The Bible Says
1 Kings 1:15-21 Meaning

1 Kings 1:15-21 begins by saying So Bathsheba went in to the king in the bedroom. Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering to the king (v. 15). Here we witness a scene of urgent concern. David’s weakened condition is emphasized by mentioning his advanced age, and Bathsheba comes before him because the royal succession is at stake. Bathsheba is the wife of David and mother of Solomon; historically, David reigned as King of Israel around 1010-970 BC, and at this point he was in the latter phase of his life. Shunem, where Abishag was from, lay in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the valley of Jezreel, illustrating the breadth of David’s kingdom. Her presence underscores the king’s frailty, as she was attending to his physical needs.

This setting is in Jerusalem, the political and spiritual capital where David established his throne. Jerusalem sits on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. Bathsheba’s approach to the king’s bedroom indicates both a private space and an urgent matter. The narrative sets the stage for the request Bathsheba is about to present, one that will affect Israel’s leadership and ultimately tie into the lineage that leads to Jesus (Matthew 1:6).

Continuing in verse 16, we read Then Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself before the king. And the king said, “What do you wish?” (v. 16). Bathsheba’s reverence highlights David’s still-recognized authority despite his age. Her posture of humility also reveals her trust in David’s sense of justice and righteousness, recalling how David had been chosen as king over Israel many years prior.

By asking her, “What do you wish?” David invites Bathsheba to speak freely, demonstrating that the king remains attentive to his obligations. Although frail, David still carries the power to remedy the crisis. Bathsheba bows at this pivotal moment because she must address a succession threat that challenges the promise made regarding Solomon’s future as king.

Next, She said to him, “My lord, you swore by the LORD your God to your maidservant, saying, ‘Surely your son Solomon shall be king after me and he shall sit on my throne.’” (v. 17). Bathsheba reminds David of the oath he made under the authority of the LORD. This anchors her appeal in spiritual and moral grounds, not merely political ones. The significance of calling upon God’s name is that David’s word stands on a divine guarantee, making any attempt to undermine Solomon’s succession an affront to both the king and the LORD. David proclaimed to all the heads of Israel that Solomon will be the son that succeeds him.

"Of all my sons (for the LORD has given me many sons), He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the one who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be a son to Me, and I will be a father to him"
(1 Chronicles 28:5-6)

Solomon’s ascension is not just about personal ambition; it plays a crucial part in the story that eventually ties into the Messiah, Jesus, referred to as the “Son of David” (Matthew 21:9). Bathsheba’s confidence in David’s word exemplifies the covenantal seriousness with which Israel approached kingship and governance.

Scripture then records: Now, behold, Adonijah is king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know it (v. 18). Bathsheba reveals that Adonijah, another son of David, has already set himself up as ruler. This indicates a crisis: the kingdom faces a potential split or a rebellion if David’s decision about the rightful successor is not made clear. Adonijah’s actions have dire consequences for Bathsheba and Solomon, especially if David’s promise remains unacknowledged in public.

Adonijah was one of David’s older sons, likely seeing an opportunity in David’s declining health to take the throne. By proclaiming himself, Adonijah overlooks David’s vow concerning Solomon. This pattern of power struggle within David’s family echoes the broader biblical theme of human ambition versus God’s purposes, reminding readers that God’s promises stand firm even when challenged (Proverbs 19:21).

Next, verse 19 tells us He has sacrificed oxen and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king and Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army, but he has not invited Solomon your servant (v. 19). These sacrifices were festive and celebratory, likely part of a coronation feast. By excluding Solomon, Adonijah makes explicit his intent to claim the throne without rival.

Bathsheba’s words reveal how Adonijah seeks endorsement from influential political and religious figures (Joab and Abiathar), an arrangement designed to legitimize his rule. Leaving Solomon off the guest list is a defiant move, indicating that Adonijah attempts to brush aside David’s stated desire and the LORD’s sovereign plan. This disregard sets the stage for conflict within the royal house.

Then in verse 20, Bathsheba implores David: As for you now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him (v. 20). She underscores that the entire nation watches David’s decision. Her words reflect the Israelite expectation that David, though old, must publicly affirm his oath for Solomon. The eyes of Israel being on David also ties back to his calling as a shepherd-king, one responsible to lead the people faithfully.

The high stakes of Israel's leadership transition remind us that the well-being of the kingdom hinges on the king’s steadfastness to follow the Lord’s direction. Bathsheba’s plea is urgent because, without David’s immediate action, the momentum behind Adonijah’s movement will likely escalate. Underscoring her concern, Bathsheba reminds David that his voice still holds the authority to direct the course of Israel’s future.

Finally, verse 21 declares Otherwise it will come about, as soon as my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be considered offenders (v. 21). Bathsheba’s warning highlights the grave danger she and Solomon face if Adonijah’s claim goes unchallenged. The term “sleeps with his fathers” refers to David’s impending death, an event that would remove what protection Bathsheba and Solomon might otherwise enjoy under David’s rule.

Bathsheba’s sobering statement shows the personal risk involved for her and her son. Should David fail to act, their lives could be deemed treasonous in a future Adonijah-led kingdom. This tension underscores how the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises in Israel so often stands on a precipice, waiting on faithfulness and obedience, while God ultimately brings about His redemptive plan (Romans 8:28).