Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. New Living Translation King David was now very old, and no matter how many blankets covered him, he could not keep warm. English Standard Version Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. Berean Standard Bible Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. King James Bible Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. New King James Version Now King David was old, advanced in years; and they put covers on him, but he could not get warm. New American Standard Bible Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with garments, but he could not keep warm. NASB 1995 Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm. NASB 1977 Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm. Legacy Standard Bible Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm. Amplified Bible Now King David was old, advanced in years; they covered him with clothes, but he could not get warm. Christian Standard Bible Now King David was old and advanced in age. Although they covered him with bedclothes, he could not get warm. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now King David was old and getting on in years. Although they covered him with bedclothes, he could not get warm. American Standard Version Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Contemporary English Version King David was now an old man, and he always felt cold, even under a lot of blankets. English Revised Version Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. GOD'S WORD® Translation King David had grown old, and although he was covered with blankets, he couldn't get warm. Good News Translation King David was now a very old man, and although his servants covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. International Standard Version When David had grown very old, they covered him with blankets, but he could not keep warm, NET Bible King David was very old; even when they covered him with blankets, he could not get warm. New Heart English Bible Now king David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he couldn't keep warm. Webster's Bible Translation Now king David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he got no heat. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. World English Bible Now King David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he couldn’t keep warm. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd King David [is] old, entering into days, and they cover him with garments, and he has no heat, Young's Literal Translation And king David is old, entering into days, and they cover him with garments, and he hath no heat, Smith's Literal Translation And king David was old, going in days; and they will cover him with garments, and he will not be warm. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow king David was old, and advanced in years: and when he was covered with clothes, he was not warm. Catholic Public Domain Version Now king David had become elderly, and he had many days in his lifetime. And though he was covered with clothes, he was not warmed. New American Bible When King David was old and advanced in years, though they covered him with blankets he could not get warm. New Revised Standard Version King David was old and advanced in years; and although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNOW King David was old and well advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not get warm. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And King David, he was old, and had entered into years, and they were covering him with clothing and he did not feel warm . OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now King David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he could get no heat. Brenton Septuagint Translation And king David was old and advanced in days, and they covered him with clothes, and he was not warmed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abishag Cares for David1Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. 2So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.”… Cross References 2 Samuel 5:4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. 1 Chronicles 23:1 When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel. 1 Chronicles 29:28 He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place. 2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 13:39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death. 2 Samuel 19:9-10 And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” 2 Samuel 21:15-17 Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” 1 Kings 2:10-11 Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. / The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 29:26-27 David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. / The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 3:39 And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!” 2 Samuel 15:3-4 Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” / And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” 2 Samuel 16:21-22 Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 2 Samuel 17:1-2 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king 2 Samuel 19:32-35 Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. / The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” / But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? ... 2 Samuel 23:1 These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: Treasury of Scripture Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he got no heat. 2 Samuel 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 1 Chronicles 23:1 So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. 