1 Kings 1:2

Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

Wherefore his servants {H5650} said {H559} unto him, Let there be sought {H1245} for my lord {H113} the king {H4428} a young {H5291} virgin {H1330}: and let her stand {H5975} before {H6440} the king {H4428}, and let her cherish {H5532} him, and let her lie {H7901} in thy bosom {H2436}, that my lord {H113} the king {H4428} may get heat {H2552}.

His servants said to him, "Let us try to find a young virgin for my lord the king. She can wait on the king and be a companion for him, and she can lie next to you, so that my lord the king will get some heat."

So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.”

Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 1:2 (KJV)

This verse opens the First Book of Kings by immediately highlighting the physical condition of King David in his old age, setting the stage for the dramatic events of succession that follow. It describes the advice given to David by his servants concerning his deteriorating health, specifically his struggle to maintain body heat.

Context and Historical Significance

At this point in the narrative, King David, the revered monarch of Israel, is described as "old and stricken in years." His physical decline is a significant detail, symbolizing not only the end of an era but also the impending transition of power. The proposed solution—to find a young virgin to "cherish him" and "lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat"—reflects ancient physiological understanding and folk remedies. This was a recognized form of "bodily heat transfer," a practice known as co-sleeping for therapeutic warmth, especially for the elderly or infirm. It was not necessarily intended for sexual intimacy, particularly given David's frail state, but rather for comfort and warmth to prolong his life. This individual, later identified as Abishag the Shunammite (1 Kings 1:3), plays a symbolic role in the subsequent power struggles, as control over the king's consort could signify a claim to the throne.

Key Themes

  • Human Frailty and Mortality: Even a powerful and divinely chosen king like David is subject to the natural processes of aging and physical decline. This emphasizes the universal reality of human vulnerability, regardless of status.
  • Care for the Elderly: The servants' actions, though perhaps unusual by modern standards, demonstrate a concern for the king's well-being and an attempt to alleviate his suffering in old age.
  • Transition of Power: David's weakened state is the immediate catalyst for the succession crisis that unfolds in 1 Kings, as his sons Adonijah and Solomon vie for the throne. The physical state of the monarch directly impacts the stability of the kingdom.
  • Ancient Practices: The verse offers a glimpse into the medical and societal customs of ancient Israel, where direct physical contact was considered a legitimate means of therapy for certain ailments.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cherish him" comes from the Hebrew word sakan (סָכַן), which means "to be profitable," "to be useful," or "to minister to." It implies dedicated service and care, suggesting that Abishag's role was primarily one of nursing and providing comfort rather than a marital one. The term "lie in thy bosom" (Hebrew: chaq - חֵיק) refers to the lap or chest area, indicating close physical proximity. In this context, it clearly relates to the stated purpose: "that my lord the king may get heat," underscoring the therapeutic intent.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the universal experience of aging and the importance of compassionate care for the elderly. It highlights the vulnerability of even the greatest leaders and the necessity of preparing for transitions in leadership. While the specific remedy is culturally bound, the underlying principle of attending to the needs of the infirm remains timeless. It also underscores how personal circumstances, even a king's health, can profoundly influence national affairs and the course of history, leading to significant events like the struggle for the throne between Adonijah and Solomon.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 16:21 (5 votes)

    And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

  • 1 Samuel 16:22 (5 votes)

    And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:11 (4 votes)

    Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]?

  • Genesis 16:5 (4 votes)

    And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong [be] upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

  • Micah 7:5 (4 votes)

    Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

  • Deuteronomy 10:8 (3 votes)

    At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

  • 2 Samuel 12:3 (3 votes)

    But the poor [man] had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.