Otherwise, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, I and my son Solomon will be counted as criminals." OtherwiseThis word introduces a consequence that is to be avoided. In the context of 1 Kings 1, Bathsheba is speaking to King David, highlighting the urgency and necessity of taking action to ensure Solomon's succession to the throne. The Hebrew word here implies a strong contrast, emphasizing the dire consequences if David does not act. It reflects the precariousness of the situation and the need for decisive leadership. my son Solomon
Bathsheba refers to Solomon as "my son," which underscores her personal stake in the matter. Solomon, whose name means "peace" in Hebrew, is the chosen successor of David, as ordained by God (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). This phrase highlights the familial and covenantal promise that Solomon would inherit the throne, a promise that is under threat due to Adonijah's actions. It also reflects Bathsheba's protective maternal instincts and her role in God's plan for Israel. and I
Bathsheba includes herself in the potential consequences, indicating her vulnerability and the shared fate she has with Solomon. This phrase underscores the unity and solidarity between mother and son, as well as the personal risk she faces. It also reflects the broader theme of the interconnectedness of family and leadership in the biblical narrative. will be counted as criminals
The phrase "counted as criminals" suggests being judged or regarded as guilty or treasonous. In the Hebrew context, this implies being seen as rebels or traitors against the rightful king. Bathsheba's use of this phrase highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential for severe repercussions if Adonijah's claim to the throne is not challenged. It underscores the theme of justice and the importance of rightful succession in maintaining God's order for Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, whose succession is in question. His decision will determine the future of the kingdom. 2. BathshebaThe mother of Solomon, who is advocating for her son's right to the throne as promised by David. 3. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, who is the rightful heir to the throne according to David's promise. 4. AdonijahAnother son of David, who is attempting to claim the throne without David's blessing. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where these events are unfolding, and the center of political and spiritual life. Teaching Points The Importance of God's PromisesGod's promises are steadfast and reliable. Just as Bathsheba trusted in David's promise, we should trust in God's promises to us. The Role of AdvocacyBathsheba's advocacy for Solomon teaches us the importance of standing up for what is right and just, especially when it aligns with God's will. The Consequences of InactionDavid's initial inaction could have led to disaster. We must be proactive in fulfilling our responsibilities, especially in leadership roles. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite human attempts to alter God's plan, His will prevails. We should find peace in His sovereignty over our lives. The Legacy of FaithfulnessDavid's faithfulness to God's promise impacts generations. Our faithfulness can leave a lasting legacy for those who come after us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Bathsheba's approach to King David demonstrate the importance of advocating for God's promises in our lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are proactive in fulfilling our responsibilities, as seen in David's eventual action to secure Solomon's throne? 3. How does the account of Solomon's succession encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain? 4. What are some promises of God that you are holding onto, and how can you actively trust in them as Bathsheba did? 5. How can the legacy of David's faithfulness inspire us to leave a positive spiritual legacy for future generations? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage will continue to rule, which is foundational to Solomon's claim to the throne. 1 Chronicles 22David's preparation for Solomon to build the temple, indicating Solomon's chosen status. Proverbs 3:5-6Trusting in God's plan, which is relevant to Bathsheba's faith in God's promise through David. Matthew 1:6The genealogy of Jesus, showing Solomon's place in the lineage of Christ, affirming the importance of his kingship. Psalm 89:3-4God's promise to David about his descendants, reinforcing the divine right of Solomon to the throne. 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 Considered, Counted, Criminals, Fathers, Laid, Lieth, Offenders, Otherwise, Outlaws, Pass, Reckoned, Rest, Sinners, Sleep, Sleeping, Sleeps, Solomon, TreatedDictionary 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 1:21 NIV1 Kings 1:21 NLT1 Kings 1:21 ESV1 Kings 1:21 NASB1 Kings 1:21 KJV
1 Kings 1:21 Commentaries
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