Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, "May my lord King David live forever!" Bathsheba bowed facedown in homageThe act of bowing facedown is a profound gesture of respect and submission in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word for "bowed" is "shachah," which often implies worship or deep reverence. Bathsheba's action here is not just a cultural formality but a recognition of King David's authority and her acknowledgment of his role as God's anointed king. This act of homage underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting God-ordained leadership, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture. to the king
The title "king" in Hebrew is "melek," which signifies not only a political leader but also one who is divinely appointed. In the context of Israel's monarchy, the king was seen as God's representative on earth, tasked with leading the people according to divine law. Bathsheba's reference to David as "the king" highlights his legitimate and God-given authority, even as his health wanes and succession issues arise. This reminds believers of the importance of divine order and the recognition of God's chosen leaders. and said, 'May my lord King David live forever!'
This phrase is a traditional expression of loyalty and blessing. The Hebrew word for "lord" is "adoni," a term of respect and submission. Bathsheba's use of "my lord" indicates her personal allegiance and respect for David. The wish for the king to "live forever" is not meant literally but is a customary way of expressing a desire for the king's enduring legacy and the stability of his reign. In a broader theological sense, this phrase can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eternal kingship of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose reign truly will last forever. This highlights the continuity of God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant through Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. BathshebaThe wife of King David and mother of Solomon. She plays a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne. 2. King DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his significant role in Israel's history. At this point, he is elderly and nearing the end of his reign. 3. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, who is to succeed David as king. His future reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity. 4. AdonijahDavid's son who attempts to usurp the throne, prompting Bathsheba's intervention. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel and the location of David's throne, where these events unfold. Teaching Points Respect for AuthorityBathsheba's act of bowing facedown demonstrates respect and submission to God-ordained authority. In our lives, we are called to respect and honor those in leadership, recognizing their role in God's plan. The Power of AdvocacyBathsheba's intervention on behalf of Solomon shows the importance of advocating for justice and truth. We are encouraged to stand up for what is right, even when it requires courage and boldness. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipDespite human attempts to alter God's plans, His purposes prevail. This passage reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty over the leaders He appoints. Legacy and InfluenceBathsheba's influence on Solomon highlights the impact of parental guidance and legacy. We are called to invest in the next generation, imparting wisdom and faith. Prayer and BlessingBathsheba's blessing, "May my lord King David live forever," reflects a heart of prayer and blessing. We are encouraged to speak life and blessings over others, trusting God with their futures. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Bathsheba's approach to King David demonstrate respect and wisdom, and how can we apply this in our interactions with authority figures today? 2. In what ways does Bathsheba's advocacy for Solomon inspire us to stand up for truth and justice in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Adonijah's failed attempt to seize the throne illustrate God's sovereignty, and what does this teach us about trusting God's plans over our own? 4. Reflect on the influence of Bathsheba on Solomon's life. How can we intentionally invest in and influence the next generation for God's kingdom? 5. Consider Bathsheba's blessing over David. How can we incorporate prayer and blessings into our daily interactions with others, and what impact might this have? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 11-12Provides background on Bathsheba's relationship with David, including the sin and redemption that marked their early interactions. 1 Kings 1:5-10Details Adonijah's attempt to claim the throne, setting the stage for Bathsheba's plea to David. 1 Chronicles 29:28Chronicles the end of David's life and the transition of power to Solomon, fulfilling Bathsheba's request. Proverbs 31Traditionally attributed to Solomon, possibly reflecting the influence of Bathsheba's wisdom and character. 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 Age, Bathsheba, Bath-sheba, Bathshe'ba, Bowed, Boweth, David, Face, Forever, Giving, Ground, Herself, Honour, Kneeling, Low, Obeisance, Prostrated, ReverenceDictionary 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 1:31 NIV1 Kings 1:31 NLT1 Kings 1:31 ESV1 Kings 1:31 NASB1 Kings 1:31 KJV
1 Kings 1:31 Commentaries
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