James Version
Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the horn, he said, “Why is the city in such a noisy uproar?”

New American Standard Bible
Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard this as they finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why is the city making such an uproar?”

NASB 1995
Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why is the city making such an uproar?”

NASB 1977
Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it, as they finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why is the city making such an uproar?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. Then Joab heard the sound of the trumpet and said, “Why is the sound of the city such an uproar?”

Amplified Bible
Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. When Joab heard the trumpet sound, he said, “Why is the city in such an uproar?”

Christian Standard Bible
Adonijah and all the invited guests who were with him heard the noise as they finished eating. Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn and said, “Why is the town in such an uproar? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Adonijah and all the invited guests who were with him heard the noise as they finished eating. Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn and said, “Why is the town in such an uproar?”

American Standard Version
And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

Contemporary English Version
Adonijah and his guests had almost finished eating when they heard the noise. Joab also heard the trumpet and asked, "What's all that noise about in the city?"

English Revised Version
And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Adonijah and all his guests heard this as they finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the horn, he asked, "What's the reason for the noise in the city?"

Good News Translation
As Adonijah and all his guests were finishing the feast, they heard the noise. And when Joab heard the trumpet, he asked, "What's the meaning of all that noise in the city?"

International Standard Version
Right about then, Adonijah and all of his guests were just finishing their meal when they heard all the noise. "Why is the city in such an uproar?" Joab asked as he heard the trumpet sounds.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram?s horn. ?Why is the city in such a loud uproar?? asked Joab.

NET Bible
Now Adonijah and all his guests heard the commotion just as they had finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he asked, "Why is there such a noisy commotion in the city?"

New Heart English Bible
Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, "Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

World English Bible
Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they had finished eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Adonijah hears, and all those called who [are] with him, and they have finished to eat, and Joab hears the noise of the horn and says, “Why [is] the noise of the city roaring?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Adonijah heareth, and all those called, who are with him, and they have finished to eat, and Joab heareth the noise of the trumpet, and saith, 'Wherefore is the noise of the city roaring?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Adonijah will hear, and all being called with him, and they finished eating. And Joab will hear the voice of the trumpet, and say, Wherefore the voice of the city put in motion?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Adonias, and all that were invited by him, heard it, and now the feast was at an end: Joab also hearing the sound of the trumpet, said: What meaneth this noise of the city in an uproar?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Adonijah, and all who had been summoned by him, heard it. And now the feast had ended. Then, too, Joab, hearing the voice of the trumpet, said, “What is the meaning of this clamor from the tumultuous city?”

New American Bible
Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it, just as they ended their banquet. When Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn, he asked, “Why this uproar in the city?”

New Revised Standard Version
Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why is the city in an uproar?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, What is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Aduniah and all who were invited by him heard when they finished eating, and when Yuab heard the sound of the shofars, he said: “What is this sound of the city in an uproar?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the horn, he said: 'Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Adonias and all his guests heard, and they had just left off eating: and Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, and said, What means the voice of the city in tumult?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Adonijah Learns of Solomon's Kingship
41Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab. 42As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 2:13-25
Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. / Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered. / “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. ...

2 Samuel 15:10-12
Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

2 Samuel 15:23-24
Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. / Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city.

2 Samuel 15:30-31
But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. / Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...

2 Samuel 18:19-33
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. ...

2 Samuel 19:1-8
Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...

1 Kings 2:28-34
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

1 Kings 2:36-46
Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” / “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. ...

1 Kings 11:14-25
Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. / Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom. / Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom. ...

1 Kings 11:26-40
Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, / and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. / Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph. ...

1 Kings 16:16-20
and the people in the camp heard that Zimri had conspired against the king and struck him down. So there in the camp that very day, all Israel proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel. / Then Omri and all the Israelites marched up from Gibbethon and besieged Tirzah. / When Zimri saw that the city was captured, he entered the citadel of the royal palace and burned it down upon himself. So he died ...

1 Kings 16:21-28
At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri. / But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king. / In the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. ...

Matthew 21:9-11
The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” / When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” / The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:15-16
But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” / “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”


Treasury of Scripture

And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

as they

Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

Proverbs 14:13
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

Ecclesiastes 7:4-6
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth…

Wherefore

Exodus 32:17
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.

