So now I have just one request of you; do not deny me." "State your request," she told him. So nowThis phrase indicates a transition or a culmination of previous events. In the context of 1 Kings 2, Adonijah, the son of King David, is speaking to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. The Hebrew root here is "וְעַתָּה" (ve'atah), which often signifies a turning point or a moment of decision. Historically, this moment follows Adonijah's failed attempt to seize the throne, highlighting a shift from his previous ambitions to a more subdued request. It reflects a moment of vulnerability and a plea for favor. I have just one request of you
Adonijah's statement is a strategic move. The Hebrew word for "request" is "שְׁאֵלָה" (she'elah), which implies a petition or a plea. In the ancient Near Eastern context, making a request was often a formal act, sometimes involving negotiation or supplication. Adonijah's approach to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, is significant because it shows his recognition of her influence in the royal court. This phrase underscores the importance of intercessors and mediators in biblical narratives, reflecting the belief in the power of advocacy. do not deny me
This plea reveals Adonijah's desperation and the gravity of his request. The Hebrew root "פָּנָה" (panah) can mean to turn away or refuse. In the cultural and historical context of the time, denying a request could have significant social and political implications. Adonijah's choice of words suggests an appeal to Bathsheba's compassion and her potential role as a mediator between him and King Solomon. This phrase highlights the themes of mercy and the human need for grace, resonating with the broader biblical narrative of seeking favor and forgiveness. Persons / Places / Events 1. AdonijahThe son of King David who previously attempted to claim the throne of Israel, despite Solomon being the chosen successor. In this verse, he is making a request through Bathsheba. 2. BathshebaThe mother of Solomon and widow of King David. She plays a mediating role in this passage, as Adonijah approaches her to make a request to King Solomon. 3. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, who is now the king of Israel. His wisdom and discernment are central themes in the surrounding account. 4. King DavidAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, his legacy and decisions significantly influence the events. His choice of Solomon as his successor is a backdrop to Adonijah's actions. 5. The Royal CourtThe setting for this interaction, where political maneuvers and family dynamics intersect. Teaching Points The Dangers of AmbitionAdonijah's request, though seemingly innocent, is rooted in ambition. Believers should examine their motives and ensure their desires align with God's will. The Role of IntercessionBathsheba's position as an intercessor highlights the importance of wise counsel and mediation in resolving conflicts and making requests. Wisdom in LeadershipSolomon's response to requests and challenges demonstrates the need for discernment and wisdom in leadership roles, applicable to both spiritual and secular contexts. Family Dynamics and God's PlanThe complex relationships within David's family remind us that God's purposes can prevail despite human flaws and conflicts. The Power of a Single RequestThis passage illustrates how a single request can have significant implications, encouraging believers to approach God with thoughtful and sincere petitions. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Adonijah's approach to Bathsheba about the nature of ambition and its potential pitfalls? 2. How does Bathsheba's role as an intercessor reflect the importance of seeking wise counsel in our own lives? 3. In what ways does Solomon's handling of requests and challenges provide a model for leadership today? 4. How do the family dynamics in David's household illustrate the complexity of human relationships and God's sovereignty? 5. Reflect on a time when a single request or decision had a significant impact on your life. How can this passage inform your approach to making requests or decisions in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 1Provides context for Adonijah's previous attempt to usurp the throne, highlighting the tension and unresolved ambitions that lead to his request in 1 Kings 2:16. 2 Samuel 12Offers background on Bathsheba's relationship with David and the birth of Solomon, setting the stage for her influential role in the royal court. Proverbs 1:8-9Written by Solomon, these verses emphasize the importance of wisdom and parental guidance, reflecting the influence of Bathsheba in his life. Matthew 20:20-23The request of James and John's mother to Jesus parallels Adonijah's request through Bathsheba, illustrating themes of ambition and authority. 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 Asking, Deny, Face, Making, Petition, Refuse, Request, Speak, TurnDictionary 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 2:16 NIV1 Kings 2:16 NLT1 Kings 2:16 ESV1 Kings 2:16 NASB1 Kings 2:16 KJV
1 Kings 2:16 Commentaries
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