The king's servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, 'May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your own name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.' And the king has bowed in worship on his bed, the king’s servantsThis phrase refers to the loyal attendants and officials who served King David. In the historical context of ancient Israel, a king's servants were not merely household staff but included high-ranking officials and advisors. Their role was crucial in maintaining the stability and governance of the kingdom. The Hebrew word for "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) often implies a sense of duty and loyalty, reflecting the servants' commitment to David and the kingdom's continuity through Solomon. have gone in to bless
The act of blessing in the Hebrew tradition (בָּרַךְ, barak) is a profound expression of invoking divine favor. Here, the servants' blessing signifies their support and hope for Solomon's future reign. It underscores the importance of seeking God's favor in leadership transitions, a principle that resonates with the biblical theme of divine sovereignty over human affairs. our lord King David
This phrase acknowledges David's continued authority and respect, even as he nears the end of his reign. The term "lord" (אֲדֹנִי, adoni) conveys honor and submission, recognizing David's God-given role as king. Historically, David is revered as a man after God's own heart, and his legacy is foundational to Israel's identity and the messianic lineage. saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your name
This blessing reflects a selfless desire for Solomon's success, surpassing even David's renowned legacy. The Hebrew concept of "name" (שֵׁם, shem) encompasses reputation, character, and influence. The servants' prayer for Solomon's greater fame highlights the biblical principle of generational blessing and the hope for God's continued favor on Israel's leadership. and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’
The throne symbolizes authority and governance. The servants' wish for Solomon's throne to be greater than David's indicates a hope for an even more prosperous and peaceful reign. This reflects the biblical theme of God's unfolding plan, where each generation builds upon the previous one, striving for greater alignment with God's purposes. And the king bowed in worship on his bed
David's response of worship (שָׁחָה, shachah) is a profound act of humility and reverence. Despite his frailty, David acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. His worship on his bed signifies a life lived in devotion to God, even in his final days. This moment encapsulates the essence of true leadership—recognizing one's dependence on God and giving Him glory in all circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, who is nearing the end of his reign. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating humility and worship. 2. SolomonDavid's son, who is being anointed as the next king of Israel. The passage reflects the transition of power and the hope for Solomon's successful reign. 3. The King’s ServantsThese are the officials and attendants of King David who come to offer their congratulations and blessings for Solomon's future reign. 4. GodThe ultimate authority and source of blessing, whose favor is invoked for Solomon's reign to surpass that of David. 5. The BedSymbolic of David's frailty and the end of his life, yet also a place where he demonstrates his faith and worship. Teaching Points The Importance of Blessing and EncouragementThe king’s servants model the importance of speaking blessings and encouragement over others, especially during transitions of leadership. Humility in LeadershipDavid’s act of worship, even in his frailty, demonstrates humility and recognition of God’s sovereignty, a vital trait for any leader. God’s Sovereignty in Leadership TransitionsThe passage highlights that God is the one who establishes and blesses leadership, reminding us to trust in His plans during times of change. Legacy and InfluenceThe desire for Solomon’s name to be greater than David’s reflects the biblical principle of building a legacy that honors God and impacts future generations. Worship in All CircumstancesDavid’s worship from his bed teaches us that worship is not confined to physical strength or location but is an attitude of the heart. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the blessing given by the king’s servants reflect the biblical principle of speaking life and encouragement into others? 2. In what ways does David’s response to the blessing demonstrate humility and faith, and how can we apply this in our own lives? 3. How does the transition of leadership from David to Solomon illustrate God’s sovereignty, and what can we learn about trusting God during changes in our own lives? 4. What does the desire for Solomon’s name to be greater than David’s teach us about the importance of legacy and influence in our Christian walk? 5. How can we incorporate worship into our daily lives, regardless of our circumstances, as demonstrated by David’s worship from his bed? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 29:23-25This passage describes Solomon's ascension to the throne and the prosperity of his reign, fulfilling the blessings and prayers offered in 1 Kings 1:47. Psalm 72A psalm attributed to Solomon, which echoes the themes of a prosperous and just reign, aligning with the hopes expressed by David's servants. Philippians 2:9-11This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus being exalted above all names, drawing a parallel to the desire for Solomon's name to be made great. 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 Authority, Bed, Bent, Better, Bless, Blessing, Bowed, Boweth, Congratulate, David, Excellent, Famous, Greater, King's, Low, Moreover, Officials, Saying, Seat, Servants, Solomon, Solomon's, Throne, Worship, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:47 5043 names, significance
5138 bowing 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:46-47 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 1:47 NIV1 Kings 1:47 NLT1 Kings 1:47 ESV1 Kings 1:47 NASB1 Kings 1:47 KJV
1 Kings 1:47 Commentaries
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