מלכים א, פרק א׳, פסוק נ״א

After his attempt to seize power completely collapses, Adonijah finds himself gripped by terror of the newly crowned king. Seeking desperate refuge, he flees to the altar and clings to its corners, hoping to find mercy and secure a royal guarantee for his survival. Consumed by constant fear and uncertain of his fate, he feels that a simple promise of safety is not enough. Instead, he insists on a formal, binding oath that he will not be executed [רד״ק].

He specifically asks for this oath to be made on that very day. This urgency can be understood simply as a request for immediate assurance right at that moment [מצודת ציון]. However, another perspective suggests a deeper strategy. He highlights that specific day because it is the day of the new king's coronation. It is a standard practice for rulers to show grace and forgive crimes on the day they take the throne. By surrendering immediately, the defeated rebel hopes to take advantage of this royal custom and secure a pardon [מלבי״ם].

In his plea, he asks for an oath using a traditional phrasing where the one making the promise accepts a curse upon themselves if they break their word, ensuring he will not be put to death [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. To further demonstrate his complete surrender, he refers to himself merely as a servant [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, his specific request to be spared from the sword is highly intentional. The sword serves as the official tool of execution used by a king to punish those who rebel against the crown. Therefore, his plea is not just a general cry for life, but a direct request for an official pardon for his act of treason [מלבי״ם].