1 Kings 1:13

Translation
King James Version
Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?
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KJV (with Strong's)
Go H3212 and get thee in H935 unto king H4428 David H1732, and say H559 unto him, Didst not thou, my lord H113, O king H4428, swear H7650 unto thine handmaid H519, saying H559, Assuredly H3588 Solomon H8010 thy son H1121 shall reign H4427 after H310 me, and he shall sit H3427 upon my throne H3678? why then doth Adonijah H138 reign H4427?
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Complete Jewish Bible
Go, get in to see King David, and say to him, 'My lord, king, didn't you swear to your servant, "Your son Shlomo will be king after me; he will sit on my throne"? So why is Adoniyah king?'
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Berean Standard Bible
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?’
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American Standard Version
Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thy handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?
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World English Bible Messianic
Go in to king David, and tell him, ‘Didn’t you, my lord, king, swear to your handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne? Why then does Adonijah reign?’
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Go, and get thee in vnto King Dauid, and say vnto him, Didest not thou, my lorde, O King, sweare vnto thine handmaide, saying, Assuredly Salomon thy sonne shall reigne after me, and he shall sit vpon my throne? why is then Adoniiah King?
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Young's Literal Translation
go and enter in unto king David, and thou hast said unto him, Hast thou not, my lord, O king, sworn to thy handmaid, saying, Surely Solomon thy son doth reign after me, and he doth sit on my throne? and wherefore hath Adonijah reigned?
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See also
1 Kings 1:301 Kings 1:171 Chronicles 22:61 Chronicles 22:13Luke 1:32Luke 1:331 Kings 2:12
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City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of Solomon
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of Solomon View full PDF
Solomon and Adonijah
Solomon and Adonijah View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 8,731 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

