1 Kings 1:27

Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed [it] unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?

Is this thing {H1697} done {H1961} by my lord {H113} the king {H4428}, and thou hast not shewed {H3045} it unto thy servant {H5650}, who should sit {H3427} on the throne {H3678} of my lord {H113} the king {H4428} after {H310} him?

Is this authorized by my lord the king without your having told your servant who would sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?"

Has my lord the king let this happen without informing your servant who should sit on the throne after my lord the king?โ€

Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not showed unto thy servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?

Commentary

Context

This verse is spoken by Bathsheba to King David during a critical moment of succession crisis in Israel. David is old and frail, and his son Adonijah, taking advantage of the situation, has presumptuously proclaimed himself king, gathering support from key figures like Joab and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:7). Nathan the prophet, realizing the danger to David's promise to Bathsheba regarding Solomon, advises Bathsheba to remind David of his oath. Bathsheba's words in verse 27 are a rhetorical question, subtly challenging David's authority and knowledge. She implies that if David had truly sanctioned Adonijah's ascension, why would it have been kept secret from her, who had a vested interest in the legitimate succession, especially given David's previous oath concerning her son, Solomon?

Key Themes

  • Legitimate Succession: The verse highlights the paramount importance of orderly and divinely sanctioned transfer of power, contrasting it with Adonijah's self-appointed kingship. The question points to the necessity of clear, official communication regarding such a monumental event.
  • Rhetorical Challenge: Bathsheba's question isn't seeking information; it's a strategic and pointed challenge to David, forcing him to confront Adonijah's usurpation and his own unfulfilled promise. It's a call to action.
  • David's Promise: Underlying Bathsheba's query is the unspoken reminder of David's solemn oath that Solomon would sit on his throne. Her question implies a breach of this promise if Adonijah's actions were indeed sanctioned by David.
  • Advocacy and Diligence: Bathsheba, prompted by Nathan the prophet, acts diligently to ensure the divine plan for Solomon's reign is not thwarted by human ambition.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hast not shewed [it] unto thy servant" carries a strong implication of an affront. The Hebrew verb for "shewed" (ื”ื•ึนื“ึทืขึฐืชึผึธ - hodata) means "to make known" or "to inform." Bathsheba's rhetorical question underscores the lack of official declaration or acknowledgment from the king regarding Adonijah's actions. It highlights the clandestine and irregular nature of Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne, which would typically be a public and royal pronouncement.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into leadership, communication, and divine purpose:

  • Clarity in Leadership: It underscores the need for clear communication and decisive action from leaders, especially concerning matters of succession or significant transitions. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and challenges to authority.
  • Consequences of Inaction: David's delayed action in naming his successor created a vacuum that Adonijah attempted to fill. It serves as a reminder that inaction can have significant, unintended consequences.
  • Bold Advocacy: Bathsheba's courage in directly, yet respectfully, challenging the king's perceived inaction or oversight is an example of speaking truth to power when necessary for a righteous cause. Her advocacy was crucial in fulfilling the divine promise for Solomon's reign (1 Kings 1:30).
  • Divine Providence: Despite human machinations and political intrigue, God's plan for the Davidic line through Solomon ultimately prevailed, demonstrating His sovereignty over earthly affairs (1 Chronicles 22:9).
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 1:24 (2 votes)

    And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?

  • John 15:15 (2 votes)

    Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

  • 2 Kings 4:27 (2 votes)

    And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.