1 Kings 1:31

KJV

Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Bathsheba {H1339} bowed {H6915} with her face {H639} to the earth {H776}, and did reverence {H7812} to the king {H4428}, and said {H559}, Let my lord {H113} king {H4428} David {H1732} live {H2421} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bat-Sheva bowed with her face to the ground, prostrating herself to the king, and said, "Let my lord King David live forever."

Berean Standard Bible

Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”

American Standard Version

Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Bathsheba's profound act of reverence and affirmation toward King David, immediately following his solemn oath to establish their son Solomon as his successor. This pivotal moment underscores Bathsheba's deep respect for David's authority and her gratitude for his decisive action, which secured the divinely ordained lineage and averted a major succession crisis, thereby ensuring the stability and continuity of the Davidic throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King David's final days, as recorded in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Usurpation and Solomon's Anointing"). David is old and frail, and his son Adonijah has presumptuously declared himself king, gathering support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar, thereby challenging David's established authority and God's prior designation of Solomon as heir. Bathsheba, prompted by the prophet Nathan, has just confronted David, reminding him of his oath to her regarding Solomon's succession ([1 Kings 1:17](/1_kings/1-17 "1 Kings 1:17 - Bathsheba Reminds David of His Oath")). David, in a moment of renewed clarity and resolve, has solemnly reaffirmed his promise, swearing by the Lord that Solomon would indeed reign after him ([1 Kings 1:30](/1_kings/1-30 "1 Kings 1:30 - David's Renewed Oath to Bathsheba")). Bathsheba's response in [1 Kings 1:31](/1_kings/1-31 "1 Kings 1:31 - Bathsheba's Reverence") is her immediate, heartfelt expression of gratitude, submission, and loyalty, acknowledging David’s enduring sovereignty and the legitimacy of his decree, which sets in motion the anointing of Solomon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal succession was often a volatile process, especially when a king was old or infirm, frequently leading to power struggles and coups. Primogeniture (succession by the eldest son) was a common practice, which made Adonijah's claim plausible, but kings also had the prerogative to choose their successor, particularly if divinely guided. The act of "bowing with her face to the earth" and "doing reverence" was the ultimate gesture of submission and homage in this culture, reserved for deities and supreme human authorities like kings. It signified profound respect, acknowledgment of superior status, and complete allegiance. Bathsheba's public display of reverence not only honored David but also served to legitimize his decision in the eyes of the court, reinforcing his authority at a moment when it was being challenged. Her blessing, "Let my lord king David live for ever," was a customary royal salutation, expressing a fervent wish for the king's long and prosperous reign and the enduring legacy of his dynasty.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 1:31](/1_kings/1-31 "1 Kings 1:31 - Bathsheba's Reverence and Affirmation") powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Profound Reverence and Submission** are highlighted by Bathsheba's physical posture and verbal declaration, demonstrating the proper honor due to a divinely appointed king. This act is not merely personal but a public affirmation of David's continued sovereignty. Secondly, the theme of **Loyalty and Blessing** is evident in her wish for David's perpetual life, signifying unwavering allegiance and recognition of his kingship, which implicitly extends to his chosen successor. Thirdly, the interplay between **Divine Purpose and Human Agency** is crucial; while God had already designated Solomon as David's successor ([2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant Promise to David about his Heir") and [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise of a Peaceful Reign for Solomon")), human actions—Bathsheba's courageous plea, Nathan's strategic counsel, and David's decisive oath—were instrumental in bringing about God's plan. This underscores that God's sovereign will often unfolds through the faithful and obedient actions of His people. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Legitimacy of Kingship**, as Bathsheba's response solidifies David's authority to name his successor, thereby legitimizing Solomon's claim against Adonijah's usurpation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bowed / did reverence (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** This verb appears twice in the KJV translation of [1 Kings 1:31](/1_kings/1-31 "1 Kings 1:31 - Bathsheba's Reverence and Affirmation"), signifying a profound act of prostration. _Shachah_ literally means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." It is used throughout the Old Testament to describe acts of worship directed towards God (e.g., [Genesis 24:26](/genesis/24-26 "Genesis 24:26 - Abraham's Servant Bows to the Lord")) and gestures of deep respect and homage shown to human authorities, such as kings, prophets, or elders (e.g., [Genesis 23:7](/genesis/23-7 "Genesis 23:7 - Abraham Bows to the Hittites")). In this context, Bathsheba’s repeated use of _shachah_ underscores the ultimate respect and honor she held for David as God's anointed ruler, acknowledging his supreme authority and her humble submission to his decree. It is a physical manifestation of her loyalty and acceptance.
