1 Kings 1:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they told {H5046} the king {H4428}, saying {H559}, Behold Nathan {H5416} the prophet {H5030}. And when he was come in {H935} before {H6440} the king {H4428}, he bowed {H7812} himself before the king {H4428} with his face {H639} to the ground {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They told the king, "Natan the prophet is here." After coming into the king's presence, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

So the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” And Nathan went in and bowed facedown before the king.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 1:23 marks a pivotal moment in the succession crisis of King David's final days, describing the dramatic entrance of Nathan the prophet before the aging monarch. This arrival is strategically timed to corroborate Bathsheba's urgent plea regarding Adonijah's presumptuous self-proclamation as king and to press David to fulfill his long-standing promise concerning Solomon's enthronement. Nathan's profound act of prostration before the king underscores both the deep respect due to earthly authority and the immense gravity of the divine message he is about to deliver, setting the stage for the definitive establishment of Solomon's legitimate kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the narrative of King David's twilight years, as detailed in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Old Age and Adonijah's Usurpation"). The chapter opens by highlighting David's extreme old age and physical feebleness, emphasizing his vulnerability and the power vacuum that has emerged ([1 Kings 1:1-4](/1_kings/1-4 "1 Kings 1:1-4 - David's Frailty")). Against this backdrop, David's ambitious son, Adonijah, exploits the situation by presumptuously declaring himself king, gathering support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar, bypassing David's known preference and divine promise ([1 Kings 1:5-8](/1_kings/1-5-8 "1 Kings 1:5-8 - Adonijah's Usurpation")). The immediate preceding verses ([1 Kings 1:15-22](/1_kings/1-15-22 "1 Kings 1:15-22 - Bathsheba's Appeal to David")) depict Bathsheba's urgent appeal to David, reminding him of his oath to make Solomon his successor and informing him of Adonijah's coup. Nathan's entrance in verse 23 is not coincidental; it is a meticulously orchestrated follow-up to Bathsheba's report, designed to provide independent, prophetic corroboration and to intensify the pressure on David to make a decisive move. The narrative expertly builds tension, with Nathan's arrival signaling the climax of this initial phase of the succession crisis, leading directly to the resolution of Solomon's enthronement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The succession of kings in ancient Near Eastern monarchies was frequently a precarious and often violent period, especially when the reigning monarch was old or infirm. There was no rigidly fixed law of primogeniture in Israelite kingship; while the eldest son often held a strong claim, the ultimate choice rested with the reigning king, often guided by divine revelation or prophetic word. The act of "bowing himself before the king with his face to the ground" was a standard, profound, and universally understood gesture of reverence, submission, and respect in ancient Near Eastern courts. It was employed when approaching royalty or any superior authority, signifying complete deference to the monarch's power, position, and person. This cultural norm is abundantly evident throughout the Old Testament, from Joseph's brothers prostrating themselves before him ([Genesis 42:6](/genesis/42-6 "Genesis 42:6 - Joseph's Brothers Bow")) to various individuals bowing before David himself. Nathan, despite his immense prophetic authority as God's messenger, meticulously adheres to this royal protocol, demonstrating not only personal humility but also profound respect for the divinely instituted office of the king.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession Crisis") is rich with several key themes that [1 Kings 1:23](/1_kings/1-23 "1 Kings 1:23 - Nathan's Entrance Before David") powerfully contributes to. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Providence and Succession** is paramount. Despite human ambition, political maneuvering (as seen in Adonijah's actions), and David's own frailty, God's sovereign plan for the Davidic dynasty, particularly the establishment of Solomon on the throne, is being meticulously orchestrated. Nathan's timely arrival is a testament to this divine oversight, ensuring that God's covenant with David concerning his lineage and an enduring kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")) is upheld. Secondly, the **Role and Authority of the Prophet** is vividly highlighted. Nathan acts as God's direct representative, intervening in a critical political moment not for personal gain but to ensure the king aligns with God's revealed will. His presence underscores the prophetic office as a crucial check and balance, guiding and sometimes correcting the monarchy. Lastly, the theme of **Royal Protocol and Respect for Authority** is evident in Nathan's actions. Even as a prophet bearing a divine message, he honors the established earthly authority of King David, illustrating the biblical principle of respecting governing powers, even while speaking truth to them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** This term refers to an individual divinely called and inspired to speak on behalf of God, acting as a crucial intermediary between the divine and humanity. A prophet delivers God's messages, interprets His will, and often serves as a moral and spiritual guide or challenger to the king and the nation. Nathan is a prominent and trusted prophet during David's reign, instrumental in conveying God's foundational covenant promises to David ([2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1-17 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")) and later courageously confronting him regarding his grievous sin with Bathsheba and Uriah ([2 Samuel 12:1-15](/2_samuel/12-1-15 "2 Samuel 12:1-15 - Nathan Confronts David")). His appearance here is not merely as a political advisor but as a divinely appointed messenger whose words carry ultimate, covenantal authority, making his intervention decisive.
* **Bowed himself (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This verb signifies "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to worship." It describes a physical act of lowering one's entire body to the ground, often with the face touching the earth. This gesture was the most profound expression of humility, reverence, submission, and respect in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was employed in various contexts: before royalty (as seen here), before a social or military superior, or most significantly, before God in an act of worship. Nathan's act of full prostration, despite his immense spiritual authority as God's prophet, powerfully demonstrates his recognition of David's divinely appointed royal office and his deep respect for the established human authority, setting a tone of solemnity and deference for the critical message he is about to deliver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet."**: This opening clause immediately follows Bathsheba's urgent appeal to David, indicating that her attendants or others present in the royal chambers informed the king of Nathan's arrival. The phrase "Behold Nathan the prophet" functions as an exclamation, drawing David's immediate attention to the significant and timely presence of this crucial figure. It signals to David that another vital voice is about to speak, one that carries divine weight and authority, and one who can independently corroborate Bathsheba's urgent message regarding Adonijah's usurpation and Solomon's rightful claim to the throne.
* **"And when he was come in before the king,"**: This brief but impactful phrase describes Nathan's physical entry into David's direct presence. It emphasizes the immediacy and directness of his approach, highlighting the trusted position Nathan held and the extreme urgency of the matter at hand. The scene is meticulously set for a direct and consequential communication, underscoring that Nathan's visit is not a casual one but a matter of state and divine will.
* **"he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground."**: This describes Nathan's immediate and profound action upon entering David's presence. This act of full prostration was the highest form of respect and submission shown to a monarch in the ancient Near East. It was not merely a polite nod or a shallow bow, but a complete lowering of oneself, indicating profound deference to David's royal authority. For a prophet, who speaks directly for God and often challenges kings, to perform such an act underscores the dual respect for both divine and earthly institutions, recognizing the king's divinely ordained position. It also establishes a serious and solemn tone, indicating the gravity and importance of the impending conversation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that heighten its significance. The **dramatic timing** of Nathan's arrival, immediately after Bathsheba's plea, creates intense narrative tension and underscores the extreme urgency of the succession crisis. This precise timing functions as a form of **foreshadowing**, as Nathan's presence strongly suggests that decisive and divinely sanctioned action is imminent, leading directly to Solomon's eventual enthronement. The phrase "Behold Nathan the prophet" functions as a powerful **exclamation** or **interjection**, drawing the reader's and David's attention to the immense significance of this figure's entrance. Furthermore, the detailed description of Nathan "bowing himself before the king with his face to the ground" is a potent piece of **symbolism**. This gesture visually conveys deep respect, profound humility, and complete submission, not only to David's person but to the sacred office of the king, which Nathan, as God's prophet, still honors. This act also serves as a stark **contrast** to Adonijah's presumptuous self-exaltation and lack of proper protocol, highlighting the appropriate reverence due to royal authority and the divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 1:23 stands as a microcosm of larger theological truths concerning divine sovereignty, the indispensable role of prophetic authority, and the proper regard for human governance. Nathan's entrance is not a mere coincidence or political maneuver; it is part of God's meticulous orchestration to ensure the fulfillment of His covenant promise to David regarding an enduring dynasty and the specific choice of Solomon as successor. This highlights God's active, sovereign involvement in human affairs, guiding events even amidst political intrigue, human ambition, and the king's own frailty. Nathan, as God's faithful mouthpiece, embodies the principle that spiritual authority, while superior in its origin, often operates within and respects established earthly structures, demonstrating the harmony between divine decree and human order. His humility in prostrating himself before David, even as he carries a divine mandate, serves as a powerful example of honoring those in authority, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David and His Descendants")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Kings 1:23 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Nathan's timely, respectful, yet firm intervention reminds us of the critical importance of seeking and heeding wise, godly counsel, particularly from those who speak truth with integrity, discernment, and a commitment to God's will. His example teaches us that even when we are convinced we carry a divine message or conviction, it is vital to deliver it with humility, respect for established authority, and an understanding that God ordains both spiritual and civil structures. This delicate balance prevents arrogance in spiritual matters and fosters healthy, constructive relationships within our communities, churches, and institutions. Furthermore, the narrative subtly but powerfully reinforces trust in God's overarching providence. Even when human situations appear chaotic, marked by ambition, weakness, or uncertainty, God remains utterly faithful to His promises, meticulously orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes. This should profoundly encourage us to trust in His sovereign plan, knowing that He is actively at work even in the most complex and seemingly unmanageable circumstances, guiding His people and fulfilling every word He has spoken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nathan's example of respectful yet firm communication challenge or affirm your own approach to speaking truth to authority figures in your life or community?**
* **In what ways can you better discern and respond to "timely interventions" from God, whether through wise counsel, providential circumstances, or direct revelation, in your own decision-making processes?**
* **How does the theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, so powerfully evident in this passage, encourage you when facing uncertainty, apparent chaos, or unfulfilled expectations in your personal life or in the broader world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nathan bow to David if he was a prophet of God?**

