Then he said, "I have something to tell you." "Say it," she answered. Then he addedThis phrase indicates a continuation of a conversation, suggesting a deliberate and thoughtful approach. The Hebrew root for "added" is "yāsap," which often implies an increase or continuation. In the context of 1 Kings, this reflects the careful and strategic communication often necessary in royal courts. Historically, this setting is during the early reign of Solomon, a time of political maneuvering and consolidation of power. The phrase underscores the importance of measured speech in achieving one's aims, a principle that resonates with the wisdom literature associated with Solomon. I have something to say to you
This declaration is direct and personal, indicating the speaker's intention to convey an important message. The Hebrew phrase "dābār" (to speak) is used here, which can also mean "word" or "matter," emphasizing the weight and significance of the communication. In the biblical narrative, words are powerful and can alter the course of events, reflecting the broader scriptural theme that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). This moment is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with speech, especially in positions of influence. 'Say it,' she replied
The response is open and receptive, indicating a willingness to listen. The Hebrew root "ʾāmar" (to say) is used here, which is a common verb for speech but also carries the connotation of a command or permission. This exchange highlights the dynamics of communication and authority, where the listener grants the speaker the opportunity to express their thoughts. In the context of 1 Kings, this reflects the cultural norms of dialogue and respect within the royal family. It serves as an inspirational reminder of the value of listening and the role it plays in understanding and wisdom, aligning with the biblical exhortation to be quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19). Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe son of King David who previously attempted to claim the throne before Solomon was anointed king. In this passage, he approaches Bathsheba with a request. 2. BathshebaThe mother of Solomon and widow of King David. She plays a significant role in the transition of power to Solomon and is approached by Adonijah in this verse. 3. SolomonThe newly anointed king of Israel, known for his wisdom. His reign marks a period of peace and prosperity for Israel. 4. The Royal CourtThe setting of this interaction, where political maneuvers and requests are made, reflecting the dynamics of power and influence. 5. The Kingdom of IsraelThe united monarchy under Solomon, which is in a period of transition from David's reign. Teaching Points The Importance of DiscernmentBathsheba's response to Adonijah's request demonstrates the need for discernment in dealing with potentially manipulative situations. As believers, we must seek wisdom from God to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. The Role of InfluenceBathsheba's position in the royal court shows the power of influence. Christians are called to use their influence for righteous purposes, aligning with God's will. Understanding MotivesAdonijah's approach to Bathsheba requires an understanding of underlying motives. In our lives, we should seek to understand the intentions behind actions and words, aligning our responses with biblical principles. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe transition of power from David to Solomon underscores God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. Trusting in God's plan for leadership in our lives and communities is essential. The Power of WordsThe dialogue between Adonijah and Bathsheba highlights the significance of words. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak truthfully and wisely, reflecting God's character. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Bathsheba's response to Adonijah's request reflect her understanding of the political situation, and what can we learn from her discernment? 2. In what ways does the account of Adonijah and Solomon illustrate the importance of God's sovereignty in leadership transitions? 3. How can we apply the principle of using our influence for good in our own lives, as seen in Bathsheba's role in the royal court? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that our words and actions align with God's will, as demonstrated in the interactions between Adonijah and Bathsheba? 5. How do the events in 1 Kings 2:14 connect with the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom and understanding motives, and how can this be applied in our daily decision-making? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 1Provides context for Adonijah's previous attempt to become king and the subsequent anointing of Solomon, setting the stage for the events in 1 Kings 2. 2 Samuel 12Offers background on Bathsheba's relationship with David and the birth of Solomon, highlighting her influential role in the royal family. Proverbs 31Traditionally attributed to Solomon, possibly reflecting the wisdom and influence of his mother, Bathsheba, in his life. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Moreover, Replied, Somewhat, SpeakDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:12-25 5119 Solomon, life of Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III 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 2:14 NIV1 Kings 2:14 NLT1 Kings 2:14 ESV1 Kings 2:14 NASB1 Kings 2:14 KJV
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