Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king. Bathsheba bowed, and showed respect to the king. The king said, “What would you like?”
She said to him, “My lord, you swore by Yahweh your God to your servant, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ Now, behold, Adonijah reigns; and you, my lord the king, don’t know it. He has slain cattle and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the army; but he hasn’t called Solomon your servant. You, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be considered criminals.”
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv18, 21 The king being worn with age, could not attend…
The king being worn with age, could not attend to the affairs of the realm, and also Adonijah had many flatterers which kept it from the king.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv15–21 1Ki 1:15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king…
1Ki 1:15 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.
Ver. 15. And the king was very old.] Yet little more than half so old as a plain countryman whom I spoke with yesterday, being May 15, A.D. 1656, at Stratford-upon-Avon, who assured me, and gave good proof of it, that he was a hundred and twenty-eight of age, being born A.D. 1527. He is still hearty and healthy, living at Bedworth in Warwickshire, Thomas Egerton by name.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv17–21 Thou swarest by the Lord thy God; to whom…
Thou swarest by the Lord thy God; to whom thou art highly obliged, whose name thou justly fearest and honourest; and therefore thou wilt not pollute it by perjury, but make conscience of thy oath.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv15–21 And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the…
And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber,.... Where he lay, being bedridden; she took Nathan's advice, and directly went to the king's apartment:
and the king was very old: and decrepit, borne down with the infirmities of old age, though but seventy years of age:
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and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king; she was then waiting upon the king, and serving him with what was necessary and proper for him; and perhaps there was no other in the chamber at that time.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv20–21 Verse 20. That thou shouldest tell - who shall…
Verse 20. That thou shouldest tell - who shall sit on the throne] This was a monarchy neither hereditary nor elective; the king simply named his successor. This obtained less or more, anciently, in most countries.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v19 1Ki 1:19-20. Solomon thy servant — She speaks very…
1Ki 1:19-20. Solomon thy servant — She speaks very submissively, and calls herself his handmaid, and her son his servant. The eyes of all Israel are upon thee — This she said that she might free him from all fear of such a rebellion as Absalom raised; the people not being yet joined to Adonijah, but continuing in suspense till the king had declared his mind about his successor.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 20, 21 Into the chamber - The “bed-chamber” or “inner chamber.”…
Into the chamber - The “bed-chamber” or “inner chamber.” Abishag was a disinterested witness present, who heard all that Bath-sheba said to David.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv16, 18, 20, 21 Worshipped. Protestants, "did obeisance." Hebrew, "fell prostrate on the…
Worshipped. Protestants, "did obeisance." Hebrew, "fell prostrate on the ground before the king," (Calmet) without any danger of idolatry. (Haydock)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv20–21 the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that…
the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne--When the kings died without declaring their will, then their oldest son succeeded. But frequently they designated long before their death which of their sons should inherit the throne. The kings of Persia, as well as of other Eastern countries, have exercised the same right in modern and even recent times.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv15–16 15. Into the chamber — Into the bedchamber, where,…
15. Into the chamber — Into the bedchamber, where, on account of his age and infirmities, the king was obliged to keep himself.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 15–21. Bath-sheba before King David (Not in Chronicles)
15–21. Bath-sheba before King David (Not in Chronicles)
15. and the king was very old] This sentence is in explanation why Bath-sheba went into the bedchamber of the king. David was too feeble to go forth, and those who would see him must come there for audience.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On v21 (21) Shall sleep with his fathers.—Here this phrase, so…
(21) Shall sleep with his fathers.—Here this phrase, so constantly used in the record of the death of the kings, occurs in these books for the first time. (It is also found in the message of promise by Nathan. 2Sa_7:12, relating to the succession of the son who should build the Temple.) We find corresponding expressions in Gen_15:15; Deu_31:16. Without connecting with the use of this phrase anything like the fulness of meaning which in the New Testament attaches to “the sleep” of the departed servants of God (as known to be a “sleep in Jesus”), it seems not unreasonable to recognise in it, at least, a rudimentary belief in death as rest and not extinction. The addition, “with his fathers,” has probably a reference to “the tombs of the kings;” especially as we find that it is not adopted in the cases of Jehoram (2Ch_21:20) and Joash. (2Ch_24:25), who were not buried therein.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv15–21 And Bathsheba went In unto the king into the…
