מלכים א, פרק א׳, פסוק כ״ה

Adonijah's political ambitions reach their peak in a large public gathering, an event designed to be presented to King David as an established fact. The physical location of the gathering is significant. Because Jerusalem was situated on high ground, Adonijah travels down into the valley below, near the spring of En-rogel, to offer his sacrifices [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The slaughtering of so many animals and the hosting of a grand feast are far from routine activities. They are organized for one clear purpose: to celebrate his coronation and claim the royal crown [מצודת דוד].

The timing and scale of this gathering carry a sharp political message. By taking action while the reigning king is still alive, and by assembling all the king's sons, the army commanders, and Abiathar the priest, Adonijah creates a powerful impression. The presence of the kingdom's highest officials is meant to convince the public that an event of this size could only take place with David's full knowledge and approval [מלבי״ם].

At the height of the banquet, as the guests eat and drink, they confidently declare, "Long live King Adonijah." This cry is not merely a hope for the future. Instead, it serves as a clear, absolute statement from the attendees, signaling their active and immediate acceptance of Adonijah as their new king [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].