1 Kings 1:16

KJV

And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bathsheba {H1339} bowed {H6915}, and did obeisance {H7812} unto the king {H4428}. And the king {H4428} said {H559}, What wouldest thou?

Complete Jewish Bible

Bat-Sheva bowed, prostrating herself to the king. The king asked, "What do you want?"

Berean Standard Bible

And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?”

American Standard Version

And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:16 marks a critical juncture in the royal succession narrative, depicting Bathsheba's formal approach to the aged King David. This seemingly simple exchange, where Bathsheba bows in deep reverence and David inquires about her purpose, is charged with profound significance. It sets the immediate stage for the resolution of the brewing dynastic crisis, as Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet strategically intervene to remind the king of his divine oath regarding Solomon's rightful claim to the throne, thereby ensuring the continuity of God's covenant promises amidst the twilight of David's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Bathsheba's entry into King David's private chamber](/1_kings/1-15 "1 Kings 1:15 - Bathsheba Enters David's Chamber"). The preceding verses have meticulously set the scene: King David is "old and stricken in years," physically frail and perhaps mentally diminished, unable to maintain full control over his kingdom. This vulnerability has created a power vacuum, which David's eldest surviving son, Adonijah, has exploited by presumptuously declaring himself king, gathering support from key figures like Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar, the priest (as detailed in [1 Kings 1:5-10](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-10 - Adonijah's Usurpation Attempt")). Crucially, Adonijah's actions directly threaten the divine promise given to David that his son, Solomon, would succeed him on the throne (see [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David") and [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - David's Charge to Solomon")). Nathan the prophet, aware of Adonijah's coup and David's oath, has orchestrated this urgent visit by Bathsheba to prompt David into action, as outlined in [1 Kings 1:11-14](/1_kings/1-11 "1 Kings 1:11-14 - Nathan's Counsel to Bathsheba").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of "bowing" and doing "obeisance" was a deeply ingrained cultural practice throughout the ancient Near East, signifying profound respect, submission, and recognition of superior authority. It was a formal and often ritualistic gesture, typically involving prostration or bowing low to the ground, especially when approaching a monarch, deity, or high-ranking official. In the context of the Israelite court, even a queen or a favored wife would adhere to such protocols when entering the king's presence, underscoring the absolute authority and majesty of the monarch. This was not merely politeness but a public acknowledgment of the king's supreme status and the supplicant's subordinate position. Bathsheba's adherence to this strict etiquette, even as she was about to deliver a critical, urgent message, highlights the formality of the court and the weight of the moment.
* **Key Themes:** The interaction in this verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it emphasizes **Royal Protocol and Respect for Authority**, showcasing the established norms of interaction within the Israelite monarchy and the deep reverence expected towards the king, even in private settings. Secondly, it subtly but powerfully highlights **David's Diminished State**, as his simple question, "What wouldest thou?", betrays a degree of physical and possibly mental frailty, underscoring the urgency for Bathsheba to clearly articulate the crisis and remind him of his solemn oath. This frailty necessitates external intervention to ensure the divine will is carried out. Finally, and most critically, this verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Royal Succession**. It is the immediate precursor to David's decisive action that will secure Solomon's rightful place on the throne, fulfilling God's covenant promise and averting a potentially catastrophic civil war, thereby demonstrating how God's purposes are often realized through the strategic and faithful actions of His servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bowed (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁחָה (_shachah_) is a foundational term in the Old Testament, meaning "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to worship." It denotes a physical act of lowering the body, often to the ground, as a sign of deep reverence, submission, or homage. While frequently used in the context of worshipping God, it is also employed to describe showing extreme respect to human superiors, such as kings, prophets, or even elders. Bathsheba's action here is not merely a polite nod but a profound gesture of humility and honor, acknowledging David's supreme authority as king, even as she prepares to challenge his inaction. This act underscores the gravity and formality of her appeal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king."**: This clause describes Bathsheba's initial action upon entering David's presence. The repetition of "bowed" and "did obeisance" (which translates the same Hebrew root _shachah_) emphasizes the depth and formality of her reverence. It signifies her respect for David's royal office, even as she is about to deliver a message that will challenge his current state of unawareness and inaction. This formal approach ensures that her subsequent words will be received with due consideration, not as an impertinent intrusion.
* **"And the king said, What wouldest thou?"**: David's response is brief and direct, indicating his awareness of Bathsheba's presence but perhaps a lack of immediate comprehension regarding the urgency or specific purpose of her visit. His question, literally "What to you?" or "What is to you?", reveals his diminished physical or mental state. It highlights his passive role at this moment and necessitates Bathsheba's clear articulation of the crisis and his past promise, setting the stage for his decisive intervention. This question underscores the critical need for an external stimulus to rouse the king to action.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is fully aware of Adonijah's attempted usurpation and Nathan's strategic counsel to Bathsheba, while David remains largely oblivious until Bathsheba's direct address. This creates tension and highlights David's diminished capacity, underscoring the urgency of Bathsheba's mission. Furthermore, Bathsheba's act of bowing and doing **Obeisance** serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of respect for the king's authority, even as that authority is being subtly challenged and redirected by divine providence through human agency. The formality of the court ritual contrasts sharply with the informal, urgent, and potentially chaotic political reality unfolding outside David's chamber.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The scene in 1 Kings 1:16, while seemingly a simple courtly exchange, is deeply imbued with theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of divine promises and human responsibility. It illustrates how God's sovereign plan for the Davidic dynasty, specifically the succession of Solomon, unfolds through the faithful and strategic actions of human agents like Bathsheba and Nathan. Even when the divinely appointed leader (David) is weak or unaware, God's purposes are not thwarted but are brought to fruition through those who remember and act upon His word. This highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency, reminding us that our obedience and wisdom can be instrumental in fulfilling God's will, even in complex and challenging circumstances. The reverence shown to David, despite his frailty, also points to the sanctity of the kingly office, which was divinely ordained.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David Regarding Solomon")
* [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - David's Instruction to Solomon for the Temple")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Bathsheba's respectful and strategic approach to King David, even in his weakened state, teaches us the importance of honoring authority, even when that authority seems compromised or unaware. Her actions demonstrate that effective intervention often requires both deference and directness, coupled with a clear understanding of what is at stake. For us, this translates into exercising wisdom and discernment when addressing those in positions of leadership, whether in the church, workplace, or family. It also reminds us that God's plans are often realized not through grand, miraculous interventions alone, but through the faithful, courageous, and sometimes politically savvy actions of His people. We are called to be vigilant, to discern the times, and to act decisively when God's purposes are at risk, trusting that our obedience, guided by prayer and wisdom, can be instrumental in bringing about His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Bathsheba's respectful approach, despite the urgency of her mission, inform our own interactions with authority figures, especially when we need to deliver difficult truths or advocate for important causes?**
* **In what ways might we, like David, be "unaware" or "diminished" in certain areas, requiring others to bring critical information or prompt us to action for God's purposes?**
* **What "oaths" or "promises" (divine or personal) might we be neglecting that require urgent attention and faithful action, similar to David's forgotten promise to Solomon?**
* **How can we, like Nathan and Bathsheba, act with both wisdom and courage to ensure God's will is done in our spheres of influence, even when it requires strategic intervention?**

