Context and Background:

The narrative of David renewing his oath to Bathsheba is found in the first chapter of the First Book of Kings. This event occurs during the final days of King David's life, a period marked by political intrigue and the question of royal succession. David, the second king of Israel, had previously promised Bathsheba, his wife, that their son Solomon would succeed him as king. However, as David's health waned, Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempted to usurp the throne.

Biblical Account:

In 1 Kings 1, Adonijah, the son of Haggith, exalted himself, declaring, "I will be king" (1 Kings 1:5). He gathered chariots, horsemen, and fifty men to run ahead of him. Adonijah's actions were supported by key figures such as Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest. However, he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or Solomon to his feast, indicating a deliberate exclusion of those loyal to David and Solomon.

Nathan the prophet, aware of the implications of Adonijah's actions, approached Bathsheba, urging her to remind David of his promise regarding Solomon's succession. Nathan advised Bathsheba to go to King David and say, "My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne’? Why then has Adonijah become king?" (1 Kings 1:13).

Bathsheba followed Nathan's counsel and approached the ailing king. She entered David's chamber, where he was attended by Abishag the Shunammite, and reminded him of his oath. As she spoke, Nathan the prophet arrived to confirm her words and to inform David of the situation, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of Adonijah's actions.

David's Response:

Moved by Bathsheba's plea and Nathan's confirmation, David acted decisively to fulfill his promise. He summoned Bathsheba and renewed his oath, saying, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all distress, I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Solomon your son will be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place’" (1 Kings 1:29-30).

David then instructed Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada to anoint Solomon as king over Israel. They were to take Solomon on David's mule to Gihon, where Zadok and Nathan would anoint him, and the people would proclaim, "Long live King Solomon!" (1 Kings 1:34).

Significance:

David's renewal of his oath to Bathsheba underscores the importance of divine promise and covenant in the biblical narrative. It highlights David's role as a man after God's own heart, committed to fulfilling his promises despite the political challenges and personal failings he faced. The anointing of Solomon as king, in accordance with David's oath, marks the continuation of the Davidic line, a lineage that holds significant messianic implications in Christian theology.

This event also illustrates the providential guidance of God in the affairs of Israel, ensuring that His chosen leader, Solomon, would ascend to the throne. Solomon's reign would later be characterized by wisdom, prosperity, and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, further establishing the legacy of David's dynasty.