So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him. So Bathsheba wentBathsheba, a significant figure in the Davidic narrative, is the mother of Solomon and the wife of King David. Her approach to the king signifies a moment of courage and assertiveness. The Hebrew root for "went" (בּוֹא, bo) implies entering or coming into a presence, suggesting Bathsheba's purposeful action in approaching the king. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for Solomon's eventual ascension to the throne, fulfilling God's promise to David. to see the king
The phrase indicates a formal audience with King David, who, despite his frailty, remains the central authority in Israel. The Hebrew word for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) underscores David's enduring role as the anointed leader. Bathsheba's visit is not merely personal but carries significant political implications, as she seeks to secure her son's future as king. in his bedroom
The setting of the bedroom is intimate and private, highlighting the vulnerability of King David in his old age. This private chamber, a place of rest and retreat, becomes the backdrop for crucial political maneuvering. The Hebrew term for "bedroom" (חֶדֶר, cheder) can also mean an inner room, emphasizing the personal nature of this encounter. Since the king was very old
David's advanced age is a critical factor in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "old" (זָקֵן, zaqen) conveys not only physical frailty but also the wisdom and experience accumulated over a lifetime. David's age necessitates the transition of power, and Bathsheba's actions are driven by the urgency of this moment. Abishag the Shunammite
Abishag's presence is significant; she is introduced earlier as a young woman brought to care for the aging king. The term "Shunammite" identifies her origin from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar. Her role is both practical and symbolic, representing the king's need for warmth and care in his declining years. Abishag's presence also foreshadows future tensions in the royal court, as her relationship with David becomes a point of contention. was attending to him
The phrase indicates Abishag's role as a caregiver, attending to the king's needs. The Hebrew root for "attending" (שָׁרַת, sharath) implies service and ministering, reflecting her duty to provide comfort and support. This service underscores the king's dependence on others in his old age, highlighting the transition of power and the need for new leadership. Persons / Places / Events 1. BathshebaThe wife of King David and mother of Solomon. She plays a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne, demonstrating her influence and wisdom. 2. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, who is in a weakened state. His decision-making at this time is pivotal for the future of the kingdom. 3. Abishag the ShunammiteA young woman attending to King David. Her presence highlights David's frailty and the need for a successor. 4. The Bedroom of King DavidA private and intimate setting, symbolizing the transition of power and the personal nature of the political intrigue surrounding the succession. Teaching Points The Role of Women in God's PlanBathsheba's involvement in securing Solomon's throne demonstrates the significant role women can play in God's purposes. Her wisdom and courage are exemplary. The Importance of Godly CounselNathan's advice to Bathsheba underscores the value of seeking and heeding godly counsel, especially in times of uncertainty and transition. Leadership and SuccessionThe passage highlights the importance of preparing for leadership transitions with integrity and foresight, ensuring that God's chosen leaders are established. Faithfulness in ServiceAbishag's role, though minor, reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in serving others, even in seemingly small or humble tasks. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Bathsheba's approach to King David reflect her understanding of her role and influence within the kingdom? 2. In what ways does the presence of Abishag the Shunammite highlight the need for a clear succession plan for Israel's leadership? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking godly counsel, as seen in Nathan's advice to Bathsheba, in our own decision-making processes? 4. What lessons can we learn from Bathsheba's actions about the role of women in leadership and influence within the church and family today? 5. How does the account of 1 Kings 1:15 connect with the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in establishing leaders, and how can this encourage us in our current political or organizational contexts? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 11-12Provides background on Bathsheba's relationship with David, highlighting themes of sin, repentance, and redemption. 1 Kings 1:11-14Nathan the prophet's counsel to Bathsheba, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance and prophetic intervention in leadership transitions. Proverbs 31Often attributed to Solomon, possibly reflecting Bathsheba's influence, it describes the virtues of a godly woman, which can be seen in Bathsheba's actions. People Abiathar, Abishag, Absalom, Adonijah, Bathsheba, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Haggith, Jehoiada, Joab, Jonathan, Kerethites, Nathan, Pelethites, Rei, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces En-rogel, Gihon, Jerusalem, Serpent's StoneTopics Abishag, Ab'ishag, Aged, Attending, Bathsheba, Bath-sheba, Bathshe'ba, Bedroom, Chamber, Inner, King's, Ministered, Ministering, Room, Serving, Shunamite, Shunammite, Shu'nammite, WaitingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:15 5726 old age, attainment 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 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 ScriptureGihon, 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 Links 1 Kings 1:15 NIV1 Kings 1:15 NLT1 Kings 1:15 ESV1 Kings 1:15 NASB1 Kings 1:15 KJV
1 Kings 1:15 Commentaries
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