So the king was told, "Nathan the prophet is here." And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king. So the king was toldThis phrase indicates a formal announcement to King David, who was nearing the end of his reign. The context is a time of political tension as Adonijah, David's son, was attempting to seize the throne. The king being informed suggests the importance of Nathan's visit, as Nathan was a trusted prophet and advisor to David. This reflects the protocol and respect for the king's authority in ancient Israel. “Nathan the prophet is here.”
Nathan was a significant figure in David's life, known for delivering God's messages, including the rebuke for David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-15). His presence here underscores the gravity of the situation. Prophets in Israel were seen as God's mouthpieces, and Nathan's involvement highlights the divine interest in the succession of the throne. This moment is pivotal in ensuring Solomon's rightful kingship, aligning with God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). And Nathan went in
Nathan's entrance into the king's presence signifies his role as an intermediary between God and the king. It also reflects the court protocol, where only certain individuals could approach the king directly. Nathan's access to David underscores his high status and the trust David placed in him. and bowed facedown before the king.
Bowing facedown was a customary act of deep respect and submission in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This gesture by Nathan, despite his prophetic authority, shows his acknowledgment of David's royal position. It also reflects the cultural norms of showing deference to a king, which was expected in the hierarchical society of ancient Israel. This act of humility by Nathan sets the stage for his important message regarding the succession of the throne. Persons / Places / Events 1. Nathan the ProphetA key figure in the court of King David, Nathan was a prophet who played a significant role in advising the king and delivering God's messages. He is known for confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba and for supporting Solomon's claim to the throne. 2. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel at this time, David is in his old age and facing the challenge of succession. His health is failing, and there is uncertainty about who will succeed him. 3. The Royal CourtThe setting is the royal court of King David, where political maneuvering is taking place regarding the succession of the throne. 4. Adonijah's Attempted UsurpationAdonijah, one of David's sons, is attempting to take the throne without David's blessing, prompting Nathan and Bathsheba to intervene. 5. Solomon's AnointingThe events in this chapter lead to the anointing of Solomon as king, ensuring the continuation of David's line as ordained by God. Teaching Points The Role of ProphetsNathan's role underscores the importance of prophets as God's messengers who provide guidance and correction. In our lives, we should seek and heed godly counsel. Respect for AuthorityNathan's approach to King David, bowing facedown, demonstrates respect for God-ordained authority. We are called to respect and pray for our leaders, even when they are flawed. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe events surrounding Solomon's anointing remind us that God is sovereign over leadership transitions. We can trust His plans and timing in our own lives. Courage to Speak TruthNathan's willingness to confront David and support Solomon shows the courage required to speak truth in difficult situations. We are encouraged to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular. Divine Timing and InterventionThe account illustrates how God intervenes at the right time to fulfill His purposes. We should be patient and trust in God's perfect timing in our circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nathan's approach to King David demonstrate the balance between respect for authority and the courage to speak truth? How can we apply this balance in our interactions with authority figures today? 2. In what ways does Nathan's role as a prophet inform our understanding of seeking and receiving godly counsel? Can you think of a time when you received guidance that aligned with God's will? 3. How does the account of Solomon's anointing as king illustrate God's sovereignty in leadership transitions? What comfort can we draw from this when facing changes in leadership in our own lives? 4. Reflect on a situation where you needed to stand for truth in a challenging context. How can Nathan's example encourage you to act with courage and integrity? 5. Consider the importance of divine timing in the events of 1 Kings 1. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing when we face uncertainty or delays in our own plans? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 12Nathan's previous interactions with David, particularly his confrontation over David's sin with Bathsheba, highlight his role as a truth-teller and God's messenger. 1 Chronicles 29This passage provides additional context on the transition of power from David to Solomon, emphasizing the divine approval of Solomon's kingship. Proverbs 3:5-6The wisdom of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, as Nathan did, is echoed in the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart. 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 Behold, Bowed, Boweth, Declare, Face, Ground, Nathan, Prophet, Prostrated, SayingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:5-53 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 1:17-35 5581 throne 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 1:23 NIV1 Kings 1:23 NLT1 Kings 1:23 ESV1 Kings 1:23 NASB1 Kings 1:23 KJV
1 Kings 1:23 Commentaries
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