1 Kings 1:49-53 ESV
49 Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. 50 And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”

FEAR BRINGS TORMENT.
When Adonijah knew that Solomon was anointed king, he trembled in fear. Was not his fear re-enforced upon knowing that ‘all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way.’[v.49] The loyalty of his people was proven lacking in times of the crucible. Alone and deserted, he ‘laid hold of the horns of the altar’ for safety.

“The horns of the altar in Jerusalem had provided a refuge for fugitives. Those who caught hold of the horns of the altar were granted asylum (1 Kings 1:50-53). This use of the horns sheds additional light on God’s statement in Amos 3:14.” [https://www.gotquestions.org/horns-of-the-altar.html]

A similar reaction King Saul did earlier. “When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits.”[1 Sam 13:6] In panic , Saul offered the burnt sacrifice forbidden for him to do.

Fear is felt when we’re vulnerable and threatened by a coming danger we can’t handle, especially death. While Adonijah took refuge at the horn of the altar, we doubt whether he was sincerely repentant and broken. Many people are fearful to the consequence of their sins more than their respect [reverential fear] to the Living and Righteous God.

God should be feared. However, He forgives and loves the truly repentant sinner. [2 Cor 7:10] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [Rom 8:1] Hence, to every true believer, ‘there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.’ [1 John 4:18]

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