1 Kings 1:27

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is this thing {H1697} done {H1961} by my lord {H113} the king {H4428}, and thou hast not shewed {H3045} it unto thy servant {H5650}, who should sit {H3427} on the throne {H3678} of my lord {H113} the king {H4428} after {H310} him?

Complete Jewish Bible

Is this authorized by my lord the king without your having told your servant who would sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?"

Berean Standard Bible

Has my lord the king let this happen without informing your servant who should sit on the throne after my lord the king?”

American Standard Version

Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not showed unto thy servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 1:27, Bathsheba masterfully employs a rhetorical question to King David, subtly yet powerfully challenging the legitimacy of Adonijah's self-proclaimed kingship. Her words carry the profound implication that such a pivotal decision—the designation of the next monarch—could not possibly have been made by David without her knowledge, especially given his prior solemn oath concerning Solomon. This verse serves as a critical turning point, strategically designed to awaken the aging David to the unfolding crisis and compel him to fulfill his divine promise regarding the royal succession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a momentous juncture in the narrative of David's final years, specifically during his advanced age and physical decline, as vividly portrayed in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Old Age and Adonijah's Usurpation"). The chapter opens by detailing David's extreme frailty, which inadvertently creates a dangerous power vacuum. Adonijah, David's fourth son, seizes this opportunity, presumptuously declaring himself king and garnering support from influential figures like Joab, the army commander, and Abiathar, the priest, as described in [1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Adonijah's Supporters"). Nathan the prophet, a steadfast advisor and guardian of God's covenant promises, recognizes the immediate peril to David's oath concerning Solomon's succession. He devises a shrewd, two-pronged approach: first, he instructs Bathsheba to confront David directly with his unfulfilled promise, and then he follows her into the king's chambers to corroborate her account, as detailed in [1 Kings 1:11-14](/1_kings/1-11 "1 Kings 1:11-14 - Nathan's Counsel to Bathsheba"). Bathsheba's pointed question in verse 27 is the climactic moment of this carefully orchestrated strategy, intended to galvanize David into decisive action.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern monarchies, including the kingdom of Israel, were frequently plagued by succession crises, particularly when an aging or infirm king failed to clearly designate an heir. While primogeniture—the right of the firstborn son—was a common practice, it was by no means an absolute rule. The reigning king often retained the prerogative to choose his successor, sometimes under the guidance of divine revelation or prophetic counsel. David himself was chosen by God over his elder brothers, as recorded in [1 Samuel 16:6-12](/1_samuel/16-6 "1 Samuel 16:6-12 - David Anointed King"). The act of "sitting on the throne" was the quintessential symbol of legitimate royal authority and the official transfer of power. Adonijah's actions—amassing chariots and horsemen, proclaiming himself king, and hosting a celebratory feast, as recounted in [1 Kings 1:5-9](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5-9 - Adonijah's Self-Proclamation")—were deliberate attempts to mimic a legitimate enthronement, yet they conspicuously lacked the essential elements of the king's official sanction and, more importantly, divine approval. The involvement of a prophet like Nathan was crucial in such matters, as prophets often served as God's direct intermediaries, ensuring that His will, especially concerning the sacred Davidic covenant, was upheld.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout [the book of 1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - History of the Kings of Israel and Judah"). Foremost among these is the theme of **Legitimate Succession**, starkly contrasting Adonijah's presumptuous usurpation with the divinely ordained transfer of power to Solomon. Bathsheba's rhetorical question underscores the absolute necessity of a clear, official, and kingly pronouncement for such a monumental event, highlighting the chaos and instability that inevitably arise from ambiguity in leadership. It also powerfully emphasizes the theme of **Divine Promise and Fulfillment**, as David's solemn oath concerning Solomon's reign, deeply rooted in God's eternal covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), hangs precariously in the balance. Furthermore, the verse brilliantly showcases **Strategic Advocacy**, with Bathsheba, guided by Nathan's wisdom, acting diligently and with remarkable foresight to ensure that God's sovereign plan is not thwarted by human ambition. Her rhetorical question is a masterclass in **Political Maneuvering**, designed not to gain new information but to compel immediate and decisive action from a king who had, until that moment, become dangerously passive.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from H1697, this word signifies "a word," but by implication, it also refers to "a matter" or "a thing," and can denote an "act" or "affair." In Bathsheba's question, "this thing" (H1697) refers to the entire affair of Adonijah's self-proclamation and the accompanying festivities. Her use of this broad term encapsulates the gravity and audacity of Adonijah's actions, implying that such a significant "matter" or "affair" should have been handled with the king's explicit knowledge and decree, not in secret.
* **shewed (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From the root H3045, meaning "to know," this verb is used in the Hiphil (causative) stem, conveying the sense "to make known," "to inform," or "to declare." Bathsheba's choice of "shewed" is highly significant. She is not merely suggesting David forgot to tell her; she is implying that a legitimate succession would have been publicly and formally "made known" by the king, especially to those directly involved in the royal household and the future of the kingdom. The absence of such a public "showing" or declaration is precisely what exposes Adonijah's actions as illegitimate and clandestine.
