Topical Encyclopedia Ab'ishag is a notable figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the narrative of King David's later years. Her account is primarily found in the First Book of Kings. Ab'ishag was a young woman from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar, and she is most recognized for her role as a caregiver to King David during his old age.Biblical Account: The account of Ab'ishag is introduced in 1 Kings 1:1-4. As King David grew old, he struggled to keep warm, even when covered with blankets. His servants proposed finding a young virgin to attend to the king and keep him warm. Ab'ishag was chosen for this role due to her beauty and youth. The text states: "So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel and found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. The girl was very beautiful, and she cared for the king and served him, but the king had no relations with her." (1 Kings 1:3-4) Ab'ishag's presence in the royal court is significant, as it highlights the customs and practices of the time regarding royal care and the status of women in the king's service. Despite her close proximity to the king, the text explicitly notes that David did not have sexual relations with her, emphasizing her role as a caregiver rather than a concubine or wife. Role in the Succession Narrative: Ab'ishag's account intersects with the political intrigue surrounding the succession of King David. After David's death, his son Solomon ascended to the throne. Adonijah, another son of David, attempted to claim the throne before Solomon's official coronation. After Solomon became king, Adonijah approached Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, with a request to marry Ab'ishag. This request is recorded in 1 Kings 2:13-17: "Then Adonijah son of Haggith came to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. 'Do you come in peace?' she asked. 'Yes, in peace,' he replied. Then he said, 'I have something to say to you.' 'Say it,' she answered. So he continued, 'You know that the kingship was mine and that all Israel expected me to reign. But the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. Now I have just one request of you; do not deny me.' 'State your request,' she told him. And he replied, 'Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.'" (1 Kings 2:13-17) Adonijah's request was politically charged, as marrying a former member of the king's household could be seen as a claim to the throne. Solomon interpreted this request as a threat to his rule and ordered Adonijah's execution, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:22-25. Cultural and Theological Significance: Ab'ishag's account provides insight into the cultural practices of ancient Israel, particularly concerning royal succession and the status of women in the king's court. Her role as a caregiver to King David underscores the importance of personal attendants in the royal household. The narrative also highlights the complexities of political power and the potential for personal relationships to influence royal succession. Ab'ishag's presence in the biblical text, though brief, serves as a catalyst for the events that solidify Solomon's reign. Her account is a reminder of the intricate interplay between personal relationships and political power in the biblical narrative. Concordance Ab'ishag (5 Occurrences)1 Kings 1:3 1 Kings 1:15 1 Kings 2:17 1 Kings 2:21 1 Kings 2:22 Thesaurus Ab'ishag (5 Occurrences)Ab'ishag. Abishag, Ab'ishag. Abishai . Multi-Version Concordance Ab'ishag (5 Occurrences). 1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a beautiful ... /a/ab'ishag.htm - 7k Abishag (5 Occurrences) Abishai (25 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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