Rashi on the Former Prophets

But he was not warmed. Our Rabbis said, “He who disgraces clothing will ultimately be deprived of their pleasures.” [Dovid’s clothing did not warm him] because he tore off the corner of Shaul’s robe. The Midrash [Aggadah states], Rabbi Shmuel son of Nachmeni said, that as Dovid saw the angel standing in Yerusholayim with his sword drawn in his hand, his blood became cold from fear.

Virgin girl. Her virginity warms her flesh.
A warmer. “A warmer,” and similarly, “and he who chops wood will be warmed [יסכן] by them.”

Was not intimate with her. Because a virgin is more suitable for [the purpose] of warming than a non-virgin. But our Rabbis said [he was not intimate with her] because “He shall not have too many wives,” and he already had eighteen.

Exalted himself. He elevated himself.
And fifty men. Whose spleens had been removed, and whose soles of their feet had been carved.

Had never angered him. He did not anger him. This [episode] teaches you that he who refrains from rebuking his child causes his death.
And he was also very handsome. [He was as handsome] as Avsholom, about whom it is written, “And as Avsholom there was no one as handsome.” This caused them to be proud.
She gave birth to him. [“She” refers to] his mother.
After Avsholom. I.e., his mother reared him in the same spoiled manner that Avsholom’s mother reared him. Avsholom” because it implies that she bore both Adoniyahu and Avsholom, which is not true, for Avsholom’s mother was Ma’acha, and Adoniyahu’s mother was Chagis.

With Yoav ben Tseruyah. Because he knew that Dovid bore a grudge against him for having killed Avner, Amasa, and Avsholom; and that he would eventually charge his son, who would reign in his place, to deal with him. He [Yoav] therefore wanted that this one [Adoniyahu] should reign through his assistance so that he would favor him.
And with Evyosor the kohein. He was dismissed from the priesthood at the time when Dovid escaped from Yerusholayim on account of Avsholom, when he [Evyosor] consulted the Urim and Tumim and was unsuccessful as it is stated, “And Evyosor went up.” He [Evyosor] was a descendant of Eili. And he knew that he would not serve in the days of Shlomo, for it was stated to Eili, “And I will appoint for Myself a faithful kohein... and he will serve before My anointed one...” He [Evyosor] wanted that this one [Adoniyah become king] through his assistance.

And Noson the prophet. Who prophesied to Dovid that Shlomo would reign, as it is stated in Divrei Hayomim, “ his name will be Shlomo.”

And fattened [oxen]. Oxen which are [fattened by being] fed forcefully.
The stone of Zocheles. A huge stone used by the young men to test their strength by moving or dragging it. An expression similar to “moving [זוחלין]” water, or, “those that creep [זוחלי] on the earth.” [Targum] Yonoson rendered [אבן זוחלת as] אבן סכותא [=a lookout stone], upon which people stand and look far into the distance.
Ein-Rogel. [Targum] Yonoson rendered [עין רוגל as] עין קצרא, which is [a well] used by a clothes washer who would press the woolen clothes with his feet [=רגליו], by trampling [on them].

And his brother Shlomo, he did not invite. For he knew that the prophet had prophesied about him that he would reign.

And you will save your life. From the rivalry which will follow the death of the king, for your son will wish to reign, as the Holy One Blessed Is He, had promised him.

Sinners. [They will be] lacking and restrained from any greatness, as in, “[Sling a stone] at a hair, and not miss [יחטיא].”

Did you say. In the interrogative.

For he has gone down this very day. The city was situated on higher ground and the אבן הזוחלת was below in a valley.

On my personal mule. This will be a sign that he will reign and the beginning of [his] greatness, because a commoner is forbidden to ride on the king’s horse.
To Gichon. [Gichon] is the well of Shilo’ach. From this [episode is derived the custom] not to anoint the kings except at the well, to symbolize thereby that his kingship shall continue on and on.

And he shall be anointed. He places the oil between his eyelids in the form of a crown.

Amein. [Long] live Shlomo.

Than the throne of my lord Dovid Hamelech. From this [we derive] that a father is not envious of his son.

And the archers and the sling shooters. [Targum] Yonoson rendered, “the archers and the sling shooters.” But our Rabbis maintained [that it refers to] the Urim and Tumim.

The horn of oil. [Tzadok took] of the anointment oil compounded by Moshe.
From the Tent. Since the Holy Ark was in the City of Dovid [Yerusholayim], and the jug of oil of anointment was before the Ark. as we have learned in [Maseches] Yoma.

The flutes. Flute in O.F.
And the earth [seemed to] split. Prophets spoke in terms of exaggeration as [is common] among people.

But our lord. I.e., “Now, my report is not of good [tidings] for you.”

Of the horns [of the corners] of the Altar. Which was in Givon. He said, “Those who are executed by Beis Din are buried in the graves of Beis Din. I will die here, and be buried in the graves of my forefathers.” Thus did Rabbi Tanchuma expound.