* **sit (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From the primitive root H3427, meaning "to sit down," this word carries the strong implication of dwelling, remaining, or settling. In the context of a throne, "to sit" signifies the act of taking permanent residence as ruler, establishing authority, and commencing a reign. Bathsheba's question, "who should sit on the throne," directly addresses the core issue of legitimate succession and the rightful occupant of the royal seat, emphasizing the permanence and authority associated with the act of sitting on the king's throne.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is this thing done by my lord the king,"**: Bathsheba initiates her appeal with a potent rhetorical question, directly addressing David with deferential respect as "my lord the king." The "thing" refers to Adonijah's audacious self-proclamation as king and the associated, unauthorized celebrations. By framing it as a question of David's agency and authority, she subtly yet powerfully forces David to confront the stark reality of Adonijah's usurpation and his own perceived inaction or complicity. It functions as an indirect, yet piercing, accusation, skillfully designed to elicit a denial from David and prompt him to take corrective action.
* **"and thou hast not shewed [it] unto thy servant,"**: This clause forms the very core of Bathsheba's strategic challenge. She highlights the glaring omission: if David had indeed sanctioned Adonijah's ascent, why would he have kept such a monumental decision secret from her, his wife, and the mother of Solomon, the promised heir? This implies that such a secretive and undeclared act could not possibly be the king's doing, thereby exposing Adonijah's actions as illegitimate and unauthorized. Her humble reference to herself as "thy servant" is a strategic appeal to her rightful place within the royal household and her expectation of being informed of critical matters.
* **"who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?"**: This final clause directly and unequivocally references the crucial issue of royal succession. It serves as a stark and urgent reminder of David's solemn responsibility to name his successor and, implicitly, of his prior oath to Bathsheba regarding Solomon. The question forces David to consider the profound implications of Adonijah's presumptuous actions on the legitimate line of succession and the divine promise, compelling him to recall and fulfill his unfulfilled duty.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in 1 Kings 1:27 is the **Rhetorical Question**. Bathsheba's query is not a genuine request for information, as she and Nathan are well aware of Adonijah's plot. Rather, it is a highly strategic and persuasive device designed to make a forceful point, to challenge David's perceived inaction, and to provoke a specific, decisive response from the king. By asking if "this thing" (Adonijah's usurpation) was done by David without informing her, she implicitly asserts that it could *not* have been David's doing, as it would be utterly contrary to his character and established protocol. This creates a powerful **Implication** that Adonijah's actions are unauthorized, rebellious, and a direct affront to the king's authority. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play, as the audience is privy to the fact that David is largely unaware of the full extent of Adonijah's plot due to his infirmity, while Bathsheba's question suggests a king fully in control who has inexplicably withheld vital information. This irony serves to underscore David's current vulnerability and the pressing urgency of the situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the inherent tension between human ambition and divine purpose. Adonijah's audacious attempt to seize the throne represents a purely human scheme, driven by self-interest, pride, and a blatant disregard for established order and the revealed will of God. Bathsheba's courageous intervention, however, meticulously guided by Nathan, serves as the divinely orchestrated catalyst for the fulfillment of God's steadfast promise to David regarding his successor. It profoundly underscores the theological truth that God's sovereign plans for His people and His chosen leaders will ultimately prevail, even amidst the most intricate political intrigues and glaring human failings. The legitimate transfer of power, therefore, is not merely a political maneuver or a matter of human preference, but a profound theological act, reflecting God's absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and His unwavering faithfulness to His sacred covenants.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant") - This passage records God's foundational promise to David that his "seed" would establish his kingdom forever, directly underpinning the divine legitimacy of Solomon's claim to the throne.
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "The Lord's Counsel Shall Stand") - "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails," a proverb that perfectly encapsulates the ultimate triumph of God's will over human schemes, as seen in this narrative.
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "God is the Judge") - "For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one and exalts another," affirming God's supreme sovereignty in raising up and bringing down leaders according to His divine purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Bathsheba's strategic and courageous intervention in 1 Kings 1:27 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when those in positions of authority appear passive, unaware, or even complicit, faithful and respectful advocacy can be an extraordinarily potent tool for upholding truth, justice, and God's divine purposes. Her question, though humble in its phrasing, was a direct and incisive call to accountability, compelling David to recall his solemn oath and the weight of the divine promise. This narrative challenges us to honestly consider our own roles in speaking truth, respectfully yet firmly, when we witness injustice, moral compromise, or when God's established purposes seem to be undermined. Furthermore, David's initial inaction serves as a sobering cautionary tale for all leaders, whether in the church, home, or workplace: a failure to clarify intentions, communicate decisively, and act proactively can create dangerous power vacuums that inevitably lead to chaos, usurpation, and the subversion of legitimate authority. It underscores the critical importance of clear communication, the faithful fulfillment of commitments, and the active stewardship of responsibilities, especially when they involve the well-being of others or the advancement of God's kingdom. Ultimately, the unfolding narrative reassures us that despite human machinations, God remains eternally sovereign, meticulously orchestrating events to fulfill His perfect and unassailable will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or community might you be called to speak up or advocate for truth and justice, even when it feels challenging or uncomfortable?**
* **How does David's initial passivity and perceived detachment in this chapter serve as a warning about the potential dangers of inaction or ambiguity in leadership or personal responsibility?**
* **Drawing inspiration from Bathsheba, how can we combine genuine humility and respect with courageous directness when addressing difficult situations or people in authority?**
* **Where in your life do you need to deepen your trust in God's ultimate sovereignty to fulfill His purposes, especially when human plans or circumstances seem to be going astray?**

