1 Kings 2:13

KJV

And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Adonijah {H138} the son {H1121} of Haggith {H2294} came {H935} to Bathsheba {H1339} the mother {H517} of Solomon {H8010}. And she said {H559}, Comest {H935} thou peaceably {H7965}? And he said {H559}, Peaceably {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when Adoniyah the son of Haggit came to Bat-Sheva the mother of Shlomo. She asked, "Have you come as a friend?" He answered, "Yes, as a friend."

Berean Standard Bible

Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied.

American Standard Version

Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse opens a pivotal and tense encounter in the nascent days of King Solomon's reign, immediately following the death of King David and Solomon's secure ascension to the throne. Adonijah, an elder brother who had previously attempted to usurp the crown, approaches Bathsheba, Solomon's influential mother, with what he claims is a peaceful intention, but which Bathsheba's sharp question immediately exposes as suspicious. This brief exchange sets the stage for a critical power play, highlighting the lingering ambition of Adonijah and the political acumen required to navigate the volatile landscape of a new monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the very beginning of 1 Kings chapter 2, directly after the narrative of King David's death and Solomon's firm establishment on the throne, as stated in [1 Kings 2:12](/1_kings/2-12 "1 Kings 2:12 - Solomon's Kingdom Established"). It serves as an immediate follow-up to the events of chapter 1, where Adonijah made a premature and failed attempt to seize the kingship while David was still alive but frail ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah's Attempt to Seize the Throne")). Though Solomon had initially spared Adonijah's life on condition of good behavior ([1 Kings 1:53](/1_kings/1-53 "1 Kings 1:53 - Adonijah's Pardon by Solomon")), his appearance here signals a renewed, albeit more subtle, challenge to Solomon's authority, demonstrating that the political landscape remained precarious despite the apparent stability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the succession of kings was often a period of significant instability and intrigue. Rivals to the throne, especially half-brothers, frequently posed a threat until they were either neutralized or fully submitted. The role of the Queen Mother (Hebrew: *Gebirah*) was particularly significant in the Israelite court; she held a position of immense influence and respect, often acting as an intercessor or advisor to the king. Adonijah's approach to Bathsheba, rather than directly to Solomon, reflects this cultural understanding of the Queen Mother's unique access and persuasive power, making his move a calculated political maneuver designed to exploit this established channel of influence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate the early chapters of 1 Kings. Firstly, it underscores the persistent **volatility of power** and the inherent dangers of ambition, even after a new king has been established. Adonijah's continued machinations reveal that the struggle for authority is rarely a clean or final affair. Secondly, the interaction highlights the theme of **discernment versus deception**. Bathsheba's immediate suspicion and Adonijah's false assurance of "peace" set up a dramatic tension, emphasizing the need for wisdom in evaluating intentions, especially from those with a history of treachery, a theme echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24 "Proverbs 26:24-26 - Deceptive Words"). Finally, the scene highlights the significant **maternal influence** within the royal court, as Adonijah deliberately seeks out Bathsheba, recognizing her unique and respected position as the mother of the reigning king, a dynamic that will play out further in the narrative, as seen in [1 Kings 2:19](/1_kings/2-19 "1 Kings 2:19 - Bathsheba's Intercession").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peaceably (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** This is the pivotal word in the exchange. While commonly translated as "peace," *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם) encompasses a far richer and broader meaning in Hebrew, signifying wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and integrity, beyond merely the absence of conflict. Bathsheba's question, "Comest thou peaceably?", is not just asking if he comes without hostility, but if his intentions are genuinely for the well-being and stability of the kingdom and Solomon's reign. Adonijah's terse reply, "Peaceably," is a deceptive assurance. He uses the word to disarm her, masking his true, dangerous intent which is anything but *shalom* for Solomon's kingdom, as his subsequent request for Abishag will reveal. His use of *shalom* here is a profound example of verbal irony, where the word's true meaning is inverted by the speaker's hidden agenda.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon."**: This clause introduces the key players and the setting of the encounter. Adonijah, identified by his mother Haggith, was David's fourth son and an older brother to Solomon. He had previously attempted to seize the throne (1 Kings 1), making his presence politically charged. His deliberate approach to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, signifies his understanding of her influential position within the royal court, seeking to leverage her unique access to the king.
* **"And she said, Comest thou peaceably?"**: Bathsheba's immediate and direct question reveals her astute political awareness and deep apprehension. Given Adonijah's history as a usurper, she is highly suspicious of his motives. Her question, using the loaded term "peaceably" (*shalom*), probes not just the absence of overt hostility, but the genuine nature of his intentions – whether he truly comes in good faith for the well-being of the kingdom and her son's reign. It is a test of his integrity.
* **"And he said, Peaceably."**: Adonijah's concise reply is a calculated lie designed to disarm Bathsheba and gain her trust. By echoing her word "peaceably" (*shalom*), he attempts to project an image of innocence and submission. However, the brevity and directness of his response, coupled with his known ambition, immediately signal to the discerning reader that his true agenda is anything but peaceful, setting up the dramatic reveal of his deceptive request in the verses that follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Irony**, particularly in Adonijah's use of the word "peaceably." He claims to come in peace, yet his underlying motive is a veiled attempt to undermine Solomon's reign, making his statement a stark contrast to his true intentions. This exchange also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Bathsheba's immediate suspicion and Adonijah's deceptive answer strongly hint at the dangerous request that is about to follow, creating suspense for the reader. The **Dialogue** itself is terse and impactful; Bathsheba's pointed question and Adonijah's brief, disarming reply effectively convey the tension and the underlying power dynamics without lengthy exposition. Finally, the scene presents **Characterization** through action and dialogue, revealing Bathsheba's political astuteness and Adonijah's cunning and persistent ambition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple interaction between Adonijah and Bathsheba carries profound theological weight, underscoring the pervasive nature of sin, particularly ambition and deception, even within the sacred context of God's chosen monarchy. It illustrates the human tendency to mask malevolent intentions with a veneer of innocence, challenging believers to cultivate spiritual discernment and not to be easily swayed by appearances or smooth words. The narrative implicitly affirms divine sovereignty, as God's plan for Solomon's reign will ultimately prevail despite human machinations. It also highlights the constant need for vigilance against those who would sow discord or undermine legitimate authority, reminding us that true peace (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of wholeness and righteousness that flows from God.

