1 Kings 2:18

1 Kings 2:18 captures a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon, where his mother, Bathsheba, agrees to intercede on behalf of Adonijah, a rival claimant to the throne, before her son.

Context

This verse follows Adonijah's request to Bathsheba to ask King Solomon for Abishag the Shunammite as his wife. Adonijah, who had previously attempted to usurp the throne from David and Solomon (see 1 Kings 1:5), frames this request as a humble desire. However, in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, marrying a former concubine or attendant of a deceased king could be interpreted as a claim to the throne itself, signifying a transfer of royal authority. Bathsheba, perhaps unaware of the full political implications or trusting in Solomon's discernment, readily agrees to present the petition to the new king.

Key Themes

• Intercession and Influence: Bathsheba's position as the queen mother grants her significant influence, and Adonijah seeks to leverage this. It highlights the role of intermediaries in royal courts and the power dynamics within the kingdom of Israel.
• Political Intrigue and Succession: Even after Solomon's anointing, the lingering ambitions of rivals like Adonijah continue to shape events. The request for Abishag is not merely personal but deeply political, challenging Solomon's secure claim to the throne.
• Discerning Motives: The verse sets the stage for Solomon's response, which reveals his keen understanding of Adonijah's true intentions behind the seemingly innocuous request (see 1 Kings 2:22), showcasing his emerging wisdom as king.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation of Bathsheba's response, "Well," comes from the Hebrew word כֵּן (ken), which means "yes," "truly," "it is so," or "so be it." It indicates a straightforward agreement or affirmation, suggesting she readily assented to Adonijah's plea without immediate suspicion or hesitation.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a reminder that seemingly innocent requests can sometimes mask deeper, more sinister motives, especially in contexts of power and ambition. For believers, it underscores the importance of discernment, as highlighted in Proverbs 4:7, to understand the true nature of situations and the intentions of others. It also shows the decisive action required to protect what is right and just, as King Solomon later demonstrates in his firm response to Adonijah's challenge (see 1 Kings 2:23).