Solomon was informed of Adonijah’s action and a message that he had sent to Solomon. That message is the request that Solomon would swear not to kill him. This was rather a broad promise he was requesting, and Solomon showed wisdom in the way he responded.
Solomon’s response was to promise that Adonijah would be safe as long as he shows himself to be worthy. Solomon used the same word that Adonijah had regarding Jonathan. In this case, however, it does not mean ability or efficiency, but strength of moral character or trustworthiness.
After Solomon gave the conditional promise in place of an unconditional one, he arranged for Adonijah to be brought before him. Adonijah paid homage to the new king and Solomon set him to his house.
51 On vint dire à Salomon: Voici, Adonija a peur du roi Salomon, et il a saisi les cornes de l'autel, en disant: Que le roi Salomon me jure aujourd'hui qu'il ne fera point mourir son serviteur par l'épée!