What is the meaning of 1 Kings 1:18? But now • The phrase signals an urgent turning point: decisive action is needed today, not later (compare “But now” in 1 Samuel 13:14, where Samuel tells Saul that God is already raising another king). • Bathsheba is alerting David that the present moment demands his attention; God’s covenant promises to David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16) are being challenged right now. behold • “Behold” draws David’s eyes to a reality he has not yet seen, much like the angel’s “behold” to the shepherds in Luke 2:10—something critical is happening behind the scenes. • Bathsheba is not speculating; she is pointing to verifiable facts (1 Kings 1:11 reports Nathan had already confirmed the news). Adonijah has become king • Adonijah, David’s fourth son (2 Samuel 3:4), has seized the throne without David’s blessing, echoing Absalom’s earlier usurpation (2 Samuel 15:10). • His self-coronation fulfills 1 Kings 1:5, where he “exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’” • The statement underscores conflict between human ambition and God’s declared choice of Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). and you, my lord the king • Bathsheba’s respectful address (“my lord the king”) upholds David’s God-given authority (see the identical honorific in 1 Samuel 24:8 when David spares Saul). • Her tone blends submission with firm advocacy for the covenant promise concerning Solomon (1 Kings 1:17). do not know it • David’s physical decline (1 Kings 1:1-4) has left him unaware of palace intrigue, paralleling his ignorance of Absalom’s conspiracy until it was advanced (2 Samuel 15:13). • The phrase stresses that uninformed leadership endangers the flock (Proverbs 27:23), so Bathsheba must act as David’s eyes and ears. summary 1 Kings 1:18 captures a critical moment: Bathsheba urgently informs the aging David that Adonijah has unlawfully seized the throne. Her concise, respectful words highlight the need for immediate action to protect God’s chosen succession through Solomon and preserve the integrity of the Davidic covenant. |
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