Definition: And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest [it] not:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 1:18. It’s a really important and dramatic statement about power in ancient Israel. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Adonijah – meaning “helper” or “king” – has taken over the throne. It’s essentially announcing that Adonijah is now ruling, and the king (David) doesn’t know about it. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And now, behold…” : This phrase indicates a moment of recognition or acknowledgement – something has changed. “…Adonijah reigneth” : This means Adonijah is ruling . He’s in control and has the authority to make decisions. “and now, my lord the king, thou knowest [it] not:” : This is a crucial part. "My lord the king" refers to David, who was King of Israel at the time. The word “knowest” means “you know.” So, this verse is saying that David doesn’t know about Adonijah’s rule. What does this mean in context? This verse is significant because it sets the stage for a major conflict. It highlights: Adonijah's ambition: He was vying for the throne before David, and this verse suggests he’s now successful. David’s position: It establishes that David was not simply a king; he had a powerful rival who was actively seeking to usurp his authority. A shift in power: It signals a change in the balance of power in Israel, with Adonijah gaining control. In short, it's a declaration of an existing and powerful ruling figure – Adonijah – that David didn’t realize about. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context (when was this verse written)? Discuss the significance of Adonijah's ambition?