And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, "What is your desire?" Bathsheba bowed downThe act of bowing down in ancient Near Eastern culture was a gesture of deep respect and submission. The Hebrew word used here is "שָׁחָה" (shachah), which often denotes worship or reverence. Bathsheba's action signifies her acknowledgment of King David's authority and her humility in approaching him. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for her petition regarding the succession of the throne, highlighting the importance of respect and protocol in royal courts. and knelt before the king
The phrase "knelt before" further emphasizes Bathsheba's humility and the seriousness of her request. Kneeling is a physical manifestation of supplication and earnestness. In the Hebrew context, this act is often associated with prayer or a plea for favor. Bathsheba's dual actions of bowing and kneeling underscore her desperation and the gravity of the situation, as she seeks to secure her son Solomon's future. 'What do you want?' the king asked
King David's question, "What do you want?" reflects his openness to hear Bathsheba's request. The Hebrew phrase here is "מַה־לָּךְ" (mah-lach), which can be translated as "What is it to you?" or "What is your concern?" This indicates David's willingness to address the needs of those who come before him, a characteristic of a just and attentive ruler. It also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan for Solomon's kingship, as Bathsheba's request aligns with divine prophecy and the continuation of David's lineage. 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 aging king of Israel, who is nearing the end of his reign. His decision regarding his successor is pivotal for the future of Israel. 3. The Royal CourtThe setting where this interaction takes place, highlighting the political and familial dynamics at play. 4. Succession CrisisThe backdrop of this event, where Adonijah, another son of David, is attempting to claim the throne. 5. SolomonAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure in the succession account, as Bathsheba's actions are aimed at securing his kingship. Teaching Points The Role of Women in God's PlanBathsheba's involvement in the succession account highlights the significant role women can play in God's unfolding plan, even within a patriarchal society. Respect and Humility in LeadershipBathsheba's approach to David with respect and humility serves as a model for how we should approach authority figures, balancing assertiveness with deference. God's Sovereignty in Leadership TransitionsDespite human attempts to control outcomes, God's sovereign will prevails, as seen in Solomon's eventual anointing as king. The Importance of AdvocacyBathsheba's advocacy for Solomon teaches the importance of standing up for what is right and just, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis. Legacy and InfluenceThe account encourages reflection on the legacy we leave and the influence we have on future generations, as seen in Bathsheba's impact on Solomon. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Bathsheba's approach to King David reflect her understanding of her role and influence within the royal court? 2. In what ways does the account of Bathsheba and Solomon's succession illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty over human plans? 3. How can Bathsheba's example of advocacy inspire us to stand up for justice and righteousness in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Bathsheba's humility and respect when interacting with authority figures today? 5. How does the account of Bathsheba and Solomon challenge or affirm your understanding of the role of women in biblical history and God's plan? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 11-12Provides background on Bathsheba's relationship with David, including the moral complexities and God's judgment, which set the stage for her later influence. 1 Kings 1:11-31Expands on the account of Bathsheba's advocacy for Solomon, showing her wisdom and strategic action. Proverbs 31Traditionally attributed to Solomon, possibly reflecting the influence of Bathsheba in his life, emphasizing the virtues of a wise and noble woman. Psalm 51David's psalm of repentance, which indirectly relates to the consequences of his actions with Bathsheba and the grace that follows. 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 Bathsheba, Bath-sheba, Bathshe'ba, Bowed, Boweth, Desire, Face, Giving, Herself, Honour, Knelt, Low, Obeisance, Prostrated, Wish, Wouldest, WouldstDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:16 5138 bowing
5161 kneeling 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 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 1:16 NIV1 Kings 1:16 NLT1 Kings 1:16 ESV1 Kings 1:16 NASB1 Kings 1:16 KJV
1 Kings 1:16 Commentaries
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