Sent: The text leaves certain information implicit. What is intended is that Solomon sent representatives to get Adonijah and bring him back from the altar to which he was holding. This information may be made more explicit by saying “sent for Adonijah” (Good News Translation) or “sent some men to get Adonijah” (New Century Version).

They brought him down from the altar: The pronoun they refers to the unnamed agents who are only implied by the verb sent. But it will fit quite nicely if the model of New Century Version is followed. Otherwise it may be necessary to resort to a passive expression, such as “he was brought from the altar.”

Brought him down from the altar should not be understood to mean that Adonijah was standing on top of the altar. Rather, the altar was built on a raised platform, with steps leading up to it.

Did obeisance: See the comments on this verb in verse 16.

Go to your house: It is possible that Solomon is sentencing Adonijah to house arrest, but most commentators understand it to mean simply that Adonijah is to return to his home.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .