1 Kings 1:3

KJV

So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

So they sought {H1245} for a fair {H3303} damsel {H5291} throughout all the coasts {H1366} of Israel {H3478}, and found {H4672} Abishag {H49} a Shunammite {H7767}, and brought {H935} her to the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After looking through all of Isra'el's territory for a beautiful girl, they found Avishag the Shunamit and brought her to the king.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king.

American Standard Version

So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 1:3 details the search and discovery of Abishag, a young woman from Shunem, who was brought to King David in his old age to serve as his attendant and provide warmth. This seemingly simple act, born out of the king's physical decline, subtly introduces a pivotal character whose presence at David's side would later become a significant, albeit passive, element in the intense political maneuvering and power struggle for the throne that immediately followed. The verse highlights the practical concerns of caring for an aging monarch while inadvertently setting the stage for critical events in the narrative of royal succession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of the First Book of Kings, immediately following the description of King David's extreme old age and physical frailty in [1 Kings 1:1-2](/1_kings/1-1 "1 Kings 1:1-2 - David's Old Age and Decline"). The narrative opens with David "old and stricken in years," unable to keep warm, even when covered with many clothes. His servants' solution, to find a young woman to "lie by him, that my lord the king may get heat," directly precipitates the search described in [1 Kings 1:3](/1_kings/1-3 "1 Kings 1:3 - The Search for Abishag"). This introductory scene, focused on David's physical state, quickly transitions into the dramatic political intrigue surrounding the succession, setting the stage for the rivalry between Adonijah and Solomon. Abishag's introduction, therefore, is not merely a detail about David's comfort but a crucial narrative device that connects David's waning power to the emergent struggle for the throne.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common for kings and powerful figures to have numerous wives, concubines, and female attendants. While Abishag is explicitly brought to David to provide warmth and care, her presence in the royal bedchamber, even without sexual intimacy (as noted in [1 Kings 1:4](/1_kings/1-4 "1 Kings 1:4 - Abishag's Role as Attendant")), carried significant political and social implications. A woman who "lay by" the king, regardless of the nature of their physical relationship, was considered to have a special status and access. The "coasts of Israel" refers to the various regions and territories of the united kingdom, indicating a comprehensive search. Shunem, identified as Abishag's hometown, was a town in the tribal territory of Issachar, located in the Jezreel Valley, known for its fertility. Her origin from within Israel proper would have been important for her acceptance within the royal court.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 1:3](/1_kings/1-3 "1 Kings 1:3 - Abishag's Introduction") introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book. Firstly, the theme of **royal succession** is paramount, as David's physical decline directly necessitates the question of who will inherit the throne, a question that dominates the early chapters of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings Chapter 1 - The Succession Crisis"). Secondly, the **care for the elderly and infirm** is highlighted, demonstrating the practical responsibilities of the court towards their ailing monarch, a principle echoed in broader biblical teachings on honoring elders. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **power dynamics and influence within the royal court**, where even seemingly minor figures, like Abishag, can become unwitting pawns or catalysts in major political events. Her beauty and proximity to the king, though initially for comfort, would later be exploited by Adonijah in his attempt to claim the throne, as seen in [1 Kings 2:13-25](/1_kings/2-13 "1 Kings 2:13-25 - Adonijah's Fatal Request").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fair Damsel (Hebrew, _na'arah yafah me'od'_):** This phrase literally translates to "a very beautiful young woman." The emphasis on "very beautiful" (me'od) is significant. While her primary role was to provide warmth and comfort, her beauty was a key criterion, suggesting that her presence was also intended to be pleasing and perhaps to maintain a certain decorum or status around the king. It implies a deliberate selection process, not merely for physical utility but for a woman who could command respect and attention, even in a non-sexual capacity.
* **Shunammite (Hebrew, _shunammith'_):** This identifies Abishag's geographical origin from Shunem, a town located in the Jezreel Valley, within the territory of Issachar. This detail confirms her Israelite identity and places her within the established kingdom. The Shunammite woman is also known from the Elisha narrative in [2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha and the Shunammite Woman"), suggesting a reputation for hospitality and perhaps a certain desirable quality associated with the region. Her specific origin adds a layer of authenticity and detail to her character's introduction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel,"**: This clause describes the comprehensive and deliberate search initiated by David's servants. The term "coasts of Israel" indicates a widespread search across the entire united kingdom, underscoring the urgency and importance of finding a suitable attendant for the king. The specific requirement for a "fair damsel" (a very beautiful young woman) highlights the criteria for selection, emphasizing not just youth but also physical attractiveness, which would have been seen as a mark of health and vitality.
* **"and found Abishag a Shunammite,"**: This clause reveals the successful outcome of the search, identifying the chosen individual as Abishag and specifying her origin as Shunem. The discovery of Abishag is presented as a direct result of the diligent search, implying that she met all the necessary qualifications. Her name, Abishag, means "my father is a wanderer" or "my father has erred," though the etymology is debated and not directly relevant to her character's portrayal here. Her identity as a "Shunammite" firmly roots her within the Israelite community.
* **"and brought her to the king."**: This final clause describes the immediate action taken after Abishag was found. She was promptly brought into the presence of King David, signifying the completion of the servants' task and her official installation into her unique role. This act sets the stage for her presence in the royal court and her subsequent, albeit passive, involvement in the unfolding drama of the succession.