1 Chronicles 29:27,28 And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem… Genesis 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Genesis 24:1 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. Joshua 23:1,2 And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age… Jump to Previous Advanced Age Although Body Clothes Cold Cover Covered Covers David Entering Far Garments Gat Heat Obtained Stricken Warm WarmthJump to Next Advanced Age Although Body Clothes Cold Cover Covered Covers David Entering Far Garments Gat Heat Obtained Stricken Warm Warmth1 Kings 1 1. Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age5. Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom 11. By the council of Nathan 15. Bathsheba moves the king 22. And Nathan seconds her 28. David renews his oath to Bathsheba 32. Solomon, by David's appointment, 38. being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph 41. Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly 50. Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon Now King David was old and well along in years King David, the second king of Israel, is now in the twilight of his life. His reign has been marked by significant achievements, including the unification of Israel and Judah and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. David's age signifies a transition period for Israel, as leadership will soon pass to the next generation. This phrase sets the stage for the events that follow, highlighting the need for a successor. David's age is also a reminder of the human condition and the inevitability of aging, even for a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). and though they covered him with blankets he could not keep warm Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe central figure in this verse, David is the second king of Israel, known for his heart for God, his military conquests, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the nation's capital. At this point in the account, he is elderly and frail. 2. Jerusalem While not mentioned directly in this verse, Jerusalem is the city where David reigned and where these events are taking place. It is significant as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 3. David's Servants Though not named in this verse, David's servants play a role in attempting to care for him by covering him with blankets to keep him warm. Teaching Points The Reality of AgingAging is a natural part of life, even for those who are greatly used by God. David's frailty reminds us of the temporal nature of our earthly bodies. Dependence on God As physical strength diminishes, our dependence on God should increase. David's life exemplifies a reliance on God throughout all stages of life. Leadership Transition The transition of leadership is inevitable. This verse sets the stage for the transition from David to Solomon, reminding us of the importance of preparing the next generation. Care for the Elderly The efforts of David's servants to keep him warm highlight the importance of caring for the elderly and vulnerable in our communities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 1:1?2. How does David's condition in 1 Kings 1:1 reflect human frailty and mortality? 3. What lessons can we learn from David's aging about preparing for leadership transitions? 4. How does 1 Kings 1:1 connect to God's faithfulness in David's life journey? 5. In what ways can we support elderly leaders in our church community today? 6. How does David's situation in 1 Kings 1:1 encourage reliance on God's strength? 7. Why was King David unable to stay warm in 1 Kings 1:1 despite his many blankets? 8. What does King David's frailty in 1 Kings 1:1 symbolize about human mortality and leadership? 9. How does 1 Kings 1:1 reflect on the transition of power in biblical history? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1? 11. How credible is the account of David’s old age and his inability to stay warm in 1 Kings 1:1–4, given the practice of using a young attendant for warmth? 12. Why did Solomon execute Adonijah for requesting Abishag? 13. Who cared for King David in his old age? 14. Who was Abishag in the Bible? What Does 1 Kings 1:1 Mean Now– The verse opens with the small but weighty word “Now,” signaling a fresh chapter in Israel’s story while remaining firmly connected to what came before. The narrative flow moves straight from the closing scenes of 2 Samuel—David’s census and its aftermath—into the final days of the same king’s life. – Scripture often marks turning points with “now” (e.g., Genesis 11:1; Joshua 1:1). It invites the reader to pause and recognize a divinely ordered transition: a season is ending, and another is about to dawn. King David – God’s anointed ruler, the man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), is still center stage. – Cross references: 2 Samuel 7:8-16 shows God’s covenant with David; 1 Chronicles 28:4 recalls how the Lord chose him from Jesse’s sons. The covenant promises stand firm even when the king weakens. – The mention of “King” underscores that David remains Israel’s legitimate monarch until his last breath, countering any later claims that his failing health voided his authority. Was old and well along in years – The phrase “well along in years” (literally “advanced in days”) highlights physical aging in its fullest sense. – 1 Chronicles 23:1 echoes this moment: “When David was old and full of years…” Abraham (Genesis 24:1) and Joshua (Joshua 23:1-2) faced similar descriptions. Scripture treats old age as an honorable season, yet it also records its limits without hiding them. – Practical implications: the kingdom will soon require new leadership. This line sets up Solomon’s succession (1 Kings 1:28-39) and exposes the urgency behind Adonijah’s later grab for power (1 Kings 1:5-7). Though they covered him with blankets – Servants attempt the obvious remedy—piling on extra warmth. The king’s house is attentive; his weakness is not due to