And as for you, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon you to tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. And as for you, my lord the kingThis phrase addresses King David directly, emphasizing his authority and responsibility. The Hebrew word for "lord" here is "adon," which signifies a master or sovereign. In the context of ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, responsible for leading the nation in accordance with divine law. This phrase underscores the respect and reverence due to David as the anointed king, while also reminding him of his duty to make a wise and godly decision regarding his successor. the eyes of all Israel are on you
This expression highlights the intense focus and expectation of the nation. The "eyes" symbolize attention and anticipation. In the historical context, Israel was a united kingdom under David, and the people looked to their king for leadership and stability. The phrase suggests that the entire nation is eagerly awaiting David's decision, understanding its significance for their future. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where the king's actions had profound implications for the whole people. to tell them who will sit on the throne
The "throne" is a symbol of royal authority and governance. In ancient Israel, the throne was not just a physical seat but represented the continuation of God's covenant with David, promising that his descendants would rule. The phrase "to tell them" indicates the king's role in communicating God's will to the people. It underscores the importance of divine guidance in the selection of a ruler, as the king was expected to act as God's representative on earth. of my lord the king after him
This part of the verse points to the succession issue at hand. The phrase "after him" indicates the future transition of power, a critical moment in maintaining the stability and continuity of the kingdom. In the biblical narrative, this is a pivotal moment as David's reign is coming to an end, and the question of succession is crucial. The historical context reveals the tension and potential for conflict if the succession is not clearly established, as seen in the subsequent events involving Adonijah and Solomon. This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of orderly succession in accordance with God's will, ensuring the peace and prosperity of the nation. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, whose decision on his successor is eagerly awaited by the nation. 2. IsraelThe nation whose people are looking to King David for leadership and direction regarding the future king. 3. AdonijahDavid's son, who is attempting to claim the throne without his father's endorsement. 4. SolomonAnother son of David, whom God has chosen to succeed David as king. 5. Nathan the ProphetA key figure who supports Solomon and plays a crucial role in ensuring God's will is fulfilled regarding the succession. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilityThe eyes of all Israel were on David, highlighting the weight of leadership and the responsibility to seek God's guidance in decision-making. God's SovereigntyDespite human attempts to control outcomes (like Adonijah's), God's will prevails, reminding us to trust in His plans. The Importance of Godly CounselNathan the Prophet's role underscores the value of seeking and heeding godly advice in critical decisions. Legacy and SuccessionDavid's decision impacts the future of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises, teaching us to consider the long-term effects of our choices. Faithfulness to God's PromisesGod's promise to David about his lineage is a testament to His faithfulness, encouraging us to trust in His promises for our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does King David's situation in 1 Kings 1:20 reflect the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership roles today? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of 1 Kings 1, and how does this encourage us in our personal lives? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking godly counsel, as seen with Nathan the Prophet, in our own decision-making processes? 4. What lessons can we learn from the succession of Solomon about the importance of leaving a godly legacy for future generations? 5. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to David in 1 Kings 1 connect to the broader account of God's faithfulness throughout Scripture, and how can this strengthen our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David as king by Samuel, highlighting God's choice in leadership. 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage will continue to rule, which is fulfilled through Solomon. Proverbs 21:1The sovereignty of God in directing the hearts of kings, relevant to the decision-making process in 1 Kings 1. Psalm 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, reflecting God's guidance in the succession of Solomon. Matthew 1:6-7The genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage through David and Solomon, emphasizing the importance of this succession. 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 Declare, O, Shouldest, Shouldst, Sit, Throne, WaitingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:17-35 5581 throne 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 1:20 NIV1 Kings 1:20 NLT1 Kings 1:20 ESV1 Kings 1:20 NASB1 Kings 1:20 KJV
1 Kings 1:20 Commentaries
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