1 Kings 1:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore his servants {H5650} said {H559} unto him, Let there be sought {H1245} for my lord {H113} the king {H4428} a young {H5291} virgin {H1330}: and let her stand {H5975} before {H6440} the king {H4428}, and let her cherish {H5532} him, and let her lie {H7901} in thy bosom {H2436}, that my lord {H113} the king {H4428} may get heat {H2552}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His servants said to him, "Let us try to find a young virgin for my lord the king. She can wait on the king and be a companion for him, and she can lie next to you, so that my lord the king will get some heat."

Berean Standard Bible

So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.”

American Standard Version

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 cherish him; and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 1:2 immediately introduces the advanced age and physical frailty of King David, establishing the critical context for the ensuing succession narrative. In response to the king's inability to retain body heat, his servants propose a practical, albeit culturally specific, remedy: to find a young virgin to attend to him, offering warmth and comfort. This seemingly simple medical solution subtly underscores David's diminished capacity, setting the stage for the dramatic power struggles that will define the opening chapters of the book and ultimately determine the future of the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate opening of the First Book of Kings, transitioning directly from the conclusion of 2 Samuel, which chronicled David's reign. The narrative of 2 Samuel ends with David's final acts and a sense of his aging, but 1 Kings 1:1-4 provides a stark and immediate portrayal of his physical decline. This physical state is not merely a detail but the catalyst for the entire succession crisis that follows. David's inability to keep warm symbolizes his waning power and vitality, creating a vacuum that his sons, particularly Adonijah and Solomon, will vie to fill. The introduction of Abishag the Shunammite in [1 Kings 1:3](/1_kings/1-3 "1 Kings 1:3 - Abishag Introduced") is a direct consequence of the advice given in this verse, and her presence becomes symbolically significant in the later political machinations, as seen in [1 Kings 2:13-25](/1_kings/2-13 "1 Kings 2:13-25 - Adonijah's Request and Execution").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many pre-modern societies, advanced age often brought physical ailments, and the concept of "body heat" was understood as vital for life and health. The practice described—co-sleeping with a younger, healthy individual to transfer warmth—was a recognized, though perhaps unusual, form of therapeutic care for the elderly or infirm. This was not necessarily intended for sexual intimacy, especially given David's extreme frailty, but rather as a practical medical remedy to prolong life and provide comfort. The role of the "young virgin" (later Abishag) was akin to a nurse or personal attendant, a position of close proximity to the monarch that could carry significant political implications within the royal court. The king's physical well-being was intrinsically linked to the stability and perceived strength of the kingdom itself.
* **Key Themes:** The verse immediately introduces the theme of **human frailty and mortality**, even for a divinely chosen king like David, reminding readers that all flesh is grass, as echoed in [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - All Flesh is Grass"). It also highlights the critical theme of **transition of power**, as David's physical decline directly precipitates the succession crisis that dominates the early chapters of 1 Kings. The proposed solution reflects ancient **medical and societal practices**, offering a glimpse into the pragmatic, albeit culturally bound, approaches to care for the elderly in that era. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **royal succession and court intrigue**, where even seemingly domestic matters can have profound political ramifications, as demonstrated by Adonijah's later attempt to claim Abishag, which was perceived as a claim to the throne (see [1 Kings 2:22](/1_kings/2-22 "1 Kings 2:22 - Solomon's Response to Adonijah's Request")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"cherish" (Hebrew, _sakan'_):** This word (סָכַן) carries the primary meaning of "to be profitable," "to be useful," or "to minister to." In this context, it denotes dedicated service, care, and attendance, emphasizing that Abishag's role was primarily one of nursing, providing comfort, and being beneficial to David's health, rather than a marital or conjugal relationship. It implies an active, helpful presence.
* **"bosom" (Hebrew, _cheq'_):** The Hebrew word (חֵיק) refers to the lap, chest, or inner part of the body. When used in the phrase "lie in thy bosom," it signifies close physical proximity and intimacy, not necessarily sexual, but rather a position of closeness and warmth, consistent with the stated purpose of generating heat. It highlights the direct physical contact intended for therapeutic purposes.
* **"get heat" (Hebrew, _yicham'_):** Derived from the root (יָחַם), meaning "to be hot" or "to become warm," this phrase clearly articulates the primary objective of the proposed arrangement. It underscores the physiological need David's servants were attempting to address, indicating a practical, medical rationale behind their advice. This specific purpose distinguishes the arrangement from a typical marital or concubine relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore his servants said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the source of the advice: David's loyal, concerned, and perhaps politically astute, attendants. Their initiative underscores the severity of David's condition and the urgency of the situation, as well as their role in managing the king's affairs.
* **"Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin:"**: The proposed solution is specific: a "young virgin." The emphasis on youth and virginity likely points to her vitality, purity, and ability to provide warmth, as well as ensuring that her presence would not complicate the already delicate matter of royal succession by introducing potential heirs.
* **"and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him,"**: This describes her primary duties: to be in constant attendance ("stand before the king") and to diligently care for him ("cherish him"). This reinforces her role as a dedicated nurse or attendant, focused on the king's well-being and comfort.
* **"and let her lie in thy bosom,"**: This specifies the method of care, indicating close physical contact. As discussed, this was for the purpose of direct bodily heat transfer, a common, albeit unusual by modern standards, therapeutic practice for the elderly or infirm in ancient times.
* **"that my lord the king may get heat."**: This final clause explicitly states the sole purpose of the arrangement: to restore and maintain the king's body temperature. It clarifies the medical, rather than sexual or marital, intent behind the servants' counsel, focusing entirely on David's physical health.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as David's physical decline and the need for external warmth directly foreshadow the impending succession crisis and the political "coldness" that will grip the kingdom. His inability to generate heat symbolizes his waning power and the vulnerability of the throne. There is also a subtle use of **Symbolism**, where David's aging body becomes a symbol for the state of the kingdom itself—old, vulnerable, and in need of new, vigorous leadership. The specific remedy suggested, while practical, also highlights the **Irony** of a mighty king, once a warrior and a man after God's own heart, now reduced to needing a young woman's physical warmth to survive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully reminds us of the universal reality of human frailty and mortality, even for those divinely chosen and greatly blessed like King David. It underscores that all human life, regardless of status or achievement, is subject to the natural processes of aging and physical decline. This vulnerability serves as a poignant theological reminder that ultimate strength and sustenance come not from human power or remedies, but from God alone. The care shown by David's servants, while rooted in ancient practices, reflects a timeless principle of compassion and responsibility towards the elderly and infirm, a value consistently upheld in biblical teaching. The physical state of the king also has profound implications for the spiritual and political health of the nation, illustrating how personal circumstances, even within leadership, can significantly impact the broader community and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

