The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her. The girl was unsurpassed in beauty;This phrase introduces Abishag the Shunammite, highlighting her exceptional beauty. In biblical times, physical beauty was often noted as a significant attribute, as seen with figures like Sarah, Rebekah, and Esther. Abishag's beauty is emphasized to underscore her suitability for the role she was to play in King David's court. The mention of her beauty also sets the stage for later events involving Adonijah's request to marry her, which Solomon interprets as a political maneuver ( 1 Kings 2:22). The Shunammite origin suggests she was from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar, which is in the northern part of Israel, indicating the widespread recognition of her beauty. she cared for the king and served him,
Abishag's role was to care for King David in his old age, providing warmth and companionship. This reflects the cultural practices of the time, where a young woman might be brought in to serve an elderly or ailing king. Her service was likely multifaceted, involving personal care and attending to the king's needs. This role is reminiscent of the care provided by Ruth to Naomi, highlighting themes of loyalty and service. The use of the term "served" indicates a position of humility and dedication, which is a recurring theme in Scripture, pointing to the ideal of servanthood exemplified by Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45). but he had no relations with her.
This clarifies that the relationship between David and Abishag was not sexual, which is significant given the cultural context where kings often had multiple wives and concubines. The statement preserves David's integrity in his final days and distinguishes Abishag's role from that of a concubine. This detail is crucial in understanding the later political implications when Adonijah seeks to marry Abishag, as it would have been seen as a claim to the throne. The restraint shown by David here can be contrasted with his earlier life, where his relationships with women led to significant personal and political turmoil (2 Samuel 11). This phrase underscores the theme of purity and the importance of intentions in relationships, aligning with biblical teachings on sexual morality. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe aging king of Israel, who is in need of care due to his frailty. 2. Abishag the ShunammiteA young and beautiful woman chosen to care for King David in his old age. 3. ShunemThe town from which Abishag hails, located in the territory of Issachar. 4. The Royal CourtThe setting where the events unfold, highlighting the political and personal dynamics at play. 5. The Succession CrisisThe broader context of the chapter, where the question of who will succeed David as king is a pressing issue. Teaching Points The Role of ServiceAbishag's role highlights the importance of serving others, especially those in need. In our lives, we are called to serve with humility and dedication. Beauty and PurposeWhile Abishag's beauty is noted, her primary role is one of service. This teaches us that external beauty should not overshadow our purpose and calling in life. Purity and IntegrityDespite the potential for scandal, the text emphasizes that David "had no relations with her." This underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and purity in relationships. Aging and VulnerabilityDavid's need for care in his old age reminds us of the vulnerability that comes with aging and the importance of caring for the elderly in our communities. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe broader context of the succession crisis shows that God is ultimately in control of leadership transitions, and we should trust His timing and choices. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abishag's role in caring for King David reflect the biblical call to serve others, and how can we apply this in our daily lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Abishag and David challenge our understanding of beauty and purpose? 3. How can we maintain purity and integrity in our relationships, as demonstrated by David's conduct with Abishag? 4. What lessons can we learn from David's vulnerability in old age about caring for the elderly in our own communities? 5. How does the succession crisis in 1 Kings 1 remind us of God's sovereignty in leadership, and how can we apply this understanding to current events in our world? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 24The selection of Rebekah for Isaac parallels the choosing of Abishag, emphasizing the importance of beauty and service in biblical accounts. 1 Samuel 16The anointing of David as king, which sets the stage for his eventual decline and the need for a successor. 2 Samuel 11David's past with Bathsheba, contrasting his earlier actions with his current state of abstinence with Abishag. Proverbs 31The description of a virtuous woman, which can be seen in Abishag's role of service and care. 1 Kings 2The continuation of the account, where Solomon's rise to power is solidified, showing the transition from David's 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 Beautiful, Care, Cherished, Cohabit, Companion, Connection, Damsel, Didn't, Fair, Girl, Intimate, Intimately, King's, Lady, Maiden, Ministered, Nurse, Relations, Served, Serveth, Waited, WaitingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 1:4 5977 waiting 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 1:4 NIV1 Kings 1:4 NLT1 Kings 1:4 ESV1 Kings 1:4 NASB1 Kings 1:4 KJV
1 Kings 1:4 Commentaries
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