What is the meaning of 1 Kings 1:14?

Then

“Then,” (1 Kings 1:14) signals immediate, purposeful action.

• Nathan the prophet is responding to Adonijah’s self-coronation (1 Kings 1:5–10) and Bathsheba’s alarm (1 Kings 1:11–13).

• The word connects Nathan’s plan to God’s promise that Solomon—not Adonijah—would succeed David (1 Chronicles 22:9–10).

• It reminds us that God often orchestrates timely interventions to keep His covenant purposes on track (Esther 4:14; Romans 8:28).

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while you are still there speaking with the king

Nathan instructs Bathsheba to remain in David’s presence.

• Bathsheba’s audience with David (1 Kings 1:15–17) ensures the king hears the threat to Solomon’s throne firsthand.

• Her continued conversation gives Nathan a clear moment to enter, illustrating the value of orderly testimony (Proverbs 25:11–12).

• The scene underscores David’s frailty and need for reliable voices around him (2 Samuel 19:35).

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I will come in after you

Nathan promises personal involvement.

• Prophets did not merely deliver messages; they acted courageously within unfolding events (2 Samuel 12:1; 1 Kings 18:15).

• Nathan’s entrance after Bathsheba shows wise coordination, not manipulation—each witness has a distinct role (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).

• God often sends confirmation through multiple servants to establish clarity (Acts 10:23–29).

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and confirm your words

Nathan will corroborate Bathsheba’s report.

• Scripture teaches, “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; echoed in 2 Corinthians 13:1).

• Nathan’s confirmation protects Bathsheba from accusations of exaggeration and compels David to decisive action (1 Kings 1:22–27).

• Jesus highlighted this principle when He said, “There is another who testifies about Me” (John 5:31–32), showing God’s pattern of multiple witnesses.

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summary

1 Kings 1:14 records Nathan’s strategic, God-honoring plan: Bathsheba would present the crisis to David, Nathan would immediately follow, and together their aligned testimonies would prompt the king to affirm Solomon as heir. The verse illustrates divine timing, cooperative obedience, and the biblical standard of confirming truth by two or three witnesses, all serving God’s faithful fulfillment of His promise to David.