neglect. – Ecclesiastes 4:11 notes, “How can one keep warm alone?” Here, even a royal staff and plenty of coverings prove insufficient. God allows human solutions to reach their limit so His purposes move forward (compare 2 Corinthians 12:9, where weakness sets the stage for divine strength). – The detail is historical and literal, reminding us the Bible records concrete reality, not myth. He could not keep warm – Circulation fails; the body that once slew Goliath can no longer regulate its temperature. This symptom embodies the broader frailty of life described in Ecclesiastes 12:1-5. – Psalm 71:9 voices the elderly believer’s plea: “Do not cast me off in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.” David’s condition fulfills his own earlier song. – The inability to stay warm propels the caregivers to seek Abishag the Shunammite (1 Kings 1:2-4), a culturally accepted practice for therapeutic warmth and care in that era. Yet the text carefully notes there was no sexual union (v. 4), preserving the integrity of the aging king. summary 1 Kings 1:1 paints a candid portrait of Israel’s greatest earthly king at the threshold of death. The simple report—David is old, covered with blankets, still cold—anchors the coming political drama in undeniable human frailty. God’s covenant remains sure, but His servant’s body is fading. From this gentle yet pointed introduction, the chapter will unfold a divinely guided transfer of power, reminding every reader that kingdoms rise and fall, but the Lord’s purposes stand firm forever (Psalm 33:11). (1) Now king David.--"Now" is the simple illative conjunction "and," found at the beginning of all the historical books (Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, &c.). It marks the general conception of the unity of the whole history, but implies nothing of special connection of time or authorship with the books of Samuel. In fact, although these books are in some sense the continuation of the former, yet the narrative is hardly continuous. The history passes at once to the closing scene of David's life, leaving a comparative blank in the period succeeding the restoration after the defeat of Absalom--a blank which is partly filled up in the later books (1 Chronicles 22-29).Stricken in years--about seventy years old. Since "clothes" mean "bed-clothes," the meaning is that the King was now too feeble to rise from his bed. His life began its responsibilities early; it had been hard and trying; and, as the history shows, not wholly free from self-indulgence. Hence, at no excessive age, its complete decrepitude. Verse 1. - Now [Hebrews and, but "now" more nearly expresses the import of the original, for ו has here little or no connecting force. It is commonly found at the beginning of a book (as in Exodus, Leviticus, Joshua, Judges, 2 Samuel, Ruth, etc.), and that where there is no connection whatever with any earlier writing (as in Esther, Ezekiel, Jonah, etc.) It can hardly imply, therefore, "that the historian regards his work as a continuation of a preceding history" (Rawlinson), nor is there any need to suppose that it has been taken from a writing containing the earlier history of David." Keil] King [Hebrews the king. The frequent use of this title, "King David," "King Solomon," "King Asa," etc., is characteristic of our author. The expression is not unknown in 2 Samuel, but it occurs so rarely as to constitute a distinction (not a link, as Wordsworth) between that book and the Kings.] David was old [yet 2 Samuel 5:4, 5, shows that he cannot have been more than seventy. (He was thirty at his accession; his reign at Hebron lasted seven years and a half; at Jerusalem thirty-three years.) Rawlinson says, "the Jews at this time were not long lived." Certainly, the Jewish kings were not. Only David, Solomon, and Manasses exceeded threescore] and stricken [Hebrews gone, i.e., advanced] in years. [A common expression, only found with זָקֵןas in Genesis 18:11; Genesis 24:1; Joshua 13:1, etc.] And they covered him with clothes [lit. coverings. בֶּגֶד is used of any covering, whether of the person (Genesis 39:12; 1 Kings 22:10), or the bed (1 Samuel 19:13), or even a table (Numbers 4:6). Indeed, the outer garment was used, at least by the poor, for a covering at night (Exodus 22:27). The context (ver. 47) shows that bedclothes are intended here] but he gat no heat. [A common experience of the aged. David's early hardships and later sorrows and anxieties appear to have aged him prematurely. Possibly he was also afflicted with disease.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now Kingוְהַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (wə·ham·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse was old זָקֵ֔ן (zā·qên) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2204: To be or become old and advanced בָּ֖א (bā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go in years, בַּיָּמִ֑ים (bay·yā·mîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day and though they covered him וַיְכַסֻּ֙הוּ֙ (way·ḵas·su·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover with blankets, בַּבְּגָדִ֔ים (bab·bə·ḡā·ḏîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage he could not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no get warm. יִחַ֖ם (yi·ḥam) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3179: To be hot, to conceive Links 1 Kings 1:1 NIV1 Kings 1:1 NLT 1 Kings 1:1 ESV 1 Kings 1:1 NASB 1 Kings 1:1 KJV 1 Kings 1:1 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 1:1 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 1:1 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 1:1 French Bible 1 Kings 1:1 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 1:1 Now king David was old and stricken (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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