1 Kings 1:12
Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon.
Now please
This phrase indicates urgency and politeness. The Hebrew word "na" often conveys a sense of entreaty or request. In the context of ancient Israel, such a plea would be understood as a respectful yet pressing call to action. It reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate attention.

come and let me advise you
The invitation to "come" suggests a personal and direct engagement. The Hebrew root "ya'ats" for "advise" implies giving counsel or guidance, often with the connotation of wisdom and insight. In the biblical narrative, advice is not merely about offering opinions but is deeply rooted in understanding God's will and purpose. This reflects the role of prophets and wise counselors in Israelite society, who were seen as conduits of divine wisdom.

Save your life
The Hebrew word "malat" for "save" conveys the idea of delivering or rescuing from danger. In the historical context, the threat to life was real and immediate, as political transitions in monarchies often involved lethal power struggles. The emphasis here is on the preservation of life, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, underscoring God's desire for the protection and flourishing of His people.

and the life of your son Solomon
Solomon, whose name in Hebrew, "Shlomo," is derived from "shalom," meaning peace, is central to God's covenantal promise to David. The mention of Solomon highlights the continuity of God's plan through David's lineage. Historically, Solomon's ascension to the throne was crucial for the fulfillment of God's promise to establish an everlasting dynasty through David. This phrase underscores the importance of divine providence and the safeguarding of God's chosen instruments for His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nathan the Prophet
A trusted advisor and prophet during the reign of King David. He plays a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne.

2. Bathsheba
The wife of King David and mother of Solomon. She is approached by Nathan to secure her son's future as king.

3. Solomon
The son of David and Bathsheba, who is destined to become king. His succession is threatened by Adonijah's actions.

4. Adonijah
The son of David who attempts to usurp the throne, despite David's intentions for Solomon to succeed him.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events unfold, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Counsel
Nathan's advice to Bathsheba underscores the value of seeking wise and godly counsel in times of uncertainty.

Trust in God's Promises
Despite the immediate threat from Adonijah, Nathan and Bathsheba's actions reflect a trust in God's promise to David regarding Solomon's kingship.

Courage in Action
Bathsheba's willingness to act upon Nathan's advice demonstrates the courage required to uphold God's will in challenging circumstances.

The Role of Prophets
Nathan's involvement highlights the role of prophets in guiding and affirming God's plans for His people.

The Sovereignty of God
The unfolding events remind us of God's sovereignty in establishing leaders according to His divine plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nathan's role as a prophet influence the events in 1 Kings 1:12, and what can we learn about the importance of prophetic voices in our lives today?

2. In what ways does Bathsheba's response to Nathan's advice demonstrate trust in God's promises, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

3. How does the attempted usurpation by Adonijah reflect the challenges we face when God's plans are threatened, and what biblical principles can we apply to overcome such challenges?

4. What does the account of Solomon's succession teach us about the importance of seeking and following godly counsel, and how can we identify such counsel in our own decision-making processes?

5. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to David through Solomon's kingship connect to the broader account of God's redemptive plan, and how does this encourage us in our faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 7
God's covenant with David, promising that his offspring will establish a kingdom. This connects to Solomon's rightful succession.

1 Chronicles 22
David's preparations for Solomon to build the temple, highlighting Solomon's chosen role.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in God's plan, as Nathan and Bathsheba must trust in God's promise for Solomon's kingship.

Matthew 1:6
The genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage through David and Solomon, emphasizing the importance of this succession.
AdonijahA. Williamson.1 Kings 1:5-53
Ambition, DestructivePlutarch.1 Kings 1:5-53
UsurpationJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 1:5-53
When the Play is OutT. Adams.1 Kings 1:5-53
People
Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's Stone
Topics
Counsel, Deliver, Mayest, Please, Safe, Save, Solomon, Suggestion
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 1:5-53

     5087   David, reign of

1 Kings 1:11-13

     5732   polygamy

1 Kings 1:11-14

     5119   Solomon, life of
     7915   confirmation

Library
David Appointing Solomon
'Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29. And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30. Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Adonijah
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. It is notorious that the sons of devout men sometimes prove a curse to their parents, and bring dishonour on the cause of God. When Eve rejoiced over her first-born, she little suspected that passions were sleeping within him which would impel him to slay his own brother; and the experience of the first mother has been repeated, though in different forms, in all lands and in all ages. Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau.
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
Objection 1: It would seem that prayer ought not to be vocal. As stated above [3025](A[4]), prayer is addressed chiefly to God. Now God knows the language of the heart. Therefore it is useless to employ vocal prayer. Objection 2: Further, prayer should lift man's mind to God, as stated above (A[1], ad 2). But words, like other sensible objects, prevent man from ascending to God by contemplation. Therefore we should not use words in our prayers. Objection 3: Further, prayer should be offered to God
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Reign of David.
2 Sam.; 1 Chron. Chs. 11-29; 1 K 1:1-2:11. His Reign over Judah. The reign of David is divided into two parts. The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at Hebron, and lasted seven and one-half years. During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the North. It is probable that both of these kings were regarded as vassals of the Philistines and paid tribute. On account of rival leaders, there was constant warfare between these two rival kings. The kingdom of Judah, however,
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
Sections. 1. Connection between the doctrine of Justification and that of Regeneration. The knowledge of this doctrine very necessary for two reasons. 2. For the purpose of facilitating the exposition of it, the terms are explained. 1. What it is to be justified in the sight of God. 2. To be justified by works. 3. To be justified by faith. Definition. 3. Various meanings of the term Justification. 1. To give praise to God and truth. 2. To make a vain display of righteousness. 3. To impute righteousness
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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