Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, "Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? Then Nathan saidNathan, the prophet, plays a crucial role in the narrative of Israel's monarchy. His name in Hebrew means "He has given," which is fitting as Nathan is a divine gift to David, providing guidance and correction. Nathan's involvement here underscores the importance of prophetic voices in guiding the king and the nation according to God's will. Historically, prophets were seen as God's mouthpieces, and Nathan's actions remind us of the need for spiritual discernment and courage to speak truth to power. to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon
Bathsheba, whose name means "daughter of the oath," is a central figure in the Davidic line. Her relationship with David began under controversial circumstances, yet she is honored as the mother of Solomon, the future king. Bathsheba's role highlights the theme of redemption and God's sovereignty in using imperfect people to fulfill His purposes. Her mention here emphasizes her influence and the importance of maternal figures in biblical narratives. Have you not heard
This phrase suggests urgency and the need for awareness. In the context of ancient Israel, news traveled through word of mouth, and being informed was crucial for survival and decision-making. Nathan's question implies that Bathsheba, and by extension, those loyal to David, must be vigilant and proactive in the face of political developments. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being spiritually alert and responsive to God's unfolding plans. that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king
Adonijah, whose name means "my Lord is Yahweh," is attempting to usurp the throne. His actions reflect the recurring biblical theme of human ambition clashing with divine will. Adonijah's claim to the throne, despite God's promise to Solomon, illustrates the tension between human schemes and God's sovereign plan. Haggith, his mother, is mentioned to emphasize his royal lineage, yet it is clear that divine choice, not just birthright, determines kingship in Israel. and our lord David does not know it
David, the anointed king, is unaware of Adonijah's actions, highlighting his vulnerability in his old age. This phrase underscores the necessity of wise counsel and the role of trusted advisors like Nathan and Bathsheba. It also reflects the biblical principle that God's plans often unfold in ways that are hidden from human understanding, requiring faith and reliance on divine guidance. David's unawareness serves as a call to believers to remain vigilant and seek God's wisdom in all circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. NathanA prophet in Israel who served during the reign of King David. He is known for his role in confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba and for supporting Solomon's claim to the throne. 2. BathshebaThe mother of Solomon and wife of King David. Her relationship with David began controversially, but she later became an influential figure in the royal court. 3. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, who was chosen by God to succeed David as king. Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem. 4. AdonijahThe son of David and Haggith, who attempted to declare himself king without David's knowledge or approval, leading to a conflict over the succession. 5. DavidThe reigning king of Israel at the time, known for his heart for God and his complex personal life. He was unaware of Adonijah's actions at this point in the account. Teaching Points The Role of ProphetsNathan's intervention highlights the importance of godly counsel and the role of prophets in guiding and correcting leaders. We should seek and value wise, godly advice in our lives. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipDespite human attempts to seize power, God's plans for leadership will prevail. Trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain. The Influence of FamilyBathsheba's involvement in securing Solomon's throne demonstrates the significant influence family can have in shaping leadership and legacy. Consider the impact of your family relationships on your spiritual journey. Awareness and ActionNathan's alertness to the situation and his prompt action serve as a reminder to be vigilant and proactive in addressing issues that arise, especially those that threaten God's purposes. The Importance of CommunicationNathan's communication with Bathsheba underscores the need for clear and honest communication in resolving conflicts and ensuring God's will is done. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nathan's role as a prophet and advisor to David and Bathsheba inform our understanding of the importance of seeking godly counsel in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Adonijah's attempt to become king illustrate the tension between human ambition and divine appointment? How can we apply this understanding to our own ambitions? 3. How does Bathsheba's involvement in securing Solomon's throne reflect the influence of family dynamics in leadership? What lessons can we learn about the role of family in our spiritual and personal development? 4. What can we learn from Nathan's prompt action in addressing the situation with Adonijah about the importance of being vigilant and proactive in our own lives? 5. How does the communication between Nathan and Bathsheba serve as a model for addressing conflicts and ensuring that God's purposes are fulfilled? How can we apply these principles in our own relationships and communities? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 12Nathan's earlier interaction with David, where he confronts him about his sin with Bathsheba, showing Nathan's role as a truth-teller and advisor to the king. 1 Chronicles 22David's preparations for Solomon to build the Temple, highlighting God's choice of Solomon as David's successor. Proverbs 31Traditionally attributed to Solomon, possibly reflecting the influence of his mother Bathsheba in his life and reign. 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 Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Bathsheba, Bath-sheba, Bathshe'ba, David, David's, Doesn't, Ears, Haggith, Hast, Haven't, Knoweth, Nathan, Reign, Reigned, Reigns, Saying, Solomon, Solomon's, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:11-13 5732 polygamy 1 Kings 1:11-14 5119 Solomon, life of
7915 confirmation 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 1:11 NIV1 Kings 1:11 NLT1 Kings 1:11 ESV1 Kings 1:11 NASB1 Kings 1:11 KJV
1 Kings 1:11 Commentaries
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