1 Kings 1:31

Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

Then Bathsheba {H1339} bowed {H6915} with her face {H639} to the earth {H776}, and did reverence {H7812} to the king {H4428}, and said {H559}, Let my lord {H113} king {H4428} David {H1732} live {H2421} for ever {H5769}.

Bat-Sheva bowed with her face to the ground, prostrating herself to the king, and said, "Let my lord King David live forever."

Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”

Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

Commentary

1 Kings 1:31 captures a moment of profound respect and affirmation from Bathsheba to King David, immediately following his solemn oath regarding the succession of their son, Solomon. This verse is key to understanding the dynamics of the royal court and the unfolding of God's plan for David's lineage.

Context

This verse is situated during a critical period in King David's life. He is old and frail, and a significant crisis of succession has erupted. His son Adonijah has presumptuously declared himself king, creating a challenge to the divine promise and David's earlier intention for Solomon to succeed him. Bathsheba, prompted by the prophet Nathan, has just approached David to remind him of his oath (see 1 Kings 1:17). David, in response, has just solemnly reaffirmed his promise in 1 Kings 1:30. Bathsheba’s actions and words in verse 31 are her deep expression of gratitude, submission, and loyalty, acknowledging David’s enduring authority despite his advanced age.

Key Themes

  • Profound Reverence and Submission: Bathsheba's act of "bowing with her face to the earth" and performing "reverence to the king" was the ultimate gesture of respect and submission in the ancient Near East. It acknowledged David's supreme authority and her humble acceptance of his decree. This act was not merely personal but also a public affirmation of the king's continued sovereignty and the legitimacy of his decisions.
  • Loyalty and Blessing: Her declaration, "Let my lord king David live for ever," is a customary royal salutation or blessing. It doesn't imply literal immortality but expresses a fervent wish for the king's long and prosperous reign, and for the enduring legacy of his dynasty. It signifies her unwavering loyalty and her recognition of David's divinely appointed kingship.
  • Divine Purpose and Human Agency: While God had already designated Solomon as David's successor (as promised in 2 Samuel 7:12 and reiterated in 1 Chronicles 22:9), human actions—like Bathsheba's courageous plea and David's decisive action—were instrumental in bringing about God's plan. This highlights the interplay between God's sovereign will and human responsibility.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "did reverence" translates the Hebrew verb shachah (שָׁחָה), which literally means "to bow down" or "to prostrate oneself." This word is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe acts of worship and adoration directed towards God, as well as gestures of deep respect and homage shown to human authorities, such as kings, prophets, or elders. In this context, Bathsheba’s use of shachah underscores the profound respect and honor she held for David as God's anointed ruler.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable insights into the importance of respect for authority, whether within family, community, or governmental structures. Bathsheba's response, even after achieving her objective for Solomon, exemplifies humble and appropriate submission to the king's decree. It also illustrates how faith in God's promises, such as David's trust in God's choice of Solomon, is often affirmed and brought to fruition through human actions and expressions of loyalty. Our words and deeds can reflect our respect for those in positions of authority and our acknowledgment of God's guiding hand in their roles, provided their actions align with His divine will.

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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

  • Daniel 5:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ [Now] the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

  • Daniel 3:9 (4 votes)

    They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

  • Daniel 2:4 (4 votes)

    Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

  • Hebrews 12:9 (3 votes)

    Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

  • Daniel 6:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

  • Daniel 6:21 (3 votes)

    Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

  • 2 Samuel 9:6 (3 votes)

    Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!