Why does Solomon initially agree to Bathsheba's request in 1 Kings 2:20? Canonical Setting and Flow of the Narrative 1 Kings 2 opens with David’s final commands to Solomon, followed immediately by Adonijah’s overtures through Bathsheba. The writer places the scene directly after David’s charge so the reader senses the fragility of the new administration. Verse 20—“I have one small request of you; do not refuse me.” The king replied, “Ask it, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” —follows an ancient court-dialogue formula (cf. Esther 5:3; Mark 6:22-23) that frames a petition before the monarch. Bathsheba’s Office as Gebirah (Queen Mother) Archaeological tablets from Mari (ARM X, 7) and Neo-Assyrian court records list the king’s mother among the highest palace officials. In Judah the title “gebirah” (1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chronicles 15:16) designates this role. Her seat at Solomon’s right hand (1 Kings 2:19) signals legal authority. Proper court etiquette demanded public honor: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12;). Solomon’s words therefore reflect covenant obedience and royal protocol. Adonijah’s Previous Coup Attempt Adonijah had already attempted to seize the throne (1 Kings 1:5-10). David spared him on condition of loyalty (1 Kings 1:52). Solomon knows his half-brother’s ambition; thus every request connected with Adonijah carries political weight. The Royal Concubine as a Symbol of Succession Ancient Near-Eastern law (cf. Sumerian “Ur-Nammu Code,” §25) and biblical precedent (2 Samuel 3:7-8; 12:8; 16:21-22) treat the late king’s concubines as dynastic property. Claiming one implies claim to the throne. Abishag the Shunammite, though never carnally joined to David (1 Kings 1:4), was publicly known as the king’s attendant, effectively a royal concubine. Granting her to Adonijah would strengthen his political legitimacy. Filial Courtesy and Initial Assent Solomon’s “I will not refuse you” is a polite formula, not an irrevocable oath. Hebrew lo ashiv panayich (“I will not turn your face away”) expresses willingness to hear rather than unconditional compliance. Similar Eastern formulas were routinely followed by refusal after the petition proved inappropriate (compare Egyptian “Tale of the Two Brothers,” Papyrus d’Orbiney, where a superior first grants a hearing). Strategic Acquiescence: Drawing Out the Plot By promising before hearing, Solomon accomplishes two things: 1. He honors Bathsheba publicly, fulfilling the Fifth Commandment. 2. He forces the conspiratorial party to disclose intentions without suspicion of royal intimidation. The Wisdom Literature often commends hearing a matter in full before judgment (Proverbs 18:13). Solomon lets Bathsheba speak so the plot is self-incriminating. Near-Eastern Parallels in Court Etiquette Hittite treaties (Laws §10) and the Ugaritic Kirta Epic exhibit the king’s mother as intercessor. A public welcome precedes deliberation; subsequent refusal is not considered dishonor. Solomon mirrors this practice. Wisdom and Discernment Displayed Immediately after Bathsheba’s request, Solomon interprets its real intent: “Ask for him the kingdom as well” (v. 22). He perceives the legal symbolism and acts decisively. The episode showcases the wisdom later exemplified in the two-mothers judgment (1 Kings 3:16-28), indicating Solomon’s early capacity for discerning motives. Theological Balance: Honor vs. Covenant Loyalty Honoring parents is subordinate to covenant faithfulness when the two collide (Matthew 10:37). Solomon models this hierarchy: he shows reverence yet protects the Davidic promise (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The episode prefigures Christ’s submission to Mary while prioritizing His Father’s will (Luke 2:49; John 2:4). Practical Takeaways • Courtesy need not compromise conviction. • Wisdom listens fully before ruling. • Family loyalties must serve, not subvert, divine covenant purposes. Answer in Summary Solomon’s initial agreement is a courtly, filial formula expressing readiness to hear, not a binding promise. It honors Bathsheba’s exalted position, exposes Adonijah’s renewed treachery, and allows Solomon to act justly while upholding both the Fifth Commandment and the covenantal stability of David’s throne. |
    |