And Bathsheba went In unto the king into the chamber lit. inner chamber, qalamov, cubiculum penetrale, Buxtorf. Same word 2Sa_4:7 2Sa_13:10 and the king was very old the repetition (see ver. 1) is not idle or unmeaning. Here the word refers to feebleness rather than age. It is mentioned to explain David"s confinement to his chamber and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king. This is introduced to show the king"s helplessness. It does not prove that "there was a disinterested witness present" (Rawlinson), for she may have withdrawn, as Bathsheba did presently (ver. 23), and Nathan (ver. 32). It is a graphic touch, painted probably from the life, and by the hand of Nathan, from whom this narrative is derived. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream That is to say, this passed while Solomon slept; but it was more than a dream. The same words are used of Pharaoh (Gen_41:7) when God showed him what He was about to do (vers. 25, 28, cf., Gen_40:8) and this was such a dream as Pharaoh"s and as Joseph"s. (Mat_1:20 Mat_2:19) It was a dream, i.e., in which a Divine revelation was made to him. Wordsw. refers to Solomon"s words, "I sleep, but my heart waketh (Song of Son_5:2), and "He giveth to his beloved (Jedidiah) in sleep". Psa_127:2 And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant the other sanctuary of that period (2 Samuel 1Ch_16:37-40 and offered up burnt offerings probably in continuation of the sacrifices of Gibeon, ver. 4, and offered peace offerings in testimony of his thankfulness for the signal favour recently vouchsafed to him and made a feast lit., a drinking. After the example of David, 1Ch_16:3. Cf. 1Ki_8:65. It was not exclusively a symposium. The flesh of the animals offered in sacrifice was eaten by the worshippers and their Guests. (Lev_7:15, Lev_7:31; 1Sa_2:16; 1Co_8:13) This was "a sacrificial meal of the (Keil). See on ch. 1Ki_8:63 to all his servants.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v15 1Ki_1:16. Bowed and did obeisance—The latter word denoting the…
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.—
1Ki_1:16. Bowed and did obeisance—The latter word denoting the prostrate attitude customary in the East before kings.
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1Ki_1:21. Shall be counted offenders—Counted is not in the Hebrew, though implied in the connexion; they will be חַטָּאִים—i.e., guilty of a capital crime, treated as traitors deserving death.
HOMILETICS OF 1Ki_1:15-21
THE PERSUASIVE PLEADING OF AN ANXIOUS MOTHER
I. Is profoundly deferential. Bathsheba hesitates not to venture at once into the inner chamber of the aged and dying king. Her maternal instincts and concern for her son’s future render her courageous. Her presence pleaded eloquently, but her speech, tremulous with the conflicting emotions of the wife and mother, was overwhelming. “Bathsheba bowed and did obeisance unto the king” (1Ki_1:16). She paid every respect due to David as her prince and husband. If we would find favour with superiors, we must show them becoming respect. We should cherish a dutiful regard towards those from whom we expect kindness. Nothing is ever lost by sincere politeness. It evidences a refined and gentle spirit. It propitiates the most morose, and often wins a favourable reception in the most difficult suit. It succeeds where an unmannerly brusqueness fails. It is irresistible in a true woman. Life is not so short but there is always time enough for courtesy.
II. Urges the religious obligation of an oath. 1Ki_1:17, “Thou swarest by the Lord thy God.” A conscientious man is morally bound by his promised word; but an oath is inviolable. We are engaged if we have promised; if we have sworn, we are bound. Neither heaven nor earth has any gyves for that man who can recklessly shake off the fetters of an oath. Such a man has no regard for that God whose awful name he dare invoke to a falsehood. He who cares not for God will not care for man. It is a powerful leverage to move a man to right action when we can remind him of his solemnly pledged word. An oath should be religiously remembered and conscientiously fulfilled. It is a duty we owe to both God and man. Even the highest in authority should be faithfully reminded of this duty, and warned as to the consequences of a careless repudiation of trust. A faithful friend in a palace is rare.
III. Graphically depicts the distraction of rebellion (1Ki_1:18-19).
1. The throne is seized by an ungrateful son. “Adonijah reigneth.” Without waiting for the death of his father, or seeking his sanction, and even without his knowledge, the presumptuous son assumes all the authority and external display of royalty. Had his right to the succession been ever so good, such conduct was undutiful and treasonable. An unprincipled ambition corrupts natural affection: it acknowledges obedience to none but its own imperious will.
2. Excessive festivity prevails. Indulgence is often provocative of vain boasting, extravagant designs, and riotous conduct. It leads to cruelty and disaster.
3. The members of the royal family and the true friends of the aged king are seduced from their allegiance. There was disorder in the household. The children of David repaid his paternal kindness with unfaithfulness and wild rebellion. The ingratitude of children, for whom so much has been sacrificed and endured, is one of the sharpest pangs of a disappointed parent’s heart. Polygamy, in however limited a degree, is a prolific source of domestic trouble. Any violation of the moral order carries with it its own Nemesis. The infidelity of Abiathar and Joab—men with whom he had repeatedly trusted his life—was a severe blow to David. Little does the renegade friend think of the anguish caused by his treachery. Confidence in human nature is shattered.
