So Bathsheba said, "Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife." So she saidThis phrase introduces Bathsheba's request to King Solomon. Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, plays a significant role in the royal court. Her approach to Solomon reflects the cultural norms of the time, where women, even of high status, often had to navigate patriarchal structures carefully. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a formal declaration or request, indicating the seriousness of her petition. Let Abishag the Shunammite
Abishag was a young woman from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar. She was brought to King David in his old age to care for him, as noted in 1 Kings 1:1-4. Her designation as "the Shunammite" highlights her origins and possibly her beauty and youth, as Shunem was known for its fertile land and, by extension, its people. The historical context suggests that Abishag's role was significant, as she was closely associated with the king, though not as a wife or concubine. be given
The phrase "be given" indicates a transfer of responsibility or possession, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures where marriages were often arranged for political or social reasons. The Hebrew verb נָתַן (natan) means to give, grant, or bestow, suggesting a formal transaction or agreement. This reflects the customs of the time, where marriages could consolidate power or resolve disputes. to your brother Adonijah
Adonijah was Solomon's older half-brother, who had previously attempted to claim the throne before Solomon's anointing as king. The mention of "your brother" underscores the familial tension and political intrigue within David's house. Adonijah's request for Abishag can be seen as a strategic move to assert his claim to the throne, as marrying a king's consort could be interpreted as a claim to kingship. as his wife
The request for Abishag to become Adonijah's wife carries significant implications. In the ancient Near East, taking a former king's consort as a wife could symbolize a claim to the throne. This request is not merely about marriage but is deeply entwined with issues of power and legitimacy. The Hebrew word for wife, אִשָּׁה (ishah), also means woman, emphasizing her role and status in this potential union. Persons / Places / Events 1. BathshebaThe mother of Solomon, who approaches her son with a request on behalf of Adonijah. 2. SolomonThe king of Israel, known for his wisdom, who is approached by his mother with a request. 3. AdonijahSolomon's older brother, who previously attempted to claim the throne. 4. Abishag the ShunammiteA young woman who served King David in his old age, known for her beauty and service. 5. The Royal CourtThe setting where this request is made, highlighting the political dynamics of the time. Teaching Points Understanding MotivesExamine the motives behind requests and actions. Adonijah's request for Abishag was not merely about marriage but had deeper political implications. Wisdom in LeadershipSolomon's response to his mother's request demonstrates the need for discernment and wisdom in leadership, especially when dealing with family dynamics. The Role of IntercessionBathsheba's role as an intercessor for Adonijah highlights the importance of advocacy and mediation within families and communities. Guarding Against ManipulationBe aware of how personal desires can be cloaked in seemingly innocent requests, and seek God's wisdom to discern true intentions. The Consequences of AmbitionAdonijah's ambition and previous actions serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of submitting to God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Bathsheba's approach to Solomon about the role of a mother or advisor in positions of influence? 2. How does Solomon's response to Bathsheba's request reflect his wisdom and understanding of the political implications involved? 3. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom in our own leadership roles or family dynamics? 4. How does the account of Adonijah and Abishag illustrate the potential consequences of ambition and the importance of aligning our desires with God's will? 5. What other biblical examples can you find where a seemingly simple request had deeper implications, and how were they handled? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 1Provides context for Adonijah's previous attempt to become king, which sets the stage for his request for Abishag. 2 Samuel 16Relates to the political implications of taking a former king's concubine, as seen in the account of Absalom. Proverbs 31Offers insight into the role and influence of a wise mother, paralleling Bathsheba's role in Solomon's life. Genesis 25Discusses the inheritance rights and family dynamics, similar to the tensions between Solomon and Adonijah. 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 Abishag, Ab'ishag, Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Brother, Marriage, Shunamite, Shunammite, Shu'nammite, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:12-25 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 2:21-22 5672 concubines 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 2:21 NIV1 Kings 2:21 NLT1 Kings 2:21 ESV1 Kings 2:21 NASB1 Kings 2:21 KJV
1 Kings 2:21 Commentaries
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