Job 15:21,22
A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him…

Psalm 73:18-20
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction…

the city

Matthew 21:9-11,15
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest…

Acts 21:31
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

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Adonijah Adoni'jah City Ears Eating End Ended Feast Feasting Finished Finishing Guests Heard Heareth Hearing Horn Joab Jo'ab Making Meal Meaning Noise Reason Repast Sound Trumpet Uproar What's Wherefore Worked
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Adonijah Adoni'jah City Ears Eating End Ended Feast Feasting Finished Finishing Guests Heard Heareth Hearing Horn Joab Jo'ab Making Meal Meaning Noise Reason Repast Sound Trumpet Uproar What's Wherefore Worked
1 Kings 1
1. Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age
5. Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom
11. By the council of Nathan
15. Bathsheba moves the king
22. And Nathan seconds her
28. David renews his oath to Bathsheba
32. Solomon, by David's appointment,
38. being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph
41. Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly
50. Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon














Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast
Adonijah, the son of King David, had declared himself king without his father's blessing. This feast was part of his self-coronation celebration, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures to solidify claims to the throne. The gathering of guests, including influential figures, was intended to gain support for his kingship. This event parallels Absalom's earlier rebellion against David, highlighting the recurring theme of familial strife and the consequences of ambition outside God's will.

when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn
The ram's horn, or shofar, was traditionally used in Israel for significant announcements, such as the coronation of a king or the call to worship. Its sound signified a divine or royal proclamation, often associated with God's intervention or the anointing of a new leader. In this context, the horn announced Solomon's anointing as king, orchestrated by Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest, signifying divine approval and the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his lineage.

“Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab
Joab, David's military commander, was a key figure in the political landscape of Israel. His question reflects his surprise and concern over the unexpected commotion in Jerusalem. The uproar was due to the public celebration of Solomon's anointing, which contrasted sharply with Adonijah's private feast. Joab's inquiry indicates his lack of awareness of David's decision to appoint Solomon, highlighting the tension and division within the kingdom. This moment underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, as God's chosen leader, Solomon, is established despite human schemes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Adonijah
The son of King David who attempted to declare himself king without his father's blessing. His actions set the stage for the events in this passage.

2. Joab
The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and political maneuvering. He was a supporter of Adonijah's claim to the throne.

3. The Feast
A celebratory gathering hosted by Adonijah as part of his self-proclaimed kingship. It symbolizes his premature and unauthorized claim to power.

4. The Trumpet
A signal of significant events, often used in ancient Israel to announce important news or changes, such as the anointing of a new king.

5. The City
Refers to Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel, where the true king, Solomon, was being anointed by Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Self-Exaltation
Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne without divine approval serves as a warning against pride and self-promotion. True leadership is established by God, not by human ambition.

The Importance of Divine Timing
The contrast between Adonijah's feast and Solomon's anointing highlights the importance of waiting for God's timing. Acting prematurely can lead to failure and conflict.

Listening for God's Signals
The trumpet sound that interrupted Adonijah's feast symbolizes God's intervention. Believers should remain attentive to God's signals and be ready to adjust their plans accordingly.

The Role of Godly Counsel
Joab's question reflects a lack of awareness of God's plan. Surrounding oneself with godly counsel, like Nathan and Zadok provided for Solomon, is crucial for discerning God's will.(41) When Joab heard.--It is one of the many life- like touches of the narrative that it is the old warrior Joab who, amidst the revelry of his companions, notices the sound of the trumpet, and the acclamation following. Adonijah affects to disregard it.

Verse 41. - And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it [it is probable they "were listening with some anxiety to hear if anything would occur." Rawlinson] as they had made an end [Heb. "and they had finished"] of eating, And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet [the original almost implies that Joab's practised ear was the first to catch the note of the trumpet. He seems to have been the first to suspect its significance], he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar? [More exactly, "in commotion." הומָה, an onomatopoetic word, like our English "hum." We speak of the "hum of the city," "the buzz of business," etc.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Adonijah
אֲדֹנִיָּ֗הוּ (’ă·ḏō·nî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 138: Adonijah -- 'my Lord is Yahweh', the name of several Israelites

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his guests
הַקְּרֻאִים֙ (haq·qə·ru·’îm)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

were finishing
כִּלּ֣וּ (kil·lū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

their feast
לֶאֱכֹ֑ל (le·’ĕ·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

when they heard
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the sound
ק֣וֹל (qō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

of the trumpet.
הַשּׁוֹפָ֔ר (haš·šō·w·p̄ār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7782: A cornet, curved horn

“Why [is]
מַדּ֥וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘)
Interrogative
Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason?

the city
הַקִּרְיָ֖ה (haq·qir·yāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7151: A town, city

in such a loud
קֽוֹל־ (qō·wl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

uproar?”
הוֹמָֽה׃ (hō·w·māh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 1993: To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

asked
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Joab.
יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites


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OT History: 1 Kings 1:41 Adonijah and all the guests who were (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
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