And just then, while Bathsheba was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. And just thenThis phrase indicates a precise moment in time, emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of the situation. In the Hebrew text, the word used here can be understood as "behold" or "suddenly," which often introduces a significant or divine intervention. The timing of Nathan's arrival is not coincidental but orchestrated, suggesting God's providential hand in the unfolding events. This reflects the biblical theme that God is sovereign over time and events, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled. while she was still speaking with the king
This phrase highlights the continuity and overlap of events. Bathsheba is in the midst of her plea to King David, advocating for her son Solomon's rightful succession to the throne. The Hebrew context suggests a scene of urgency and tension, as Bathsheba's words are crucial in influencing the king's decision. This moment underscores the importance of advocacy and the role of wise counsel in leadership, as well as the biblical principle that God often uses human agents to accomplish His will. Nathan the prophet
Nathan is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, known for his role as a prophet and advisor to King David. The Hebrew term for "prophet" (נָבִיא, navi) denotes one who speaks on behalf of God, conveying divine messages and guidance. Nathan's arrival at this critical juncture is pivotal, as he is a trusted voice of truth and righteousness. His presence reinforces the idea that God provides guidance through His prophets, ensuring that His covenant promises are upheld. Nathan's involvement also highlights the importance of accountability and the prophetic voice in maintaining justice and righteousness in leadership. arrived
The arrival of Nathan is a key turning point in the narrative. The Hebrew verb used here conveys the sense of coming or entering, marking a transition in the storyline. Nathan's timely entrance is not merely a physical arrival but a divine appointment, orchestrated to influence the outcome of the succession crisis. This moment serves as a reminder of God's perfect timing and His ability to intervene in human affairs to bring about His purposes. It also illustrates the biblical theme of divine intervention, where God steps into history to guide and direct the course of events according to His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. BathshebaThe mother of Solomon, who was speaking to King David to ensure her son Solomon's succession to the throne, as David had promised. 2. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, who had promised Bathsheba that her son Solomon would succeed him as king. 3. Nathan the ProphetA trusted prophet and advisor to King David, who played a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where these events took place, and the center of political and religious life in the kingdom. 5. AdonijahDavid's son, who was attempting to usurp the throne by declaring himself king without David's approval. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselNathan's timely arrival underscores the value of having wise and godly advisors who can provide guidance and support in critical moments. Faithfulness to God's PromisesBathsheba's appeal to David and Nathan's involvement highlight the importance of holding onto God's promises and working towards their fulfillment. The Role of ProphetsNathan's role as a prophet demonstrates the importance of prophetic voices in guiding and correcting leaders according to God's will. Courage in AdvocacyBathsheba's boldness in approaching the king serves as an example of courage and advocacy for what is right, even in the face of potential opposition. Divine TimingNathan's arrival "while she was still speaking" illustrates God's perfect timing in orchestrating events for His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nathan's role in this passage reflect the importance of having godly counsel in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we, like Bathsheba, advocate for God's promises in our personal and communal lives? 3. How does the account of Nathan and Bathsheba's intervention encourage us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty? 4. What can we learn from Nathan's approach to supporting Bathsheba about the role of strategic planning in fulfilling God's purposes? 5. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon connect with other instances in Scripture where God fulfills His promises, and how can this strengthen our faith today? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 12Nathan's previous interactions with David, including his confrontation of David over his sin with Bathsheba, highlighting Nathan's role as a truth-teller and advisor. 1 Kings 1:11-14Nathan's plan to support Bathsheba in approaching King David, showing his strategic involvement in ensuring God's will for Solomon's kingship. 1 Chronicles 29:22-25The eventual anointing and establishment of Solomon as king, fulfilling the promise made to Bathsheba and the prophecy of Nathan. 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 Arrived, Behold, Nathan, Prophet, Speaking, Talked, Talking, YetDictionary 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 1:22 NIV1 Kings 1:22 NLT1 Kings 1:22 ESV1 Kings 1:22 NASB1 Kings 1:22 KJV
1 Kings 1:22 Commentaries
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