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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 1:15 So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/1-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/11_1Ki_01_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 1:15 - Nathan and Bathsheba Before David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/1-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/1-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/1-14.htm" title="1 Kings 1:14">◄</a> 1 Kings 1:15 <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm" title="1 Kings 1:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to see the aged king in his room, where Abishag the Shunammite was attending him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went into the king’s bedroom. (He was very old now, and Abishag was taking care of him.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber (now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to the king).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went into the chamber to the king. (Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba entered to the king in the bedroom. Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to the king in his bedroom. Now the king was very old <i>and</i> weak, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was attending to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering unto the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, David was in his bedroom where Abishag was taking care of him because he was so old. Bathsheba went in <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Bathsheba went to the king in his private room. The king was very old, and Abishag from Shunem was taking care of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old, and Abishag, the young woman from Shunem, was taking care of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to the king in his private room. Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba visited the king in his private quarters. (The king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Bathsheba went in to the king into the room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Bath-sheba went to the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunamite ministered to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Bathsheba comes in to the king, [into] the inner chamber, and the king [is] very aged, and Abishag the Shunammite is serving the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Bath-Sheba cometh in unto the king, to the inner chamber, and the king is very aged, and Abishag the Shunammite is serving the king:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Bath-sheba will go in to the king to the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunamite serving the king.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So Bethsabee went in to the king into the chamber: now the king was very old, and Abisag the Sunamitess ministered to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so Bathsheba entered to the king in the bedroom. Now the king was very old, and Abishag, the Shunammite, was ministering to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Bathsheba visited the king in his room. The king was very old, and Abishag the Shunamite was caring for the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to the king in his room. The king was very old; Abishag the Shunammite was attending the king.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So Bath-sheba went in to King David into the chamber; and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shilommite ministered to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Bathsheba entered to King David to the bedroom, and the King was very old, and Abishag the Shilumite was serving the King.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber.--Now the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So Bersabee went in to the king into the chamber: and the king was very old, and Abisag the Somanite was ministering to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/1-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=151" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/1.htm">Nathan and Bathsheba Before David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>Then, while you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words.” <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1339.htm" title="1339: še·ḇe‘ (N-proper-fs) -- From bath and sheba'; daughter of an oath; Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon.">So Bathsheba</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wat·tā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/1339.htm" title="1339: ḇaṯ- (Prep) -- From bath and sheba'; daughter of an oath; Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to see</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/2315.htm" title="2315: ha·ḥaḏ·rāh (Art:: N-ms:: 3fs) -- A chamber, room. From chadar; an apartment.">in his bedroom.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: wə·ham·me·leḵ (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Since the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">was very</a> <a href="/hebrew/2204.htm" title="2204: zā·qên (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be or become old. A primitive root; to be old.">old,</a> <a href="/hebrew/49.htm" title="49: wa·’ă·ḇî·šaḡ (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- My father is a wanderer, an Isr. woman. From 'ab and shagah; father of error; Abishag, a concubine of David.">Abishag</a> <a href="/hebrew/7767.htm" title="7767: haš·šū·nam·mîṯ (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Female inhab. of Shunem. Patrial from Shuwnem; a Shunammitess, or female inhabitant of Shunem.">the Shunammite</a> <a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: mə·šā·raṯ (V-Piel-Prtcpl-fs) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">was serving</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-13.htm">1 Kings 2:13-25</a></span><br />Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. / Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered. / “You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">1 Kings 1:11-14</a></span><br />Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. / Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-28.htm">1 Kings 1:28-31</a></span><br />Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. / And the king swore an oath, saying, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, / I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5-10</a></span><br />At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">1 Kings 1:32-40</a></span><br />Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a></span><br />And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/22-9.htm">1 Chronicles 22:9-10</a></span><br />But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign. / He is the one who will build a house for My Name. He will be My son, and I will be his Father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/29-22.htm">1 Chronicles 29:22-25</a></span><br />That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest. / So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. / All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1-6</a></span><br />Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-24.htm">2 Samuel 12:24-25</a></span><br />Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child / and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-6.htm">Matthew 1:6</a></span><br />and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32-33</a></span><br />He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-9.htm">Matthew 21:9</a></span><br />The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-9.htm">Mark 11:9-10</a></span><br />The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” / “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-38.htm">Luke 19:38</a></span><br />“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Bathsheba went in to the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered to the king.</p><p class="hdg">very old</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">1 Kings 1:2-4</a></b></br> Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm">Abishag</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm">Ab'ishag</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm">Attending</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">Bathsheba</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">Bath-Sheba</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">Bathshe'ba</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-10.htm">Bedroom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-9.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">Ministering</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">Room</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-8.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm">Shunamite</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm">Shunammite</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm">Shu'nammite</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">Abishag</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">Ab'ishag</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-14.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-5.htm">Attending</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Bathsheba</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Bath-Sheba</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm">Bathshe'ba</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">Bedroom</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-6.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-5.