4. The king-designate is ignored. “But Solomon thy servant”—not thy sovereign, as Adonijah affects to be—“hath he not called.” He is evidently regarded as a rival, and every attempt is made to prevent his gaining the throne. It is not an oversight, but a contempt of the act of settlement, which had been made sufficiently public, that Solomon is neglected. All the fondly cherished plans of David are threatened with a rude and ignominious overthrow. The scene of confusion created by the rebels, thus graphically presented, was calculated to deeply affect the dying monarch—as the husband, the father, and the king.
IV. Earnestly advocates the pressing claims of the nation (1Ki_1:20). The rebellion had not gone so far as that of Absalom’s in stealing away the hearts of the people. There was a grave pause in the kingdom. The people hesitated what to do, until the royal intention was publicly proclaimed. David was too firmly seated in the affections of his subjects to allow them to act without the knowledge of his declared will. This ominous silence of the national voice was Nathan’s opportunity and Adonijah’s doom. In troublous times the nation looks to the king. In him is vested supreme authority. He is the guide and defender of the empire. The interests of all are in his keeping; and his power should ever be exercised on the side of justice, equity, and peace. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king. “That thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne.” This some princes love not to do—Queen Elizabeth, for instance. A false Jesuit wrote that she wished she might, after her death, hang awhile in the air, to see what scuffling there would be for her kingdom. Men should use whatever power or influence they possess, not in compassing their own selfish ends, but in advancing the kingdom of the Messiah.
V. Is full of genuine pathos.
1. A mournful contingency is referred to (1Ki_1:21). “When my Lord shall sleep with his fathers.” Here the heart of the wife speaks out. It was evident David’s end was near; and Bathsheba could not contemplate that event without deep emotion. Death is compared to a sleep. Beautiful simile! Such a view robs death of its terror, and soothes the sorrow of the bereaved. Death is but the gentle sinking of the tired and spent body into the lap of rest. Silently it reposes among the hallowed dust of bye-gone generations, until the last great trumpet shall wake it into newness of life.
2. A tender allusion is made to threatened personal peril. “I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.” Here the heart of the mother speaks out. It is suggested by some commentators that, probably, Adonijah had spoken slightingly of Bathsheba as an adultress and of Solomon as illegitimate, and, therefore, not fit to be king. The reputation of mother and son was in danger, and must be protected. Not only so: if Adonijah succeeded, they would both be reckoned traitors and public enemies, and their lives sacrificed. Adonijah would not have dealt so mercifully with Solomon as Solomon did with him. He who usurps a throne will stop at no cruelty to secure himself in it. If anything will rouse the soul into earnest concern, it is the peril to which those dear to it are exposed.
LESSONS:—
1. The mother exerts a powerful influence on the destiny of the family.
2. It is an unspeakable advantage for a youthful prince to have a wise and capable mother.
3. The eloquence of a mother’s heart is irresistible.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
1Ki_1:15-21. Bathsheba before the king. She reminds him of his duty—
1. Towards God, before whom he had sworn. What one has vowed before God, according to God’s will, one must hold to under all circumstances; of this one must remind kings and princes.
2. Towards the people, whose well-being and whose woe were in his keeping. The great responsibility of him towards whom all eyes are directed.
3. Towards the wife and son, whose happiness and life were at stake. Woe to the father through whose guilt wife and children, after his death, fall into contempt and wretchedness.—Lange.
1Ki_1:16. “What wouldest thou?” A question the King of Heaven is ever asking—
1. The perplexed enquirer.
2. The penitent suppliant.
3. The complaining sufferer.
4. The solitary mourner.
5. The ambitious self-seeker.
1Ki_1:18. “Thou knowest it not. The isolation of the aged and infirm—
1. Presents a melancholy contrast to the joyous excitement of an active life.
2. Renders them oblivious of the most important events of the outside world.
3. Ignorant of the calamities that threaten their dearest interests.
4. Familiarizes their minds with suffering and approaching death.
5. Calls for the kindly attention and sympathy of loving hearts.
1Ki_1:20. The grave responsibilities of the monarch. 1. All eyes are turned to him in times of national distress.
2. He is expected to promptly and effectually crush rebellion.
3. The best interests of his subjects should be his chief concern.
4. He should make the wisest arrangements for the future peace and stability of the kingdom.
5. He is accountable to God, from whom he derives his authority.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv15, 18, 20 the king's room
the king's room
"the room in which the king slept"
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Abishag the Shunammite
This is the young virgin that King David's servants had brought to care for him. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:3.
bowed and prostrated herself before the king
"bowed close to the ground in front of the king"
What do you desire?
"What can I do for you?"
you swore to
The form of "you" here is emphatic. AT: "you yourself swore to"
your servant
Bathsheba speaks as if she were another person to show David that she respects him. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:13. AT: "me, your servant"
Yahweh
This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
he shall sit on my throne
Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:13. AT: "he will be king just as I was" (See: Metonymy)
translationWords
bow
Yahweh
God
throne
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.