1 Kings 1:13 captures the precise and urgent instructions delivered by the prophet Nathan to Bathsheba, compelling her to confront the aging King David. This pivotal verse outlines the strategic appeal Bathsheba must make, reminding David of his solemn oath concerning Solomon's succession and directly challenging the legitimacy of Adonijah's self-proclaimed kingship. It highlights the critical moment when divine promise, royal integrity, and human intervention converge to ensure the rightful heir, Solomon, ascends to the throne, thereby preserving the continuity of the Davidic covenant and the stability of the kingdom.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King David's twilight years, as chronicled in 1 Kings 1. The chapter opens by depicting David's advanced age and physical feebleness, which inherently creates a power vacuum within the royal court. Seizing this opportunity, Adonijah, David's fourth and now eldest surviving son, unilaterally declares himself king, garnering significant support from influential figures such as Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, a prominent priest, as detailed in 1 Kings 1:5-7. In stark contrast, the prophet Nathan, along with Zadok the priest and Benaiah, remains steadfastly loyal to David and to God's established plan for Solomon's succession. Recognizing the immediate and profound threat that Adonijah's usurpation poses to both God's divine will and David's explicit promise, Nathan orchestrates a shrewd, two-pronged approach. He instructs Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, to appeal directly to David, while Nathan himself plans to follow up, thereby ensuring the king is fully informed and prompted to decisive action. Verse 13 provides the exact script Nathan gives to Bathsheba for her urgent and persuasive appeal to the king.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Succession to the throne in ancient Israel was not exclusively dictated by primogeniture, particularly within a divinely chosen dynasty like David's. While the eldest surviving son typically held a strong claim, the reigning king retained the ultimate prerogative to name his successor, often guided by prophetic revelation or divine decree. David had previously received a clear divine promise regarding his lineage and a specific word concerning Solomon's future reign, as evidenced in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and reiterated in 1 Chronicles 22:9-10. In the ancient Near East, a king's oath, especially one made to a subject and concerning the future of the kingdom, was considered profoundly binding and sacred, often invoked with divine witness. Adonijah's actions, therefore, constituted a direct challenge to David's legitimate authority, God's revealed will, and the very stability of the kingdom, carrying the significant risk of civil war. The orchestrated intervention by Nathan and Bathsheba vividly illustrates the vital role of political maneuvering, prophetic counsel, and personal loyalty within the royal court to uphold legitimate authority and divine order.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout 1 Kings 1 and the broader narrative of the Davidic kingdom:
    • Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Ambition: Adonijah's self-exaltation and audacious attempt to seize the throne stand in stark contrast to God's pre-ordained plan for Solomon. This highlights the enduring theological tension that human schemes, no matter how well-supported or strategically executed, cannot ultimately thwart or override divine purpose. God's will for His chosen king will prevail.
    • The Integrity of Royal Promises and Oaths: The very core of Bathsheba's appeal is a direct reminder of David's solemn, sworn word. The passage underscores the profound importance of fidelity to promises, particularly those made by a sovereign, as they carry immense weight and have far-reaching consequences for leadership, national stability, and the fulfillment of divine covenant. A king's word was his bond.
    • The Role of Prophetic Counsel: Nathan's proactive, strategic, and divinely inspired intervention demonstrates the crucial and indispensable role of prophets in ancient Israel. They served not merely as foretellers of the future but as God's spokespersons, guiding kings, holding them accountable to divine law, and ensuring adherence to God's will, even in the most politically charged and volatile environments. His counsel is instrumental in averting a national crisis and ensuring the rightful succession.
    • The Davidic Covenant: The oath concerning Solomon's reign is deeply rooted in God's eternal covenant with David, which promised an enduring dynasty and a perpetual throne. This verse represents a critical moment in the unfolding fulfillment of that covenant, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, thus linking the immediate political crisis to God's overarching redemptive plan.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • swear (Hebrew, shâbaʻ', H7650): This verb means "to seven oneself," implying the making of a solemn, binding oath, often by invoking a divine witness or by repeating a declaration seven times to signify completeness and certainty. It denotes a profound, inviolable commitment, not a casual promise. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king's oath was considered sacred and legally binding, carrying immense weight and moral force. Bathsheba's reminder of David having "sworn" (H7650) to her emphasizes the gravity and personal nature of his commitment to Solomon's succession, making Adonijah's actions a direct affront to David's integrity and God's authority.
  • throne (Hebrew, kiççêʼ, H3678): This noun refers to a "throne (as canopied)," a "seat," or a "stool." More than merely a piece of furniture, the "throne" (H3678) is a potent and universally recognized symbol of royal authority, sovereign power, and legitimate rule. The promise that Solomon would "sit upon my throne" signifies the transfer of full sovereign power and the continuity of the Davidic dynasty. It represents the seat of judgment, administration, and national leadership, making its rightful occupant a matter of both divine decree and national importance for stability and order.
  • reign (Hebrew, mâlak, H4427): This verb means "to rule as king," "to exercise sovereignty," or "to ascend the throne." The question "why then doth Adonijah reign?" directly challenges the legitimacy of Adonijah's exercise of royal power (H4427). It highlights the stark contradiction between David's sworn promise and the current usurpation, demanding an immediate resolution to restore the divinely appointed order and ensure the rightful king assumes his place.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him,": This opening phrase constitutes Nathan's direct, urgent, and precise command to Bathsheba, initiating the strategic intervention. It underscores the immediacy required for the situation and the precise messaging she must deliver to the king, emphasizing the orchestrated nature of their plan.
  • "Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying,": Bathsheba's opening gambit is a powerful rhetorical question designed to appeal directly to David's memory, conscience, and integrity. By addressing him with respectful titles like "my lord, O king," she acknowledges his supreme authority, while humbly referring to herself as "thine handmaid" (H519) reminds him of his deeply personal and binding promise made directly to her.
  • "Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?": This clause precisely reiterates the content of David's solemn oath, emphasizing its certainty and the clear designation of Solomon (H8010) as the divinely appointed successor. It directly links Solomon to the "throne" (H3678), signifying the legitimate transfer of sovereign power and the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, which was crucial for the kingdom's future.
  • "why then doth Adonijah reign?": This is the climactic rhetorical question that exposes the crisis and demands immediate action. It is not a genuine request for information but a forceful challenge to David's apparent inaction and a demand for him to rectify the illegitimate situation. It starkly highlights the blatant contradiction between David's sacred oath and the current reality of Adonijah's (H138) usurpation, compelling the king to fulfill his promise.

