1 Kings 2:16

KJV

And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now I ask {H7592} one {H259} petition {H7596} of thee, deny {H7725} me {H6440} not. And she said {H559} unto him, Say on {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But now I ask one favor of you; don't deny me." "Go on," she said.

Berean Standard Bible

So now I have just one request of you; do not deny me.” “State your request,” she told him.

American Standard Version

And now I ask one petition of thee; deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 2:16 captures the subtle yet profoundly dangerous opening of a pivotal conversation between Adonijah, King David's ambitious fourth son, and Bathsheba, the mother of the newly crowned King Solomon. Adonijah's seemingly humble plea, "And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not," is a carefully crafted maneuver designed to leverage Bathsheba's influence with Solomon, masking a deeper, treacherous agenda aimed at undermining Solomon's divinely established reign. Bathsheba's simple, unsuspecting response, "And she said unto him, Say on," sets the stage for a request that will expose Adonijah's lingering ambition and ultimately seal his fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed in the narrative immediately following the tumultuous events of King David's final days and Solomon's ascension to the throne. In [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - David's Last Days and Solomon's Anointing"), Adonijah had already made a premature and illegitimate attempt to seize the kingship, gathering support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Self-Proclamation as King")). This rebellion was thwarted by the swift actions of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, leading to Solomon's anointing and enthronement by David's decree ([1 Kings 1:32-39](/1_kings/1-32 "Solomon Anointed King")). Though initially spared by Solomon on the condition of loyalty ([1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "Solomon's Conditional Mercy to Adonijah")), Adonijah's approach to Bathsheba in [1 Kings 2:16](/1_kings/2-16 "Adonijah's Petition to Bathsheba") reveals his persistent, underlying ambition. This verse serves as the critical prelude to Adonijah's specific request for Abishag the Shunammite ([1 Kings 2:17](/1_kings/2-17 "Adonijah Asks for Abishag")), which Solomon immediately perceives as a direct challenge to his authority, leading to Adonijah's execution and the consolidation of Solomon's power ([1 Kings 2:23-25](/1_kings/2-23 "Solomon Executes Adonijah")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the succession to the throne was often fraught with intrigue and violence. While primogeniture was a common principle, it was not absolute, and divine appointment or a king's decree could override it, as seen in Solomon's case. A crucial cultural norm was the symbolic power associated with the deceased king's harem. Marrying or taking a former king's concubine or wife was frequently understood as an act of claiming the deceased king's authority and legitimacy. This is vividly illustrated by Absalom's public act of sleeping with David's concubines on the rooftop, a deliberate move to signify his usurpation of his father's throne ([2 Samuel 16:21-22](/2_samuel/16-21 "Absalom's Public Claim to David's Harem")). The queen mother, like Bathsheba, held a position of significant influence and prestige in the royal court, often acting as an intercessor or advisor to the king. Adonijah's choice to approach Bathsheba, rather than Solomon directly, demonstrates his shrewd understanding of these cultural dynamics and his attempt to exploit her influence for his own ends.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it underscores the persistent **power struggles and political intrigue** that characterized the early monarchy, even after a king's official enthronement. Adonijah's veiled request highlights the **dangers of unchecked ambition**, revealing how a desire for power, once ignited, can lead to self-destruction despite previous mercy ([1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "Solomon's Conditional Mercy")). The narrative also emphasizes the theme of **discernment and hidden motives**, as Adonijah's seemingly humble petition conceals a far more sinister agenda. Furthermore, it subtly points to **divine sovereignty** in the establishment of the king, as God's chosen ruler, Solomon, ultimately triumphs over all human attempts to subvert His plan. The role of the **queen mother's influence** is also a key theme, as Adonijah attempts to leverage Bathsheba's unique position, though ultimately to his detriment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Petition (Hebrew, _she'elah_):** The Hebrew word שְׁאֵלָה (_she'elah_) simply means "a request," "a petition," or "a demand." While the word itself is neutral, its context here is laden with political significance. Adonijah frames his request as a singular, humble plea, aiming to disarm Bathsheba and make it difficult for her to refuse before she even knows its content. The term highlights the deceptive nature of his approach, presenting a seemingly innocuous request that, in reality, carries profound implications for the stability of the kingdom.
