Then King David said, "Call in Bathsheba for me." So she came into the king's presence and stood before him. Then King David saidThe phrase begins with "Then," indicating a continuation of the narrative. King David, the central figure, is in the twilight of his reign. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often implies a declaration or command. David's words carry authority and urgency, reflecting his role as the anointed king of Israel. Historically, David's reign is marked by both triumph and turmoil, and this moment is pivotal as it concerns the succession of the throne. Call in Bathsheba for me
Bathsheba, the wife of David and mother of Solomon, is a significant figure in the Davidic narrative. The Hebrew root for "call" is "קָרָא" (qara), which can mean to summon or invite. This action signifies a formal request, highlighting Bathsheba's importance in the unfolding events. Bathsheba's presence is crucial as she advocates for her son Solomon's rightful place as David's successor, fulfilling God's promise and ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line. So she came into the king’s presence
Bathsheba's entrance into the king's presence is not merely physical but symbolic. The Hebrew word for "presence" is "פָּנִים" (panim), often translated as "face" or "before." This indicates a direct and personal encounter with the king. In the cultural and historical context, approaching the king required courage and respect, especially in matters of royal succession. Bathsheba's approach underscores her role as a key player in God's plan for Israel. and stood before him
The act of standing before the king signifies respect, readiness, and a willingness to engage. The Hebrew root for "stood" is "עָמַד" (amad), which conveys the idea of taking a position or making a stand. Bathsheba's stance is both literal and metaphorical, as she stands firm in her purpose to secure Solomon's future. This moment is a testament to her faith and determination, aligning with God's covenantal promises to David and his descendants. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart for God, his military conquests, and his complex personal life. At this point, he is elderly and nearing the end of his reign. 2. BathshebaThe wife of David, originally the wife of Uriah the Hittite. She is the mother of Solomon and plays a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne. 3. SolomonAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Solomon is the son of David and Bathsheba, whom David intends to succeed him as king. 4. AdonijahAnother son of David, who is attempting to usurp the throne, setting the stage for the events in this chapter. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where these events are taking place, and the center of political and religious life in the kingdom. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselDavid's decision to call Bathsheba and later Nathan the prophet shows the importance of seeking wise and godly counsel in times of decision-making. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipDespite human attempts to alter God's plans (as seen in Adonijah's actions), God's purposes prevail. This reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty over our lives and leadership. The Role of Women in God's PlanBathsheba's involvement highlights the significant role women can play in God's unfolding plan, even in a patriarchal society. The Legacy of FaithfulnessDavid's actions, even in his old age, demonstrate the importance of faithfulness to God's promises and instructions, ensuring a godly legacy. Repentance and RedemptionDavid and Bathsheba's account is one of sin, repentance, and redemption, showing that God can bring good out of our failures when we turn back to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's decision to call Bathsheba reflect his understanding of God's promise regarding Solomon's kingship? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply godly counsel in our own decision-making processes? 3. How does the account of Bathsheba challenge or affirm your understanding of the role of women in biblical accounts? 4. What can we learn from David's life about the importance of leaving a godly legacy for future generations? 5. How does the theme of repentance and redemption in David and Bathsheba's account encourage you in your personal walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 11-12Provides background on David and Bathsheba's relationship, including the sin of adultery and the subsequent birth of Solomon. 1 Kings 1:11-27Details the events leading up to this verse, including Adonijah's attempt to claim the throne and Nathan the prophet's intervention. 1 Chronicles 22:9-10God's promise to David that Solomon would succeed him and build the temple, reinforcing the legitimacy of Solomon's claim 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 Answereth, Bathsheba, Bath-sheba, Bathshe'ba, David, King's, Presence, Standeth, StoodDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:17-35 5581 throne 1 Kings 1:28-40 5366 king
7735 leaders, political 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 1:28 NIV1 Kings 1:28 NLT1 Kings 1:28 ESV1 Kings 1:28 NASB1 Kings 1:28 KJV
1 Kings 1:28 Commentaries
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