### FAQ

**Why was Bathsheba's act of bowing and obeisance so significant?**

Answer: Bathsheba's act of bowing and doing obeisance (prostrating herself) was highly significant because it was a profound cultural gesture of reverence, submission, and honor in the ancient Near East. It was not merely a polite greeting but a formal acknowledgment of the king's supreme authority and majesty. By adhering to this strict courtly protocol, Bathsheba demonstrated her deep respect for David's office, even as she was about to deliver a message that would challenge his current state of inaction and remind him of his solemn oath regarding the succession. This formal approach ensured that her urgent appeal would be received with the appropriate gravity and respect, setting the proper tone for the critical conversation that followed.

**What was the urgency of Bathsheba's visit to King David?**

Answer: The urgency of Bathsheba's visit stemmed from the immediate threat posed by Adonijah, David's eldest living son, who had presumptuously declared himself king and was actively gathering support (as described in [1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Usurpation")). David, being "old and stricken in years," was largely unaware of this coup attempt and the danger it posed to the divinely appointed succession plan for Solomon. Nathan the prophet, realizing the gravity of the situation, orchestrated Bathsheba's visit to remind David of his oath to her that Solomon would be his successor. The immediate threat of Adonijah's coronation meant that any delay could irrevocably alter the course of the kingdom and violate God's covenant with David.

**Did David truly not know about Adonijah's actions, or was he simply too weak to act?**

Answer: The text suggests a combination of David's diminished physical and possibly mental faculties. While he was aware of Adonijah's existence, the narrative implies he was not fully cognizant of the extent of Adonijah's usurpation attempt. [1 Kings 1:6](/1_kings/1-6 "1 Kings 1:6 - Adonijah's Ambition") states that David "had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?" indicating a lack of active parental guidance or discipline. His question, "What wouldest thou?" in [1 Kings 1:16](/1_kings/1-16 "1 Kings 1:16 - David's Question to Bathsheba"), further highlights his passive state. It appears David's extreme age and infirmity had rendered him less attentive and decisive, requiring the intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba to rouse him to action and remind him of his forgotten promise regarding Solomon's succession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The events surrounding 1 Kings 1:16, particularly the crisis of succession and the eventual establishment of Solomon's reign, find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's kingship, though divinely ordained, was imperfect and subject to the frailties of human leadership, as evidenced by his diminished state and temporary unawareness. The promise of an eternal dynasty given to David (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")) ultimately points beyond Solomon to a greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. Unlike David, whose reign began to wane, Jesus's kingship is eternal and unshakeable (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). The strategic intervention of Bathsheba and Nathan to secure Solomon's throne foreshadows the divine plan for the establishment of God's eternal kingdom through Christ, a kingdom not of this world (as Jesus declared in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), but one that will ultimately prevail over all earthly powers and usurpations. Jesus is the true and perfect King, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), whose reign will never end, fulfilling all the promises made to David and ushering in an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace.

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 Samuel 24:8

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

1 Samuel 20:41

[And] as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of [a place] toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

1 Samuel 25:23

And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

1 Kings 1:23

And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.

Matthew 20:21

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Matthew 20:32

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

1 Kings 2:20

Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; [I pray thee], say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.