1 Kings 1:1-3:15 NIV

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:1

THE BEGINNING OF THE REIGN OF SOLOMONThis chapter gives an intimate glance into the intrigues, hatreds and deceptions which invariably came about from the godless custom of ancient kings and their harems of concubines and wives in constant competition with one another. We have precious little respect for those scholars who pass over the wickedness and lustful licentiousness of such arrangements on the basis of their being, "customary in those times."THE LAST DAYS OF KING DAVID"Now king David... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Kings 1:1-4

1 Kings 1:1-4. Now King David was old, &c.— It appears from 2Sa 5:4-5 that he was seventy years old. The strength of nature was so far abated in him, that clothes could not keep him warm in his bed. His physicians therefore advised, that a fair and youthful virgin should be sought for, who might cherish his vital heat; the natural warmth of a young healthful human body being, as the physicians observe, best fitted for that end, both in kind and degree. If it be asked, how the beauty of the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 1:1

1, 2. Now king David was old—He was in the seventieth year of his age (2 Samuel 5:4; 2 Samuel 5:5). But the wear and tear of a military life, bodily fatigue, and mental care, had prematurely, if we may say it, exhausted the energies of David's strong constitution (1 Samuel 16:12). In modern Palestine and Egypt the people, owing to the heat of the climate, sleep each in a "separate" bed. They only depart from this practice for medical reasons (1 Samuel 16:12- :). The expedient recommended by... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 1:1-4

1. David’s declining health 1:1-4It was customary in ancient times to warm an elderly person not only by covering him or her with blankets, but also by putting a healthy person in bed with him or her. [Note: Wiseman, p. 67.] The body heat of the well person would keep the older person warmer. David’s physicians chose Abishag to provide nursing care for David as well as to warm him. Since David was the king, they sought and found a beautiful nurse for him. In view of David’s symptoms, he may... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 1:1-12

A. Solomon’s Succession to David’s Throne 1:1-2:12The first segment of the writer’s story (1 Kings 1:1 to 1 Kings 2:12) continues the history of Israel’s monarchy where 2 Samuel ended. It records the final events in David’s reign that led to Solomon’s succession to the throne. It answers the question raised in 2 Samuel 9-20, namely, "Who will succeed David?" Similarly, Genesis 12-22 answers the question, "Who will be Abram’s heir?" read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:1-53

An Intrigue for the SuccessionThis chapter relates Adonijah’s attempt to obtain the succession, its defeat through the agency of Nathan, and the enthronement of Solomon. The history contained in it is omitted in 1 Ch, where, however, mention is made of Solomon’s having been crowned not once only but twice (1 Chronicles 29:22). Probably the second occasion corresponds to what is related in 1 Kings 1:39 (cp. 1 Chronicles 29:24 with 1 Kings 1:53).1. Now] better, ’and,’ connecting this book with... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Kings 1:1

(1) Now king David.—“Now” is the simple illative conjunction “and,” found at the beginning of all the historical books (Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, &c.). It marks the general conception of the unity of the whole history, but implies nothing of special connection of time or authorship with the books of Samuel. In fact, although these books are in some sense the continuation of the former, yet the narrative is hardly continuous. The history passes at once to the closing... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-4

DAVID’S DECREPITUDE1 Kings 1:1-4."Praise a fair day at night."THE old age of good men is often a beautiful spectacle. They show us the example of a mellower wisdom, a larger tolerance, a sweeter temper, a more unselfish sympathy, a clearer faith.The setting sun of their bright day tinges even the clouds which gather round it with softer and more lovely hues.We cannot say this of David’s age. After the oppressive splendor of his heroic youth and manhood there was no dewy twilight of honored... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

AN EASTERN COURT AND HOME1 Kings 1:1-53"Pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness."Ezekiel 16:49A MAN does not choose his own destiny; it is ordained for higher ends than his own personal happiness. If David could have made his choice, he might, indeed, have been dazzled by the glittering lure of royalty; yet he would have been in all probability happier and nobler had he never risen above the simple life of his forefathers. Our saintly king in Shakespeare’s tragedy says:-"My crown is... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Kings 1:1-27

Analysis and Annotations I. DAVID’S LAST DAYS AND THE CROWNING OF SOLOMON 1. Adonijah’s Exaltation to be King CHAPTER 1:1-27 1. David’s decrepitude (1 Kings 1:1-4 ) 2. Adonijah’s self-exaltation (1 Kings 1:5-9 ) 3. The plot of Nathan and Bath-sheba (1 Kings 1:10-14 ) 4. Bath-sheba and Nathan before the king (1 Kings 1:15-27 ) David was about 70 years old and extremely feeble. The strenuous life he had led, the exposures and hardships of his youth, the cares and anxieties of his... read more