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-25.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-13.htm">Ministering</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">Room</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">Shunamite</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">Shunammite</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">Shu'nammite</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-20.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-1.htm">Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">Adonijah, David's darling, usurps the kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">By the council of Nathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">Bathsheba moves the king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-22.htm">And Nathan seconds her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-28.htm">David renews his oath to Bathsheba</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">Solomon, by David's appointment, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm">being anointed king by Zadok and Nathan, the people triumph</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Jonathan bringing the news, Adonijah's guests fly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">Adonijah, flying to the horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom.</b><br>Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, plays a crucial role in the succession narrative of David's kingdom. Her visit to King David in his private quarters signifies the urgency and importance of her mission. The bedroom setting indicates a personal and intimate context, highlighting the gravity of the situation as David's health declines. This moment is pivotal in ensuring Solomon's rightful place as king, fulfilling God's promise to David (<a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-13</a>). Bathsheba's approach to David also reflects the cultural norms of the time, where women, even of high status, needed to navigate the male-dominated court with care and strategy.<p><b>Since the king was very old,</b><br>David's advanced age is emphasized to underscore his frailty and the pressing need for a clear succession plan. His old age is a reminder of the human condition and the inevitable transition of leadership. This context sets the stage for the political maneuvering that follows, as Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempts to claim the throne (<a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5</a>). The mention of David's age also serves as a backdrop for the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, as the promise of an everlasting dynasty is about to be realized through Solomon.<p><b>Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.</b><br>Abishag's role as a caregiver to King David highlights the customs of the time, where a young woman might be brought in to provide warmth and care for an aging king. Her presence is not only practical but also symbolic, representing the transition from the old to the new. Abishag's Shunammite origin connects her to the region of Shunem, a place known for its beauty and fertility, which may also symbolize the vitality and renewal that Solomon's reign would bring. Her service to David, while not romantic, places her in a unique position within the royal household, later becoming a point of contention in the struggle for the throne (<a href="/1_kings/2-13.htm">1 Kings 2:13-25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/bathsheba.htm">Bathsheba</a></b><br>The wife of King David and mother of Solomon. She plays a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne, demonstrating her influence and wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The aging king of Israel, who is in a weakened state. His decision-making at this time is pivotal for the future of the kingdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abishag_the_shunammite.htm">Abishag the Shunammite</a></b><br>A young woman attending to King David. Her presence highlights David's frailty and the need for a successor.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_bedroom_of_king_david.htm">The Bedroom of King David</a></b><br>A private and intimate setting, symbolizing the transition of power and the personal nature of the political intrigue surrounding the succession.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Women in God's Plan</a></b><br>Bathsheba's involvement in securing Solomon's throne demonstrates the significant role women can play in God's purposes. Her wisdom and courage are exemplary.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Godly Counsel</a></b><br>Nathan's advice to Bathsheba underscores the value of seeking and heeding godly counsel, especially in times of uncertainty and transition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_succession.htm">Leadership and Succession</a></b><br>The passage highlights the importance of preparing for leadership transitions with integrity and foresight, ensuring that God's chosen leaders are established.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>Abishag's role, though minor, reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in serving others, even in seemingly small or humble tasks.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_adonijah's_death_justified.htm">If 1 Kings 2:13–25 shows Adonijah requesting Abishag only as a bride, why is his death seen as justifiable, and does this conflict with any moral standards presented in earlier biblical texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_high_places_remain_in_1_kings_15_14.htm">In 1 Kings 15:14, why are the high places said to remain, yet 2 Chronicles 14:3 claims Asa removed them?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_abijam's_mother_named_differently.htm">In 1 Kings 15:2, why does Abijam's mother appear as 'Maachah,' while 2 Chronicles 13:2 identifies her differently?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_asa's_treaty_with_ben-hadad.htm">Does any historical evidence support or contradict Asa's treaty with Ben-hadad of Syria in 1 Kings 15:18-20?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Bathsheba went In unto the king into the chamber</span> [lit. inner chamber, <span class="greek">θάλαμος</span>, <span class="accented">cubiculum penetrale, Buxtorf.</span> Same word <a href="/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/13-10.htm">2 Samuel 13:10</a>] <span class="cmt_word">and the king was very old</span> [the repetition (see ver. 1) is not idle or unmeaning. Here the word refers to feebleness rather than age. It is mentioned to explain David's confinement to his chamber] <span class="cmt_word">and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.</span> [This is introduced to show the king's helplessness. It does not prove that "there was a disinterested witness present" (Rawlinson), for she may have withdrawn, as Bathsheba did presently (ver. 23), and Nathan (ver. 32). It is a graphic touch, painted probably from the life, and by the hand of Nathan, from whom this narrative is derived. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/1-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Bathsheba</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֤בֶע</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇe‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1339.htm">Strong's 1339: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bathsheba -- perhaps 'daughter of oath', the mother of Solomon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתָּבֹ֨א</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to see</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his bedroom.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחַ֔דְרָה</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥaḏ·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2315.htm">Strong's 2315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chamber, room</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Since the king</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was very</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">old,</span><br /><span class="heb">זָקֵ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(zā·qên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2204.htm">Strong's 2204: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abishag</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽאֲבִישַׁג֙</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ḇî·šaḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_49.htm">Strong's 49: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abishag -- 'my father is a wanderer', an Israelite woman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Shunammite</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šū·nam·mîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7767.htm">Strong's 7767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shunammite -- a Shunammitess</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was serving</span><br /><span class="heb">מְשָׁרַ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·šā·raṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> </span><span class="str2">To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/1-15.htm">1 Kings 1:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/1-15.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 1:15 Bathsheba went in to the king into (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/1-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 1:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/1-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 1:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 1:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>