* [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life"): "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
* [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Respect for the Elderly"): "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord."
* [2 Corinthians 4:16](/2_corinthians/4-16 "2 Corinthians 4:16 - Renewed Day by Day"): "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of King David, once a mighty warrior and beloved psalmist, now frail and in need of warmth, serves as a profound meditation on the human condition. It invites us to reflect on our own mortality and the inevitability of physical decline, regardless of our earthly achievements or status. This passage challenges us to cultivate compassion and practical care for the elderly and infirm in our communities, recognizing their inherent dignity and worth, and to consider how we can best support them in their vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of wise and timely transitions in leadership, both in personal and corporate spheres, preparing for the future with foresight and humility. Ultimately, David's physical need points to a deeper spiritual need for warmth, comfort, and life that only God can truly provide, urging us to rely on His enduring strength rather than fleeting human solutions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's physical vulnerability challenge our perceptions of strength and leadership?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, better demonstrate compassionate care for the elderly and infirm today?**
* **What lessons about leadership transition and preparing for the future can we draw from this historical account?**
* **How does David's physical need for warmth prompt us to consider our own spiritual needs for warmth, comfort, and life from God?**

### FAQ
**Was Abishag's role purely therapeutic, or was there a sexual component?**

Answer: The biblical text explicitly states the purpose of bringing Abishag to David: "that my lord the king may get heat." This indicates a purely therapeutic intent, a common ancient practice for warming the infirm. The emphasis on her being a "young virgin" (Hebrew: _na'arah bethulah_) further suggests her vitality and purity, making her suitable for providing warmth without the complications of a conjugal relationship or the introduction of potential heirs. While she "lay in his bosom," the context of David's extreme frailty ("old and stricken in years," [1 Kings 1:1](/1_kings/1-1 "1 Kings 1:1 - David's Old Age")) strongly implies that sexual intimacy was not the objective, nor likely possible. The narrative later confirms that "the king knew her not" ([1 Kings 1:4](/1_kings/1-4 "1 Kings 1:4 - David Did Not Know Abishag")), definitively ruling out a sexual relationship. Her role was that of a dedicated nurse and attendant, providing vital warmth and comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The poignant image of King David, once the mighty warrior and shepherd of Israel, now physically cold and dependent on the warmth of another, powerfully foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual coldness and need for a divine source of life and warmth. David's temporary, human solution in Abishag points to the ultimate and eternal solution found in Jesus Christ. While David required external physical warmth to sustain his failing body, humanity, dead in trespasses and sins, needs the life-giving warmth of the Holy Spirit, which Christ provides. Jesus is the true "cherisher" of His people, not merely providing temporary comfort but eternal life and spiritual vitality. He is the [Light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") who dispels spiritual darkness and coldness, and the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies our deepest hunger. Unlike David, who could not "know" Abishag in intimacy, Christ intimately "knows" His church, His bride, and offers Himself as the ultimate source of warmth, healing, and eternal sustenance, a perfect High Priest who [sympathizes with our weaknesses](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest") and provides unending life.

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 16:21

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

1 Samuel 16:22

And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

Ecclesiastes 4:11

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]?

Genesis 16:5

And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong [be] upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Deuteronomy 10:8

At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

2 Samuel 12:3

But the poor [man] had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.