Answer: Nathan bowed to King David as a profound and culturally mandated gesture of respect and submission to the king's divinely instituted office, not merely to David's person as an individual. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, prostration was a standard and expected protocol when approaching royalty or any superior authority. While Nathan was indeed a prophet, speaking directly on behalf of God and even having the authority to confront the king (as seen in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David")), he still recognized and honored the earthly authority that God Himself had established. This act demonstrates a crucial biblical principle: spiritual authority does not negate the need for respect towards civil or human authority ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). Nathan's humility in this moment underscores the gravity of his message and his adherence to proper court etiquette, ensuring his words would be received without unnecessary offense or perceived challenge to David's legitimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 1:23, with Nathan the prophet bowing before King David to secure Solomon's rightful succession, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King and Prophet, Jesus Christ. Just as Nathan intervened to ensure the Davidic line continued through Solomon, so too does the entire Old Testament narrative point to the coming of the Messiah, the true Son of David, who would establish an eternal kingdom. Jesus is the [Prophet like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses") whom God promised, speaking God's words with ultimate authority and revealing the Father fully ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks God's Words") and [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Yet, unlike earthly kings who receive prostration, Jesus is the one to whom all knees will ultimately bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and divine Lordship. The humility of Nathan before David, the earthly king, finds its ultimate reversal and fulfillment in Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, before whom all authorities, earthly and heavenly, will prostrate themselves in worship and submission. His kingship is not secured by human intrigue or political maneuvering, but by divine decree and His sacrificial work on the cross, establishing a spiritual and eternal kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")).

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 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

1 Kings 1:16

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

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.