* **live for ever (Hebrew, _yichyeh l'olam'_):** This phrase is a customary royal salutation or blessing in the ancient Near East, not an expectation of literal immortality. The Hebrew _l'olam_ (לְעוֹלָם) means "forever," "eternally," or "for a long time." When applied to a king, it expresses a fervent wish for a long and prosperous reign, the enduring legacy of his dynasty, and the perpetuation of his name and influence through his descendants. In Bathsheba's mouth, it signifies her hope for the stability and continuity of the Davidic line, which she knows will be secured through Solomon's succession. It implicitly connects to the eternal nature of the Davidic covenant, even if David himself would soon die.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth":** This describes the physical act of prostration, the most profound gesture of respect and humility in ancient Near Eastern culture. By bowing her face to the earth, Bathsheba demonstrates complete submission to David's authority and profound gratitude for his decisive action. This is not merely a private gesture but a public affirmation of his continued kingship and the legitimacy of his word, especially important in light of Adonijah's challenge. It signifies her acceptance and honor of David's oath regarding Solomon.
* **"and did reverence to the king":** This reiterates and emphasizes the meaning of the previous clause, using the same Hebrew root (_shachah_). It clarifies that her physical posture was an act of profound homage and respect directed specifically towards King David. This act confirms her loyalty and acknowledges David's supreme position as God's anointed ruler, despite his advanced age and physical frailty. It underscores the weight and finality of David's decision to affirm Solomon as his successor.
* **"and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.":** This is a customary blessing and acclamation for a monarch. It expresses a fervent wish for David's continued well-being, a long and prosperous reign, and, most significantly, the enduring legacy of his dynasty. In this context, it serves as an expression of profound gratitude and relief that David has reaffirmed his oath concerning Solomon, thereby securing the future of the Davidic line. It is an acknowledgment that David's authority, even in his final days, is still potent enough to ensure the divinely promised succession.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 1:31](/1_kings/1-31 "1 Kings 1:31 - Bathsheba's Reverence and Affirmation") employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Symbolism**: Bathsheba's act of prostration, "bowing with her face to the earth," is a powerful symbol of ultimate humility, submission, and profound respect. This physical posture communicates far more than words alone, conveying absolute allegiance to David's authority and gratitude for his decree. There is also an element of **Affirmation**, as Bathsheba's words and actions serve to publicly affirm David's kingship and his decision, thereby strengthening Solomon's claim against Adonijah's usurpation. The phrase "Let my lord king David live for ever" functions as a **Royal Acclamation** and a **Blessing**, a traditional expression of loyalty and hope for the enduring legacy of the monarch and his dynasty. Finally, the scene contains a subtle **Irony**: despite David's physical weakness and proximity to death, Bathsheba's declaration of him "living forever" underscores the enduring power of his word and the eternal nature of the covenant God made with him, which transcends his mortal life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Bathsheba's response in [1 Kings 1:31](/1_kings/1-31 "1 Kings 1:31 - Bathsheba's Reverence and Affirmation") offers profound theological insights into the interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God had sovereignly chosen Solomon as David's successor, human actions—Bathsheba's courageous appeal and David's decisive oath—were essential for the fulfillment of that divine plan. Her act of reverence highlights the biblical principle of honoring legitimate authority, not merely out of obligation, but as an expression of faith in God's ordering of society. It demonstrates that true loyalty and submission are not passive but can be expressed through active affirmation and blessing, even when one has just achieved a desired outcome. This moment underscores the stability of God's promises, which, though sometimes challenged by human ambition, are ultimately brought to fruition through the faithfulness of His people.

