1 Kings 1:14

Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words.

Behold, while thou yet talkest {H1696} there with the king {H4428}, I also will come in {H935} after {H310} thee, and confirm {H4390} thy words {H1697}.

Right then, while you are still talking with the king, I will also come in after you and confirm what you are saying."

Then, while you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words.”

Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words.

Commentary

1 Kings 1:14 is a pivotal verse in the dramatic narrative of King David's succession. It captures a moment of strategic counsel from Nathan the prophet to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, as they work to secure Solomon's rightful place on the throne amidst political intrigue.

Context

At this point in King David's life, he is old and feeble. His son Adonijah, without David's knowledge or consent, has presumptuously declared himself king, gathering support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:5-7). Nathan the prophet, a loyal advisor and guardian of God's promises, recognizes the grave threat this poses to God's chosen successor, Solomon. Nathan orchestrates a plan with Bathsheba: she is to go to David and remind him of his oath to make Solomon king. Nathan's words in verse 14 assure Bathsheba that he will follow her into the king's chambers to confirm her account, adding undeniable weight and urgency to her plea. This strategic timing is crucial to counter Adonijah's swift, unauthorized ascent.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Wisdom and Intervention: Nathan's plan demonstrates remarkable foresight and wisdom in navigating a delicate political situation. His coordinated effort with Bathsheba was divinely guided to ensure God's will was done.
  • Confirmation of Truth: Nathan's promise to "confirm thy words" highlights the importance of corroboration, especially in matters of royal succession and divine mandate. His prophetic authority would validate Bathsheba's claims.
  • Fulfillment of Divine Promise: Underlying this human drama is God's enduring promise to David regarding his lineage and the establishment of Solomon's kingdom (see 2 Samuel 7:12-13). Nathan and Bathsheba's actions are instrumental in seeing this promise brought to fruition despite obstacles.
  • Loyalty and Action: The verse showcases Nathan's loyalty to David and, more importantly, to God's established order. He takes decisive action to protect the rightful heir.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "confirm" is 'aman (אָמַן), which carries the core meaning of being firm, faithful, trustworthy, or established. From this root comes the word "Amen." When Nathan says he will "confirm" Bathsheba's words, he means he will establish them as true and reliable, giving them authority and weight before the king. His presence and corroboration would make her testimony undeniable and firm.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the importance of wise counsel and timely action in upholding truth and justice. Just as Nathan intervened to ensure God's plan for Solomon was realized, believers today are called to be discerning and proactive in situations where truth is challenged or God's principles are at stake. It reminds us that God often uses human instruments, acting with wisdom and courage, to bring about His purposes. We can learn from Nathan's example of strategic thinking and bold advocacy for what is right, trusting that God can use our efforts to "confirm" His will in the world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 13:1

    ΒΆ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
  • 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 Kings 1:27

    Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed [it] unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?
← Back