So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand. So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah.Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, plays a significant role in the transition of power from David to Solomon. Her approach to Solomon on behalf of Adonijah, who had previously attempted to claim the throne, highlights the complex family dynamics and political intrigue of the time. Bathsheba's involvement underscores her influence and the respect she commanded as the queen mother. This event occurs in the context of Solomon's early reign, where he is consolidating his power and dealing with potential threats to his kingship. The request she carries for Adonijah is politically sensitive, given Adonijah's previous actions. The king stood up to greet her,
Solomon's act of standing to greet Bathsheba is a gesture of respect and honor, reflecting the high status of the queen mother in the royal court. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the queen mother often held a position of considerable influence and authority. Solomon's respect for Bathsheba is consistent with the biblical commandment to honor one's parents (Exodus 20:12), and it also demonstrates the importance of family loyalty and respect within the Davidic dynasty. bowed to her,
Bowing to Bathsheba further emphasizes Solomon's respect and reverence for his mother. This act of humility by a king towards his mother is significant, as it illustrates the cultural and familial values of the time. It also sets a precedent for the treatment of the queen mother in the kingdom, highlighting her esteemed position. This gesture can be seen as a reflection of the wisdom and humility that Solomon is known for, as he acknowledges the role and influence of his mother in his life and reign. and sat down on his throne.
Solomon sitting on his throne signifies his authority and the formal setting of the royal court. The throne is a symbol of his kingship and the divine mandate he holds as the ruler of Israel. This moment underscores the legitimacy of Solomon's reign, which was established by divine promise and the support of key figures like Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba. The throne also represents the continuity of David's dynasty, as Solomon fulfills the covenantal promise made to David regarding his descendants. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother,
Providing a throne for Bathsheba signifies her elevated status as the queen mother. In the ancient Near East, the queen mother often held a position of power and influence, sometimes acting as an advisor to the king. This act by Solomon not only honors Bathsheba but also publicly acknowledges her role and authority within the kingdom. It reflects the biblical principle of honoring one's parents and the special place of the mother in the family hierarchy. who sat down at his right hand.
Sitting at the king's right hand is a position of honor and authority, often reserved for the most trusted and esteemed individuals. In biblical symbolism, the right hand is associated with power and favor (Psalm 110:1). Bathsheba's placement at Solomon's right hand indicates her significant influence and the trust Solomon places in her. This position can also be seen as a type of the future messianic kingdom, where Jesus Christ, the Son of David, is seated at the right hand of God, signifying His authority and divine favor (Hebrews 1:3). Persons / Places / Events 1. BathshebaThe mother of King Solomon, Bathsheba plays a significant role in the royal court. Her approach to Solomon on behalf of Adonijah highlights her influence and the respect she commands. 2. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the king of Israel. His actions in this verse demonstrate his respect and honor for his mother, as well as his wisdom in handling court matters. 3. AdonijahSolomon's older brother who previously attempted to claim the throne. Bathsheba's intercession for him indicates ongoing political dynamics within the royal family. 4. The ThroneSymbolizes authority and power. Solomon's act of providing a throne for Bathsheba signifies her esteemed position and the honor he bestows upon her. 5. The Right HandA place of honor and authority. Bathsheba sitting at Solomon's right hand underscores her importance and the respect she receives in the kingdom. Teaching Points Honor and Respect for ParentsSolomon's actions remind us of the biblical mandate to honor our parents, recognizing their role and influence in our lives. Wisdom in LeadershipSolomon's respectful and wise handling of court matters serves as a model for godly leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect. The Role of IntercessionBathsheba's intercession for Adonijah highlights the power and importance of interceding for others, especially within family dynamics. Position and AuthorityThe placement of Bathsheba at Solomon's right hand illustrates the significance of recognizing and honoring those who hold positions of influence in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's treatment of Bathsheba reflect the biblical principle of honoring one's parents, and how can we apply this in our own family relationships? 2. In what ways does Bathsheba's role as an intercessor for Adonijah demonstrate the importance of advocacy and mediation within families and communities? 3. How can Solomon's wisdom in leadership, as seen in this passage, be applied to modern-day leadership roles in the church, workplace, or community? 4. What does the placement of Bathsheba at Solomon's right hand teach us about recognizing and honoring authority figures in our lives? 5. How can the principles of respect and honor demonstrated in this passage be applied to our interactions with others, particularly those in positions of influence or authority? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:12The commandment to honor one's father and mother is exemplified in Solomon's respectful treatment of Bathsheba. Proverbs 31:10-31Often attributed to Solomon, this passage describes the virtues of a noble woman, which can be seen in Bathsheba's role and influence. Ephesians 6:1-3Reinforces the importance of honoring parents, a principle Solomon demonstrates in his interaction with Bathsheba. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Account, Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Adonijah's, Bathsheba, Bath-sheba, Bathshe'ba, Behalf, Bowed, Boweth, Caused, Got, King's, Low, Meet, Placeth, Ready, Riseth, Rose, Sat, Seat, Sitteth, Solomon, Speak, Stood, Talk, ThroneDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:19 5156 hand
5487 queen
5581 throne
8471 respect, for human beings 1 Kings 2:12-25 5119 Solomon, life of Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III 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 2:19 NIV1 Kings 2:19 NLT1 Kings 2:19 ESV1 Kings 2:19 NASB1 Kings 2:19 KJV
1 Kings 2:19 Commentaries
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