* **Deny me not (Hebrew, _'al-tashiv panay_):** The phrase אַל־תָּשִׁב פָּנַי (_'al-tashiv panay_) literally translates to "do not turn back my face." This is a common Hebrew idiom meaning "do not refuse me," "do not reject my request," or "do not put me to shame." Adonijah uses this strong plea to evoke sympathy and create a moral obligation for Bathsheba to grant his request. It underscores his manipulative strategy, attempting to bind Bathsheba to his will through emotional appeal before revealing the true, dangerous nature of his "one petition."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now I ask one petition of thee":** Adonijah initiates the conversation with a carefully calculated opening. The "And now" (וְעַתָּה, _v'attah_) signals a transition to a direct, urgent appeal. By emphasizing "one petition," he attempts to minimize the perceived scope and potential impact of his request, presenting it as a small, singular favor. This framing is designed to lower Bathsheba's guard and make her more amenable to hearing him out, creating an impression of humility and limited ambition.
* **"deny me not.":** This is Adonijah's direct and manipulative plea. As discussed in the key word analysis, "deny me not" (אַל־תָּשִׁב פָּנַי, _'al-tashiv panay_) is an idiom designed to elicit an affirmative response by appealing to Bathsheba's sense of compassion or obligation. He seeks to secure her agreement in principle before revealing the true, politically charged nature of his request, thereby placing her in a difficult position to refuse once the full implications become clear.
* **"And she said unto him, Say on.":** Bathsheba's response is simple, direct, and seemingly unsuspecting. Her "Say on" (דַּבֵּר, _dabber_) indicates an open willingness to hear Adonijah's request without immediate suspicion or judgment. At this point, she appears unaware of the treacherous implications hidden within Adonijah's seemingly innocent plea, demonstrating her initial trust or perhaps her role as an accessible figure for petitions within the royal court. Her response sets the stage for Adonijah to reveal his true intentions, leading directly to the pivotal request in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the underlying deceit. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Adonijah's seemingly innocuous plea hints at the grave consequences that will follow, particularly his ultimate demise. There is a strong element of **dramatic irony**, as the reader is aware of Adonijah's previous attempt to usurp the throne ([1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Self-Proclamation")) and his lingering ambition, while Bathsheba, at this moment, appears to be unaware of the true, treacherous nature of his request. Adonijah's feigned humility and the careful phrasing of his petition ("one petition," "deny me not") constitute **manipulation** and **deception**, presenting a facade of innocence to mask a deeper, politically charged agenda. The scene also utilizes **understatement**, as the simplicity of the dialogue belies the immense political stakes and the life-on-death consequences that hang in the balance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 2:16, though brief, is a profound illustration of the ongoing spiritual battle against human ambition and the subtle ways evil can operate even in the face of divine appointment. Adonijah's persistent, manipulative attempt to undermine Solomon's God-ordained kingship highlights the deep-seated human tendency to grasp for power outside of God's will. It underscores that God's plan for His chosen leaders and kingdom will ultimately prevail, despite the machinations of those who oppose it. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual discernment, not just in grand theological matters, but in everyday interactions, as seemingly innocent requests can mask dangerous intentions. It also reinforces the biblical truth that God's sovereignty is not thwarted by human schemes but often works through them to bring about His purposes, ultimately consolidating Solomon's throne and purging the kingdom of lingering threats.