* [Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24 "Proverbs 26:24-26 - Deceptive Words")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Shrewd as Snakes and Innocent as Doves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief, tense exchange in 1 Kings 2:13 serves as a timeless cautionary tale, urging us to exercise profound discernment in our interactions. It reminds us that not everyone who approaches with a claim of "peace" truly embodies it, especially those with a history of self-serving ambition or questionable motives. Adonijah's persistence in seeking power, even after being spared, illustrates how underlying desires can linger and resurface in subtle, deceptive ways. This narrative challenges us to look beyond superficial assurances and to prayerfully consider the true intentions of others, particularly in situations involving trust, authority, or significant influence. It underscores the importance of wisdom, vigilance, and spiritual insight in navigating complex relationships and protecting the integrity of our communities and personal lives. We are called to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Shrewd as Snakes and Innocent as Doves")), combining a pure heart with a keen awareness of the world's deceptions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern true intentions from deceptive appearances in our own lives and relationships?**
* **What role does a person's past behavior or known character play in our assessment of their present claims or requests?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be prone to either naiveté or excessive suspicion, and how can we cultivate a more balanced, Spirit-led discernment?**

### FAQ

**Why did Adonijah approach Bathsheba instead of Solomon directly?**

Answer: Adonijah approached Bathsheba because of her unique and powerful position as the Queen Mother (Hebrew: *Gebirah*). In ancient Israelite and Near Eastern courts, the Queen Mother held significant influence and prestige, often serving as an intercessor or advisor to the king. She had direct access to her son, the king, and was seen as a highly respected figure whose counsel could sway royal decisions. Adonijah, being politically astute, understood that a direct appeal to Solomon might be met with suspicion or outright rejection, given his past attempt to usurp the throne. By approaching Bathsheba, he hoped to leverage her maternal influence and perceived impartiality to present his request in a less threatening manner, believing she could soften Solomon's stance and advocate on his behalf, as demonstrated by Bathsheba's subsequent action in [1 Kings 2:19](/1_kings/2-19 "1 Kings 2:19 - Bathsheba's Intercession for Adonijah").

**What was Adonijah's true motive in this visit, despite claiming to come "peaceably"?**

Answer: Adonijah's true motive, revealed in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 2:15-17](/1_kings/2-15 "1 Kings 2:15-17 - Adonijah's Request for Abishag")), was to request Abishag the Shunammite, who had served King David in his old age. While seemingly innocuous, this request was a veiled and highly symbolic claim to the throne. In ancient Near Eastern customs, taking possession of the former king's concubines or harem was a recognized way to assert one's claim to the kingship and royal authority. For example, Absalom publicly lay with David's concubines to signify his usurpation of his father's throne ([2 Samuel 16:21-22](/2_samuel/16-21-22 "2 Samuel 16:21-22 - Absalom's Public Claim to the Throne")). Adonijah's request for Abishag was therefore not a personal romantic interest but a strategic political move designed to undermine Solomon's reign and reassert his own claim to the kingship, demonstrating that his initial claim of coming "peaceably" was a profound deception.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deceptive "peace" offered by Adonijah in 1 Kings 2:13 stands in stark contrast to the true and lasting peace offered by Jesus Christ. Adonijah, driven by earthly ambition, sought to manipulate and usurp power, offering a superficial *shalom* that masked a deeper intent of self-exaltation and discord. This foreshadows the many false prophets and deceptive figures throughout history who promise peace or salvation through human means, ultimately leading to spiritual turmoil. In contrast, Jesus is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace"), whose coming brings not a superficial truce but a profound reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Unlike Adonijah, whose intentions were hidden, Christ's heart is fully revealed, and He discerns the true intentions of all ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")). His kingdom is not established through political maneuvering or deception, but through divine authority and humble service, offering genuine peace that "transcends all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Thus, Adonijah's false peace highlights the desperate human need for the authentic, eternal *shalom* found only in Christ's rightful and sovereign reign.

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 Chronicles 12:17

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if [ye be come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon], and rebuke [it].

1 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Luke 10:6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

1 Kings 1:50

And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

1 Kings 1:53

So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.

1 Samuel 16:4

And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?