Literary Devices

The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgency, dramatic tension, and the gravity of the situation. The primary device is Rhetorical Question, particularly evident in Bathsheba's proposed speech: "Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?" These are not genuine inquiries seeking information but are meticulously crafted to provoke David's memory, conscience, and profound sense of duty, thereby demanding a decisive and immediate response. This form of Interrogation serves to highlight the glaring incongruity between David's solemn, divinely-backed promise and the current, illegitimate usurpation of power. There is also a strong element of Dramatic Irony, as the audience is fully aware of Adonijah's audacious rebellion and David's apparent unawareness or inaction, which creates significant suspense and underscores the critical necessity of Bathsheba's urgent intervention. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as a powerful form of Foreshadowing, as the pointed question posed by Bathsheba directly sets the stage for the immediate resolution of the succession crisis and Solomon's swift and divinely ordained anointing as king.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Kings 1:13 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human leadership falters or is challenged by ambition and political intrigue. David's oath to Bathsheba regarding Solomon's succession was not merely a personal preference or a political maneuver, but was deeply rooted in God's divine decree concerning the Davidic dynasty. The crisis initiated by Adonijah's usurpation highlights the constant tension between human will and divine sovereignty, ultimately demonstrating that God's purposes will prevail despite all obstacles. The prompt and strategic intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba underscores the importance of discerning and actively upholding God's will, particularly when it is threatened by competing claims, spiritual lethargy, or outright rebellion. This passage profoundly affirms that God works through human agents—even in moments of profound political instability and potential chaos—to bring about His sovereign plans, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive purposes through the promised lineage.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The dramatic and pivotal scene in 1 Kings 1:13 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to reflect deeply on the integrity of our own words and commitments. Just as King David's oath was a binding covenant, so too are our promises meant to be upheld with utmost seriousness, reflecting the very faithfulness of God Himself. This passage calls us to examine where we might have made commitments—whether to God, to family, or to community—that we have allowed to lapse or be undermined by competing priorities or distractions. Furthermore, the proactive and courageous intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba serves as a powerful encouragement for us to be spiritually vigilant and courageous, refusing to passively accept situations that contradict God's revealed will or undermine righteous order in our spheres of influence. We are called to discern God's purposes for our lives and communities and to act decisively, with wisdom and spiritual boldness, to see them fulfilled. This might involve speaking truth to power, offering wise and godly counsel, or advocating for justice and righteousness, even when such actions are uncomfortable, challenging, or unpopular. Ultimately, the passage reminds us that God's sovereignty is always at work, even in the midst of human ambition, political intrigue, and personal failings, calling us to trust in His ultimate control and to participate faithfully and actively in His ongoing kingdom work.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does this passage challenge us to uphold our own promises and commitments, especially those made before God or to those we lead?
  • In what areas of our lives might we be called to act decisively to uphold God's truth or will, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular?
  • Who are the "Nathans" (wise, godly counselors) in our lives whose advice we should heed, and how can we be such counselors for others in times of crisis?

FAQ

Why was David's oath to Bathsheba so important, and not just a general promise?

Answer: David's oath to Bathsheba was profoundly important for several interconnected reasons, transcending a mere general promise. Firstly, it was a specific, personal, and almost certainly divinely inspired commitment, affirming that Solomon, not an older son, would succeed him. This was not a casual remark but a solemn declaration, likely made with an invocation of God's name, thereby elevating it to the status of a binding covenant. Secondly, this oath directly fulfilled God's earlier, foundational promise to David concerning his dynasty, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, where God explicitly states, "I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom." This oath, therefore, ensured the continuity of the divinely chosen Davidic line through God's appointed successor, which was crucial for both dynastic stability and the future Messianic hope. Its immense importance is underscored by Nathan's urgent and strategic instruction to Bathsheba to remind David of it, recognizing its unique power to override Adonijah's illegitimate and rebellious claim to the throne.

