And the king swore an oath, saying, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, And the king swore an oathThe act of swearing an oath in ancient Israel was a solemn and binding declaration, often invoking the name of God to affirm truthfulness and commitment. The Hebrew word for "swore" is "שָׁבַע" (shaba), which conveys the seriousness of the king's promise. In the context of 1 Kings, King David is making a decisive and authoritative statement, underscoring the gravity of the situation regarding the succession of the throne. This reflects the cultural and religious importance of oaths in maintaining order and trust within the community. As surely as the LORD lives
This phrase is a common oath formula in the Old Testament, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God. The Hebrew name for "LORD" here is "יהוה" (Yahweh), the covenant name of God, which signifies His faithfulness and sovereignty. By invoking the living God, David is not only affirming the truth of his words but also acknowledging God's active presence and authority over the affairs of Israel. This expression of faith highlights the deep-rooted belief in God's providence and the assurance that He is the ultimate arbiter of justice and truth. who has redeemed my soul
The term "redeemed" comes from the Hebrew "גָּאַל" (ga'al), which means to buy back or rescue. In the biblical context, it often refers to God's deliverance of His people from danger or bondage. David's use of this term is a personal testimony to God's intervention in his life, reflecting a history of divine rescue and protection. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy, reinforcing the idea that God is a redeemer who actively works to save and restore His people. out of all distress
The word "distress" is translated from the Hebrew "צָרָה" (tsarah), which denotes trouble, adversity, or affliction. David's life was marked by numerous challenges, including threats from enemies, internal strife, and personal failures. By stating that God has redeemed him from "all distress," David is expressing gratitude for God's comprehensive deliverance and sustaining grace throughout his life. This phrase encapsulates the biblical theme of God's ability to bring peace and resolution to the chaos and trials faced by His followers, offering hope and encouragement to believers who trust in His unfailing support. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, who is nearing the end of his reign. He is the central figure in this passage, making a solemn oath regarding the succession of his throne. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, whom David invokes in his oath. The use of "the LORD" emphasizes the seriousness and divine witness of the oath. 3. SolomonAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Solomon is the intended successor to David's throne, as David's oath is part of the larger account to ensure Solomon's kingship. 4. AdonijahDavid's son, who is attempting to usurp the throne, creating the context for David's urgent declaration. 5. Nathan the Prophet and BathshebaKey figures in the surrounding account who advocate for Solomon's rightful succession, prompting David's decisive action. Teaching Points The Importance of Divine OathsDavid's oath underscores the gravity of invoking God's name in promises. As believers, we should be mindful of the commitments we make before God, ensuring they align with His will. God's Faithfulness in DeliveranceDavid's reference to God redeeming his soul from distress is a testament to God's faithfulness. We can trust God to deliver us from our own trials and challenges. The Role of Godly CounselNathan and Bathsheba's intervention highlights the importance of seeking and heeding godly counsel in decision-making, especially in matters of leadership and succession. The Sovereignty of God's PlanDespite human attempts to thwart God's purposes (as seen in Adonijah's actions), God's sovereign plan prevails. We can find peace in knowing that God's will cannot be thwarted. Legacy and SuccessionDavid's actions remind us of the importance of preparing for the future and ensuring that our legacy aligns with God's purposes. This includes mentoring and preparing the next generation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's acknowledgment of God's deliverance in 1 Kings 1:29 inspire you to reflect on God's faithfulness in your own life? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our commitments and oaths align with God's will, as demonstrated by David's oath? 3. How can the intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba in the account encourage us to seek godly counsel in our own decision-making processes? 4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed God's sovereign plan prevail despite human opposition. How did this experience strengthen your faith? 5. What steps can you take to ensure that your legacy and influence align with God's purposes, similar to David's preparation for Solomon's succession? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 18:48-50David's acknowledgment of God's deliverance parallels his statement in 1 Kings 1:29, where he credits the LORD with redeeming his soul from distress. 2 Samuel 7:12-16God's covenant with David, promising that his offspring will succeed him and establish his kingdom, is the backdrop for David's oath regarding Solomon. 1 Chronicles 22:9-10This passage details God's promise to David about Solomon's future reign, reinforcing the legitimacy of Solomon's 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 Adversity, Delivered, Distress, Oath, Redeemed, Saviour, Saying, Soul, Surely, Sware, Sweareth, Swore, Trouble, Troubles, VowedDictionary 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 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 1:29 NIV1 Kings 1:29 NLT1 Kings 1:29 ESV1 Kings 1:29 NASB1 Kings 1:29 KJV
1 Kings 1:29 Commentaries
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