So the king was told, "Nathan the prophet is here." And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king. So they told the kingThis phrase indicates the presence of a court or attendants who are responsible for informing King David of visitors. The Hebrew root for "told" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or announce. This reflects the structured communication within the royal court, emphasizing the importance of protocol and the respect for authority in ancient Israelite society. The king, in this context, is King David, who is in his old age and whose reign is nearing its end. The announcement of Nathan's arrival signifies the gravity of the situation, as Nathan is a respected prophet and advisor. Nathan the prophet is here
Nathan is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, known for his role as a prophet during the reign of King David. The Hebrew name "Nathan" means "He has given," which is fitting for a prophet who delivers God's messages. Nathan's presence is crucial because he represents divine authority and guidance. His role in this chapter is pivotal as he seeks to ensure that Solomon, David's chosen successor, ascends to the throne, in accordance with God's will. The title "prophet" underscores Nathan's role as a spokesperson for God, highlighting the theocratic element of Israel's monarchy where divine will is paramount. And Nathan went in
The act of Nathan entering the king's presence is significant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, approaching a king required permission and was often a formal affair. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) means to come or enter, indicating Nathan's deliberate action to approach David. This movement is not just physical but also symbolic of Nathan's mission to intervene in the political affairs of the kingdom. His entrance marks the beginning of a crucial intervention to correct the course of succession, ensuring that God's chosen leader, Solomon, is anointed king. and bowed facedown before the king
Nathan's act of bowing facedown is a gesture of deep respect and submission, common in ancient royal courts. The Hebrew word "שָׁחָה" (shachah) means to bow down or prostrate oneself, often used in contexts of worship or homage. This act signifies Nathan's acknowledgment of David's authority as king, despite his role as a prophet. It reflects the cultural norms of the time, where even those with divine authority showed deference to the earthly king. Nathan's humility in this gesture also sets the stage for his message, emphasizing that his intervention is not out of personal ambition but out of obedience to God's will and respect for David's kingship. Persons / Places / Events 1. Nathan the ProphetA key figure in the court of King David, Nathan was a prophet who played a significant role in advising the king and delivering God's messages. He is known for confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba and for supporting Solomon's claim to the throne. 2. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel at this time, David is in his old age and facing the challenge of succession. His health is failing, and there is uncertainty about who will succeed him. 3. The Royal CourtThe setting is the royal court of King David, where political maneuvering is taking place regarding the succession of the throne. 4. Adonijah's Attempted UsurpationAdonijah, one of David's sons, is attempting to take the throne without David's blessing, prompting Nathan and Bathsheba to intervene. 5. Solomon's AnointingThe events in this chapter lead to the anointing of Solomon as king, ensuring the continuation of David's line as ordained by God. Teaching Points The Role of ProphetsNathan's role underscores the importance of prophets as God's messengers who provide guidance and correction. In our lives, we should seek and heed godly counsel. Respect for AuthorityNathan's approach to King David, bowing facedown, demonstrates respect for God-ordained authority. We are called to respect and pray for our leaders, even when they are flawed. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe events surrounding Solomon's anointing remind us that God is sovereign over leadership transitions. We can trust His plans and timing in our own lives. Courage to Speak TruthNathan's willingness to confront David and support Solomon shows the courage required to speak truth in difficult situations. We are encouraged to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular. Divine Timing and InterventionThe account illustrates how God intervenes at the right time to fulfill His purposes. We should be patient and trust in God's perfect timing in our circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nathan's approach to King David demonstrate the balance between respect for authority and the courage to speak truth? How can we apply this balance in our interactions with authority figures today? 2. In what ways does Nathan's role as a prophet inform our understanding of seeking and receiving godly counsel? Can you think of a time when you received guidance that aligned with God's will? 3. How does the account of Solomon's anointing as king illustrate God's sovereignty in leadership transitions? What comfort can we draw from this when facing changes in leadership in our own lives? 4. Reflect on a situation where you needed to stand for truth in a challenging context. How can Nathan's example encourage you to act with courage and integrity? 5. Consider the importance of divine timing in the events of 1 Kings 1. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing when we face uncertainty or delays in our own plans? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 12Nathan's previous interactions with David, particularly his confrontation over David's sin with Bathsheba, highlight his role as a truth-teller and God's messenger. 1 Chronicles 29This passage provides additional context on the transition of power from David to Solomon, emphasizing the divine approval of Solomon's kingship. Proverbs 3:5-6The wisdom of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, as Nathan did, is echoed in the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart. 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 Behold, Bowed, Boweth, Declare, Face, Ground, Nathan, Prophet, Prostrated, SayingDictionary 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 1:23 NIV1 Kings 1:23 NLT1 Kings 1:23 ESV1 Kings 1:23 NASB1 Kings 1:23 KJV
1 Kings 1:23 Commentaries
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