1 Kings 1:13

KJV

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?

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}?

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?'

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?’

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?

Commentary

### 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](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession Crisis"). 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](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Self-Proclamation and Supporters"). 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](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David") and reiterated in [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "Solomon Chosen to Build the Temple"). 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](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession Crisis") 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'_):** From 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_):** From 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_):** From 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.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "God's Oath to David")
* [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "Solomon Chosen to Build the Temple")

### 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](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David"), 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](/1_kings/1-13 "Nathan's Instructions to Bathsheba"). 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](/luke/1-32 "The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary") 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](/revelation/19-16 "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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 1:30

Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.

1 Kings 1:17

And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, [saying], Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.

1 Chronicles 22:6

¶ Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.

1 Chronicles 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

1 Kings 2:12

¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.