#### Literary Devices
The introduction of Abishag in [1 Kings 1:3](/1_kings/1-3 "1 Kings 1:3 - Abishag's Arrival") employs several subtle literary devices. There is clear **Foreshadowing**, as Abishag, seemingly a minor character introduced for a practical purpose, becomes a crucial, albeit unwitting, catalyst in the later succession struggle. Her presence by David's side is not merely incidental but directly contributes to the political machinations of Adonijah, leading to his demise (as detailed in [1 Kings 2:13-25](/1_kings/2-13 "1 Kings 2:13-25 - Adonijah's Request for Abishag")). The narrative also uses **Irony**; a woman brought in solely for warmth and comfort, with no sexual role, inadvertently becomes a symbol of royal prerogative and a fatal political pawn. Furthermore, David's physical decline, necessitating Abishag's presence, serves as a **Symbolism** for the end of an era and the transition of power, highlighting the fragility of human life and the inevitable passage of leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Abishag's introduction, while seemingly mundane, touches upon profound theological and thematic connections. It underscores the biblical emphasis on caring for the vulnerable, particularly the elderly and infirm, a principle woven throughout the Law and Prophets. David's need for warmth and comfort, met by the diligent search for Abishag, reflects a societal responsibility to attend to those in decline. Moreover, the story subtly demonstrates how God's sovereign plan often unfolds through human actions and seemingly ordinary circumstances. Abishag's presence, though not divinely commanded, becomes an integral part of the unfolding drama of the succession, demonstrating how even "minor" characters and events can play significant roles in God's larger narrative of history and salvation.

* [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Honoring the Aged")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 71:9](/psalms/71-9 "Psalm 71:9 - Do Not Cast Me Off in Old Age")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Abishag, though brief, invites us to reflect on several timeless truths. Firstly, it highlights the universal experience of aging and the importance of compassionate care for the elderly. In a world that often prioritizes youth and productivity, this passage reminds us of our responsibility to honor and support those in their later years, providing comfort and dignity. Secondly, it serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly small or incidental details in our lives, or the lives of others, can have far-reaching implications. Abishag, brought in for a simple, practical purpose, became an unexpected catalyst in a major political upheaval. This encourages us to consider how God might be working through the seemingly insignificant moments or individuals in our own lives, shaping events in ways we cannot always foresee. It challenges us to be attentive to the subtle movements of divine providence, recognizing that every person and every moment has a place in God's grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of Abishag's care for David challenge or affirm our modern societal views on caring for the elderly?**
* **Can you identify instances in your own life where a seemingly minor event or person played a significant, unexpected role in a larger outcome?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to consider the dignity and value of every individual, regardless of their perceived status or role?**

### FAQ

**Was Abishag considered a wife or concubine of King David?**

Answer: No, the text explicitly states in [1 Kings 1:4](/1_kings/1-4 "1 Kings 1:4 - Abishag Did Not Know David") that "the king knew her not." Her role was primarily that of a nurse and attendant, providing warmth and comfort to the aging king. While her presence in the royal bedchamber gave her a unique status and proximity to power, she was not a sexual partner, wife, or concubine in the traditional sense. However, her close association with the king was politically significant, as demonstrated by Adonijah's later request for her hand, which was interpreted as a claim to the throne.

**Why was it necessary to search "throughout all the coasts of Israel" for her?**

Answer: The widespread search "throughout all the coasts of Israel" (literally, "all the borders of Israel") indicates the importance and urgency of finding a suitable person for this unique and sensitive role. It suggests that the criteria were specific—a "fair damsel," meaning a very beautiful young woman—and that the king's well-being was a matter of national concern. This extensive search ensured that the most qualified and appropriate individual, from within the kingdom, was found to attend to the ailing monarch.

**What was Abishag's ultimate fate or significance in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: Abishag's primary significance lies in her passive role as a catalyst in the succession crisis following David's death. After David died and Solomon ascended the throne, Adonijah, David's eldest surviving son who had previously attempted to seize the throne, made a seemingly innocent request to Bathsheba (Solomon's mother) to marry Abishag. Solomon, however, immediately recognized this request as a veiled attempt to lay claim to the throne, as marrying a former king's attendant or concubine was often seen as asserting a right to the kingship. Consequently, Solomon ordered Adonijah's execution, as detailed in [1 Kings 2:13-25](/1_kings/2-13 "1 Kings 2:13-25 - Adonijah's Death"). Abishag herself fades from the narrative after this event, her purpose fulfilled as an unwitting pawn in the political drama.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's decline and the search for Abishag, while rooted in the historical context of an aging monarch, offers a poignant foreshadowing of humanity's spiritual condition and the ultimate need for a divine comforter and king. David, once mighty, is now frail and dependent, symbolizing the universal human experience of weakness and the inability to sustain oneself. Just as David needed Abishag to bring warmth and comfort, so too does humanity, spiritually cold and alienated by sin, require the warmth and life-giving presence of God. This need is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is not merely an attendant but the very source of all life and comfort. He is the true "fair damsel" in the sense of being perfectly beautiful and desirable, not in physical appearance, but in His holiness, grace, and compassion, drawing us to Himself. Furthermore, the succession crisis that swirls around David's weakness points to the inherent instability of human kingship and the desperate need for an eternal, unwavering King. Jesus, the Son of David, is that promised King, whose kingdom is not of this world and will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). He is the one who truly "knows" His people, not in a superficial way like David "knew not" Abishag, but intimately and redemptively, offering true spiritual warmth, healing, and eternal life to those who come to Him ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).

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

Joshua 19:18

And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

Esther 2:4

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

2 Kings 4:8

¶ And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where [was] a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

Esther 2:2

Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

1 Samuel 28:4

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

2 Kings 4:25

So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, [yonder is] that Shunammite:

1 Kings 2:17

And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.