What was Adonijah's claim to the throne, and why was it illegitimate?

Answer: Adonijah's claim to the throne was primarily based on the principle of primogeniture – he was the eldest surviving son of King David after the deaths of his older brothers Amnon and Absalom. In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, being the eldest surviving son often provided a strong, albeit not always absolute, basis for succession. However, Adonijah's claim was fundamentally illegitimate for several critical reasons. Firstly, King David, guided by divine revelation, had already designated Solomon as his successor and had sworn a solemn oath to that effect, as highlighted in 1 Kings 1:13. This royal prerogative to name a successor, often divinely sanctioned, superseded the general principle of primogeniture. Secondly, Adonijah's actions constituted a self-proclamation and a blatant usurpation of authority while David was still alive, bypassing the reigning king's will and ignoring the clear divine mandate for Solomon. He gathered support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar without David's knowledge or consent, essentially staging a coup. This made his attempt to reign a direct rebellion against both the legitimate, reigning king and, more significantly, against God's chosen plan for the Davidic dynasty.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The dramatic events surrounding Solomon's succession in 1 Kings 1:13, though rooted in ancient Israelite politics and dynastic concerns, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and unchallengeable reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon, the promised son who would sit on David's throne and build the temple, serves as a significant type of the greater Son of David, Jesus, whose kingdom is eternal and whose throne cannot be usurped by any rival. Just as David's solemn oath ensured Solomon's rightful place despite Adonijah's ambitious and illegitimate claim, so too God's eternal promise and divine decree guarantee Christ's universal and everlasting sovereignty. The pointed question posed by Bathsheba, "why then doth Adonijah reign?" finds its ultimate and definitive answer in the triumph of God's perfect plan through Christ. While Solomon's earthly reign eventually faced challenges and ultimately ended, Jesus's reign, prophesied in Luke 1:32-33 as one that "will have no end," is eternal, unassailable, and perfectly righteous. He is the true and ultimate heir of the Davidic covenant, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose authority is not dependent on human oaths or vulnerable to human rebellion. His kingdom is established by divine decree, secured by His atoning work on the cross, and destined to fill the earth, ensuring that no rival can ever sit on His eternal throne.

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Commentary on 1 Kings 1 verses 11–31

We have here the effectual endeavours that were used by Nathan and Bathsheba to obtain from David a ratification of Solomon's succession, for the crushing of Adonijah's usurpation. 1. David himself knew not what was doing. Disobedient children think that they are well enough off if they can but keep their good old parents ignorant of their bad courses; but a bird of the air will carry the voice. 2. Bathsheba lived retired, and knew nothing of it either, till Nathan informed her. Many get very comfortably through this world that know little how the world goes. 3. Solomon, it is likely, knew of it, but was as a deaf man that heard not. Though he had years, and wisdom above his years, yet we do not find that he stirred to oppose Adonijah, but quietly composed himself and left it to God and his friends to order the matter. Hence David, in his Psalm for Solomon, observes that while men, in pursuit of the world, in vain rise early and sit up late, God giveth his beloved (his Jedidiahs) sleep, in giving them to be easy, and to gain their point without agitation, Psa 127:1, Psa 127:2. How then is the design brought about?

