Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girlThis phrase indicates a deliberate and extensive search across the nation of Israel, highlighting the importance of the task. The search for a "beautiful girl" was not merely for aesthetic purposes but was culturally significant, as beauty was often associated with favor and blessing. The context here is King David's old age and declining health, and the search was for a young woman to serve and care for him, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This search reflects the royal court's concern for the king's well-being and the lengths they would go to ensure his comfort. and they found Abishag the Shunammite
Abishag's identification as a "Shunammite" provides geographical context, linking her to the town of Shunem in the territory of Issachar. Shunem was located in the Jezreel Valley, a fertile and strategically significant area. The mention of her name and origin suggests her prominence and the importance of her role. Abishag's introduction here foreshadows her involvement in later political events, as her association with King David becomes a point of contention in the succession narrative. Her presence in the royal court also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His plans through seemingly ordinary individuals. and brought her to the king
The act of bringing Abishag to King David signifies her acceptance into the royal household and her role as a caregiver. This reflects the cultural practice of providing for the needs of a king, especially in his old age. The phrase underscores the transition of Abishag from her previous life to a position of influence and responsibility within the palace. Her role, while initially one of service, becomes significant in the political dynamics of the kingdom, as seen in later chapters. This action also highlights the theme of loyalty and service to God's anointed king, a recurring motif in the narrative of Israel's monarchy. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, who is unable to keep warm, prompting the search for a young woman to attend to him. 2. Abishag the ShunammiteA beautiful young woman from Shunem, chosen to serve King David in his old age. 3. ShunemA town in the territory of Issachar, known for its fertile land and significant biblical events. 4. Servants of King DavidThose who carried out the search for a suitable young woman to care for the king. Teaching Points The Role of ProvidenceGod's providence is evident in the selection of Abishag, showing His hand in the details of life and leadership transitions. The Importance of ServiceAbishag's role, though seemingly minor, highlights the importance of serving others, especially in their time of need. Beauty and PurposeWhile Abishag's beauty is noted, her purpose goes beyond physical appearance, reminding us that God uses all aspects of our being for His plans. Transition of LeadershipThe search for Abishag occurs during a critical time of transition, teaching us to trust God during changes in leadership and life circumstances. The Significance of ObedienceThe servants' obedience in finding Abishag demonstrates the importance of following through with responsibilities, even in challenging situations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the search for Abishag reflect the cultural and societal norms of ancient Israel, and what can we learn from this about God's use of cultural practices? 2. In what ways does Abishag's service to King David illustrate the biblical principle of serving others, and how can we apply this in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Abishag and King David prepare us for the transition of leadership to Solomon, and what does this teach us about trusting God during times of change? 4. Considering the role of beauty in Abishag's selection, how can we ensure that we value inner qualities and character in ourselves and others? 5. How do the events surrounding Abishag and King David connect to the broader account of God's plan for Israel, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty in our personal accounts? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 1:1-4Provides context for the search for Abishag, highlighting King David's frailty and the need for a caregiver. 2 Samuel 5:4-5Reflects on King David's long reign and the transition of power, setting the stage for the events in 1 Kings. Song of Solomon 6:13Mentions Shunem, connecting Abishag to the region known for its beauty and significance in Israel's history. 1 Kings 2:13-25Details the later events involving Adonijah and Abishag, illustrating the political implications of her role. 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 Abishag, Ab'ishag, Beautiful, Border, Borders, Bring, Coasts, Damsel, Fair, Girl, Lady, Maiden, Searched, Searching, Seek, Shunamite, Shunammite, Shu'nammite, Sought, Territory, ThroughoutDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:1-4 5695 girls
5740 virgin 1 Kings 1:3-4 4040 beauty 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 1:3 NIV1 Kings 1:3 NLT1 Kings 1:3 ESV1 Kings 1:3 NASB1 Kings 1:3 KJV
1 Kings 1:3 Commentaries
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