### FAQ

**Why was Bathsheba's question so effective in prompting David to act?**

Answer: Bathsheba's question was remarkably effective for several strategic reasons. First, it was a masterfully crafted **rhetorical question** that subtly but powerfully challenged David's authority, knowledge, and perceived control. By asking if he had sanctioned Adonijah's actions without informing her, she cleverly implied that such a clandestine and unauthorized act could not possibly be the king's doing, thereby exposing Adonijah's usurpation as illegitimate and rebellious. Second, it directly referenced David's **unfulfilled promise** to her concerning Solomon's succession ([1 Kings 1:13](/1_kings/1-13 "1 Kings 1:13 - David's Oath to Bathsheba")), appealing directly to his integrity, his memory, and his solemn covenant with God. Third, her urgent appeal was immediately and powerfully corroborated by **Nathan the prophet** ([1 Kings 1:23-27](/1_kings/1-23 "1 Kings 1:23-27 - Nathan Corroborates Bathsheba's Account")), lending irrefutable divine authority and immense urgency to her words. Finally, her directness forced David to confront the undeniable reality of the immediate threat to his throne and, more profoundly, to the divine plan for his lineage, compelling him to act decisively and without delay.

**What was Adonijah's claim to the throne based on, and why was it illegitimate?**

Answer: Adonijah's claim to the throne was primarily based on his status as the eldest surviving son of David after Absalom's death ([2 Samuel 3:4](/2_samuel/3-4 "2 Samuel 3:4 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")). In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, the eldest son often held a strong, though not absolute, claim to succession (primogeniture). However, his claim was fundamentally illegitimate because David, as the reigning king and under divine guidance, had the ultimate right to designate his successor, and he had already sworn a solemn oath that Solomon, not Adonijah, would sit on his throne ([1 Kings 1:30](/1_kings/1-30 "1 Kings 1:30 - David's Promise to Solomon")). Furthermore, Adonijah acted presumptuously and rebelliously, declaring himself king without David's explicit consent or divine approval. He also lacked the crucial support of key loyal figures within David's court, such as Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah, who remained steadfastly loyal to David and God's chosen successor ([1 Kings 1:8](/1_kings/1-8 "1 Kings 1:8 - Those Not Supporting Adonijah")).

**What does this verse reveal about David's state of leadership at this point in his life?**

Answer: This verse, in conjunction with the surrounding narrative in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Old Age and Adonijah's Usurpation"), reveals that David, due to his advanced age and significant physical infirmity, had become largely **passive, detached, and somewhat unaware** of the critical political machinations and day-to-day governance within his kingdom. He was seemingly oblivious to the full extent of Adonijah's elaborate plot to usurp the throne, or at the very least, had failed to take decisive action to prevent it. His leadership at this juncture was characterized by a dangerous **lack of clear communication** regarding his chosen successor, which inadvertently created a perilous power vacuum. This episode highlights the inherent vulnerability of even the greatest leaders when they become physically or mentally incapacitated, and underscores the profound importance of proactive planning for succession to avert chaos, instability, and challenges to legitimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic succession crisis in 1 Kings 1:27, culminating in Solomon's rightful and divinely sanctioned enthronement, serves as a profound and layered foreshadowing of the ultimate, legitimate, and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Just as Adonijah, a human usurper driven by ambition, sought to seize a throne not rightfully his, humanity, through its rebellion and sin, persistently attempts to usurp God's rightful authority over creation. Yet, God's unwavering divine promise to David—that his "seed" would establish an eternal kingdom and a perpetually stable throne ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"))—finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment not merely in Solomon, whose reign was temporary and flawed, but in Jesus, the true and eternal Son of David. While Solomon's reign ushered in a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity for Israel, it was ultimately transient and marked by human failings. Jesus, however, is the perfect, righteous, and eternal King, whose kingdom "will never end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel's Prophecy to Mary")). He is the one legitimately appointed by the Father, not through human ambition, political maneuvering, or primogeniture, but by divine decree, sacrificial love, and ultimate vindication ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). Bathsheba's urgent plea for David to uphold his promise for Solomon's succession echoes the deep, universal longing for God to establish His righteous and just rule. In Christ, that rule is not only perfectly established but eternally secured, as He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and reigns forever and ever as the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet")).

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 1:24

And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

2 Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.