I. Nathan the prophet alarms Bathsheba by acquainting her with the case, and puts her in a way to get an order from the king for the confirming of Solomon's title. He was concerned, because he knew God's mind, and David's and Israel's interest; it was by him that God had named Solomon Jedidiah (Sa2 12:25), and therefore he could not sit still and see the throne usurped, which he knew was Solomon's right by the will of him from whom promotion cometh. When crowns were disposed of by immediate direction from heaven, no marvel that prophets were so much interested and employed in that matter; but now that common providence rules the affairs of the kingdom of men (Dan 4:32) the subordinate agency must be left to common persons, and let not prophets intermeddle in them, but keep to the affairs of the kingdom of God among men. Nathan applied to Bathsheba, as one that had the greatest concern for Solomon, and could have the freest access to David. He informed her of Adonijah's attempt (Kg1 1:11), and that it was not with David's consent or knowledge. He suggested to her that not only Solomon was in danger of losing the crown, but that he and she too were in danger of losing their lives if Adonijah prevailed. A humble spirit may be indifferent to a crown, and may be content, notwithstanding the prospect of it, to sit down short of the possession of it. But the law of self-preservation, and the sixth commandment, obliges us to use all possible endeavours to secure our own life and the life of others. Now, says Nathan, let me give thee counsel how to save thy own life and the life of thy son, Kg1 1:12. Such as this is the counsel that Christ's ministers give us in his name, to give all diligence, not only that no man take our crown (Rev 3:11), but that we save our lives, even the lives of our souls. He directs her (Kg1 1:13) to go to the king, to remind him of his word and oath, that Solomon should be his successor; and to ask him in the most humble manner, Why doth Adonijah reign? He thought David was not so cold but this would warm him. Conscience, as well as a sense of honour, would put life into him upon such an occasion as this; and he promised (Kg1 1:24) that, while she was reasoning with the king in this matter, he would come in and second her, as if he came accidentally, which perhaps the king might look upon as a special providence (and he was one that took notice of such evidences, Sa1 25:32, Sa1 25:33), or, at least, it would help to awaken him so much the more.

II. Bathsheba, according to Nathan's advice and direction, loses no time, but immediately makes her application to the king, on the same errand on which Esther came to king Ahasuerus, to intercede for her life. She needed not wait for a call as Esther did, she knew she should be welcome at any time; but it is remarked that when she visited the king Abishag was ministering to him (Kg1 1:15), and Bathsheba took no displeasure either at him or her for it, also that she bowed and did obeisance to the king (Kg1 1:16), in token of her respect to him both as her prince and as her husband; such a genuine daughter was she of Sarah, who obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. Those that would find favour with superiors mush show them reverence, and be dutiful to those whom they expect to be kind to them. Her address to the king, on this occasion, is very discreet. 1. She reminded him of his promise made to her and confirmed with a solemn oath, that Solomon should succeed him, Kg1 1:17. She knew how fast this would hold such a conscientious man as David was. 2. She informed him of Adonijah's attempt, which he was ignorant of (Kg1 1:18): "Adonijah reigns, in competition with thee for the present and in contradiction to thy promise for the future. The fault is not thine, for thou knewest it not; but now that thou knowest it thou wilt, in pursuance of thy promise, take care to suppress this usurpation." She told him who were Adonijah's guests, and who were in his interest, and added, but "Solomon thy servant has he not called, which plainly shows he looks upon him as his rival, and aims to undermine him, Kg1 1:19. It is not an oversight, but a contempt of the act of settlement, that Solomon is neglected." 3. She pleads that it is very much in his power to obviate this mischief (Kg1 1:20): The eyes of all Israel are upon thee, not only as a king, for we cannot suppose it the prerogative of any prince to bequeath his subjects by will (as if they were his goods and chattels) to whom he pleases, but as a prophet. All Israel knew that David was not only himself the anointed of the God of Jacob, but that the Spirit of the Lord spoke by him (Sa2 23:1, Sa2 23:2), and therefore waiting for and depending upon a divine designation, in a matter of such importance, David's word would be an oracle and a law to them; this therefore (says Bathsheba) they expect, and it will end the controversy and effectually quash all Adonijah's pretensions. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king. Note, Whatever power, interest or influence, men have, they ought to improve it to the utmost for the preserving and advancing of the kingdom of the Messiah, of which Solomon's kingdom was a type. 4. She suggested the imminent peril which she and her son would be in if this matter was not settled in David's life-time, Kg1 1:21. "If Adonijah prevail, as he is likely to do (having Joab the general and Abiathar the priest on his side) unless speedily suppressed, Solomon and all his friends will be looked upon as traitors and dealt with accordingly." Usurpers are most cruel. If Adonijah had got into the throne, he would not have dealt so fairly with Solomon as Solomon did with him. Those hazard everything who stand in the way of such as against right force their entrance.