* [2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David regarding his Descendant")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Proverbs 24:21](/proverbs/24-21 "Fear the Lord and the King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Bathsheba's posture and words in [1 Kings 1:31](/1_kings/1-31 "1 Kings 1:31 - Bathsheba's Reverence and Affirmation") provide a powerful model for our own interactions within various spheres of authority. Her humble reverence, even after successfully advocating for Solomon, teaches us the importance of respecting those in leadership, whether in our families, churches, workplaces, or governments. This respect is not blind obedience but a recognition of the order God establishes, even when we have played a role in shaping outcomes. We are called to affirm and bless our leaders, praying for their long and prosperous influence, and supporting their righteous decisions. Furthermore, Bathsheba's active participation in securing God's will for the Davidic line reminds us that our faith is not passive; God often uses our prayers, our courageous words, and our faithful actions to bring about His purposes. Our words of affirmation and acts of loyalty can contribute significantly to the stability and flourishing of the communities and institutions we belong to, reflecting a heart that honors God by honoring those He has placed in authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Bathsheba's act of reverence challenge our understanding of submission to authority in modern contexts, especially when we might disagree with or have influenced a leader's decision?**
* **In what ways can we, like Bathsheba, actively participate in the unfolding of God's purposes, even when circumstances seem dire or when our voice is needed to advocate for what is right?**
* **What does "living forever" mean for a leader's legacy in a spiritual sense, and how can we contribute to a lasting, godly influence in our spheres of responsibility?**

### FAQ
**Why did Bathsheba need to remind David of his oath if God had already chosen Solomon?**

Answer: The situation in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Usurpation and Solomon's Anointing") illustrates the crucial interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. While God had indeed designated Solomon as David's successor through prophecy ([2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant Promise to David about his Heir") and [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise of a Peaceful Reign for Solomon")), this divine plan did not negate the need for human action. David's advanced age and Adonijah's bold usurpation created a crisis that required a decisive human response to ensure the legitimate transfer of power. Bathsheba, prompted by the prophet Nathan, reminded David of his oath not because God's plan was in doubt, but because David's public affirmation was necessary to counter Adonijah's rebellion, establish Solomon's legitimacy, and bring God's will to fruition in a tangible, public manner. God's purposes often unfold through the faithful and courageous actions of His people.

**What is the significance of "Let my lord king David live for ever"?**

Answer: This phrase is a customary and deeply meaningful royal blessing in the ancient Near East, not an expectation of literal immortality for David. The Hebrew term "for ever" (_l'olam_) often refers to an enduring period, a long future, or a perpetual legacy. In this context, Bathsheba's declaration expresses a fervent wish for David's continued well-being, a long and prosperous reign, and, most importantly, the enduring legacy and stability of his dynasty. It is an acclamation of his kingship and a hope that his influence and the covenant God made with him ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) would continue through his chosen successor, Solomon. It signifies her loyalty and her recognition that David's word, backed by God's promise, was powerful enough to secure the future of the kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Bathsheba's profound reverence for King David and her blessing for him to "live for ever" in [1 Kings 1:31](/1_kings/1-31 "1 Kings 1:31 - Bathsheba's Reverence and Affirmation") finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David, despite his kingship, was a mortal man whose reign would eventually end, the blessing for him to "live for ever" pointed prophetically to the enduring, eternal nature of the Davidic covenant and the King who would truly reign forever. Jesus, born of the lineage of David, is the true and eternal King whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary about Jesus' Kingdom")). Unlike David, who was frail and nearing death, Christ is the resurrected Lord, the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who lives forever and ever ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus' Authority Over Death and Hades")). Our reverence and submission are due to Him, not merely as an earthly king, but as the divine Son, "whose throne is forever and ever" ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "God the Father to the Son: Your Throne, O God, is Forever and Ever")). The stability and peace that Solomon's reign brought, secured by David's oath, foreshadow the perfect and everlasting peace of Christ's reign, where "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ")). In Christ, the hope for an enduring king and an eternal dynasty is fully realized.

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

Daniel 5:10

¶ [Now] the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

Daniel 3:9

They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

Daniel 2:4

Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Daniel 6:6

¶ Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

Daniel 6:21

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

2 Samuel 9:6

Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!