1 Kings 1:20

And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel [are] upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

And thou, my lord {H113}, O king {H4428}, the eyes {H5869} of all Israel {H3478} are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell {H5046} them who shall sit {H3427} on the throne {H3678} of my lord {H113} the king {H4428} after {H310} him.

As for you, my lord the king, all Isra'el is watching you; they are waiting for you to tell them who is to sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

And as for you, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon you to tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

And thou, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 1:20 KJV

1 Kings 1:20 captures a pivotal moment in the succession of King David, highlighting the immense national expectation resting on his final decision. The verse is part of Bathsheba's urgent appeal to the aging King David, reminding him of his promise regarding the next king.

Context

At this point in 1 Kings chapter 1, King David is old and frail. His son, Adonijah, has presumptuously proclaimed himself king, gathering support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar. This move bypasses David's prior commitment—and God's divine plan—for Solomon, Bathsheba's son, to inherit the throne. Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba strategically approach David to inform him of Adonijah's rebellion and to remind him of his oath to her and God's prior promise concerning Solomon inheriting the throne. Verse 20 is a direct quote from Bathsheba's impassioned plea, emphasizing the critical need for David to act decisively.

Key Themes

  • Succession and Divine Appointment: The choice of a successor was not merely a political matter but one often guided by divine will in Israel's history. The nation awaited God's chosen leader through David's proclamation.
  • Public Expectation and National Unity: The phrase "the eyes of all Israel are upon thee" underscores the collective anticipation and dependence of the entire nation on David's decision. A clear, legitimate succession was vital to prevent civil strife and maintain unity.
  • Leadership and Responsibility: Even in his final days, David bore the heavy responsibility of ensuring a peaceful and legitimate transfer of power, securing the future stability of the kingdom.
  • The Power of an Oath: Bathsheba's appeal hinges on David's oath, highlighting the importance of promises and covenants, both human and divine.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the eyes of all Israel are upon thee" (Hebrew: 'einei kol Yisrael) is a powerful idiomatic expression. It signifies not just visual attention but also intense focus, anticipation, and reliance. It means that the entire nation is looking to David for direction, awaiting his definitive word on who will be the next king. Their hope, peace, and the very future of the monarchy depend on his clear and timely declaration.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless insights into leadership, governance, and the importance of clear transitions.

  • Clarity in Leadership: Leaders, whether in family, business, or government, have a responsibility to provide clear direction and ensure smooth transitions, especially in critical moments.
  • Impact of Decisions: David's decision would affect every citizen of Israel. This reminds us that the choices of those in authority have far-reaching consequences.
  • Trust and Expectation: The people's eyes were on David because they trusted him to make the right decision for the nation's welfare. This speaks to the trust placed in leaders and the expectation that they will act in the best interest of those they serve.

The urgency of this plea ultimately led to David's decisive action, ensuring Solomon's rightful establishment on the throne and averting a potential national crisis.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 25:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:10 (2 votes)

    Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

  • 2 Chronicles 20:12 (2 votes)

    O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee.

  • Zechariah 3:9 (2 votes)

    For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

  • 2 Samuel 23:2 (2 votes)

    The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:8 (2 votes)

    But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:10 (2 votes)

    He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.