III. Nathan the prophet, according to his promise, seasonably stepped in, and seconded her, while she was speaking, before the king had given his answer, lest. if he had heard Bathsheba's representation only, his answer should be dilatory and only that he would consider of it: but out of the mouth of two witnesses, two such witnesses, the word would be established, and he would immediately give positive orders. The king is told that Nathan the prophet has come, and he is sure to be always welcome to the king, especially when either he is not well or has any great affair upon his thoughts; for, in either case, a prophet will be, in a particular manner, serviceable to him. Nathan knows he must render honour to whom honour is due, and therefore pays the king the same respect now that he finds him sick in bed as he would have done if he had found him in his throne: He bowed himself with his face to the ground, Kg1 1:23. He deals a little more plainly with the king than Bathsheba had done. In this his character would support him, and the present languor of the king's spirits made it necessary that they should be roused. 1. He makes the same representation of Adonijah's attempt as Bathsheba had made (Kg1 1:25, Kg1 1:26), adding that his party had already got to such a height of assurance as to shout, God save king Adonijah, as if king David were already dead, taking notice also that they had not invited him to their feast (Me thy servant has he not called), thereby intimating that they resolved not to consult either God or David in the matter, for Nathan was secretioribus consiliis - intimately acquainted with the mind of both. 2. He makes David sensible how much he was concerned to clear himself from having a hand in it: Hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me? (Kg1 1:24), and again (Kg1 1:27), "Is this thing done by my lord the king? If it be, he is not so faithful either to God's word or to his own as we all took him to be; if it be not, it is high time that we witness against the usurpation, and declare Solomon his successor. If it be, why is not Nathan made acquainted with it, who is not only in general, the king's confidant, but is particularly concerned in this matter, having been employed to notify to David the mind of God concerning the succession; but, if my lord the king knows nothing of the matter (as certainly he does not), what daring insolence are Adonijah and his party guilty of!" Thus he endeavoured to incense David against them, that he might act the more vigorously for the support of Solomon's interest. Note, Good men would do their duty if they were reminded of it, and put upon it, and told what occasion there is for them to appear; and those who thus are their remembrancers do them a real kindness, as Nathan here did to David.

IV. David, hereupon, made a solemn declaration of his firm adherence to his former resolution, that Solomon should be his successor. Bathsheba is called in (Kg1 1:28), and to her, as acting for and on behalf of her son, the king gives these fresh assurances. 1. He repeats his former promise and oath, owns that he had sworn unto her by the Lord God of Israel that Solomon would reign after him, Kg1 1:30. Though he is old, and his memory begins to fail him, yet he remembers this. Note, An oath is so sacred a thing that the obligations of it cannot be broken, and so solemn a thing that the impressions of it, one would think, cannot be forgotten. 2. He ratifies it with another, because the occasion called for it: As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, even so will I certainly do this day, without dispute, without delay. His form of swearing seems to be what he commonly used on solemn occasions, for we find it, Sa2 4:9. And it carries in it a grateful acknowledgment of the goodness of God to him, in bringing him safely through the many difficulties and hardships which had lain in his way, and which he now makes mention of to the glory of God (as Jacob, when he lay a dying, Gen 48:16), thus setting to his seal, from his own experience, that that was true which the Spirit of the Lord spoke by him. Psa 34:22, The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants. Dying saints ought to be witnesses for God, and speak of him as they have found. Perhaps he speaks thus, on this occasion, for the encouragement of his son and successor to trust in God in the distresses he also might meet with.

V. Bathsheba receives these assurances (Kg1 1:31), 1. With great complaisance to the king's person; she did reverence to him; while Adonijah and his party affronted him. 2. With hearty good wishes for the king's health; Let him live. So far was she from thinking that he lived too long that she prayed he might live for ever, if it were possible, to adorn the crown he wore and to be a blessing to his people. We should earnestly desire the prolonging of useful lives, however it may be the postponing of any advantages of our own.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–31. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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