* [1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "Adonijah's Initial Attempt to Usurp the Throne")
* [1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "Solomon's Conditional Mercy to Adonijah")
* [2 Samuel 16:21](/2_samuel/16-21 "Absalom's Claim to David's Harem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple exchange in 1 Kings 2:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder of the enduring nature of human ambition and the subtle ways it can manifest, even after apparent defeat or divine intervention. Adonijah's approach teaches us the critical importance of discernment: not every request, even from those seemingly in a vulnerable position, is innocent. We must cultivate a spiritual sensitivity to look beyond the surface, to consider the underlying motives and potential consequences of what is being asked, especially when it involves significant relationships, responsibilities, or the integrity of a community. Furthermore, Adonijah's ultimate demise, born from his inability to relinquish his desire for power, warns against the dangers of unchecked ambition that refuses to accept God's sovereign appointments or new realities. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for lingering desires that might subtly undermine God's will or create discord, urging us instead to find contentment and purpose within the roles and circumstances God has ordained for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize hidden motives in seemingly innocent requests, both in personal interactions and broader societal contexts?**
* **What "unfulfilled ambitions" or desires might we be holding onto that could subtly lead us away from God's appointed path or create conflict?**
* **In what ways might we, like Bathsheba, be susceptible to manipulation if we are not fully aware of the spiritual and relational dynamics at play?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Adonijah approached Bathsheba for several calculated reasons. Firstly, he understood her unique and influential position as the Queen Mother, especially given her pivotal role in securing Solomon's throne ([1 Kings 1:11-31](/1_kings/1-11 "Nathan and Bathsheba Secure Solomon's Throne")). He likely believed she would have a sympathetic ear and significant sway with her son, King Solomon. Secondly, by approaching her, Adonijah could present his request indirectly, masking its true political implications behind a facade of humility and a seemingly personal favor. This allowed him to test the waters and potentially circumvent Solomon's direct authority without openly challenging him, which would have been far more dangerous given Solomon's previous conditional pardon ([1 Kings 1:52](/1_kings/1-52 "Solomon's Conditional Mercy to Adonijah")). It was a shrewd, albeit ultimately fatal, attempt to leverage influence and revive his claim to the throne through indirect means.

**Was Bathsheba aware of Adonijah's true intentions when he made his request?**

Answer: The text suggests that Bathsheba was likely not fully aware of the treacherous implications of Adonijah's request at the moment he made his initial plea in [1 Kings 2:16](/1_kings/2-16 "Adonijah's Petition to Bathsheba"). Her simple response, "Say on," indicates an openness to hear him out without immediate suspicion. However, it is highly probable that as Adonijah articulated his specific petition for Abishag the Shunammite in [1 Kings 2:17](/1_kings/2-17 "Adonijah Asks for Abishag"), Bathsheba would have quickly grasped the political significance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, marrying a former king's concubine or wife was a well-understood symbolic act of claiming the deceased king's authority and legitimacy, as demonstrated by Absalom's actions with David's concubines ([2 Samuel 16:21-22](/2_samuel/16-21 "Absalom's Public Claim to David's Harem")). Her subsequent decision to relay the request to Solomon, rather than dismissing it outright, may have been an act of loyalty to her son, allowing him to deal with the threat directly and decisively.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The subtle yet deadly ambition of Adonijah in 1 Kings 2:16 stands in stark contrast to the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ. While Adonijah sought to usurp a human throne through manipulation and veiled threats, Jesus, though rightful King of all creation, "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). Adonijah's "one petition" was a self-serving demand for power, ultimately leading to his demise; Christ's "petition" was a selfless prayer for His disciples and for all who would believe in Him, leading to eternal life ([John 17:9-24](/john/17-9 "John 17:9-24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples")). The drama of succession in 1 Kings highlights the precariousness of human kingship, constantly threatened by ambition and deceit. In contrast, Christ's reign is divinely established and unshakeable; no human scheme or power struggle can undermine the throne of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the King who truly reigns in righteousness and peace, not through cunning and manipulation, but through sacrificial love and absolute truth, ultimately fulfilling all the promises made to David about an eternal kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")).

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

Psalms 132:10

For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

Proverbs 30:7

¶ Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die: