1 Kings 1:2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-4

David, as recorded in the foregoing chapter, had, by the great mercy of God, escaped the sword of the destroying angel. But our deliverances from or through diseases and dangers are but reprieves; if the candle be not blown out, it will burn out of itself. We have David here sinking under the infirmities of old age, and brought by them to the gates of the grave. He that cometh up out of the pit shall fall into the snare; and, one way or other, we must needs die. 1. It would have troubled one... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:2

Wherefore his servants said unto him ,.... His physicians; so Joseph's physicians are called his servants, Genesis 50:2 ; let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin ; not only a young woman, but a virgin, that has more natural heat than women that have bore children have, which is abated thereby: and let her stand before the king : minister to him, serve him with whatsoever he should want to eat or drink; and so by being in his presence, and taking things at her hand,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:2

Let there be sought - a young virgin - This was the best remedy which in his state could be prescribed. His nearly exhausted frame would infallibly absorb from her young and healthy body an additional portion of animal heat, and consequently trim and revive the flame of animal life. This is properly, as I have elsewhere expressed it, Friar Bacon's secret for the cure of old age. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 1:2

Wherefore [Heb. and ] his servants [according to Josephus (Antiq. 7.14, 3), his physicians] said unto him, Let there be sought [lit. as marg; " let them seek "] for my lord the king [the singular pronoun is used as representing the servant who was spokesman for the rest] a young virgin [marg; " a damsel, a virgin. " She must be young, to impart heat, and a virgin, as befitted a king. Though she was recommended as a nurse, they would naturally suppose she might be... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 1:2

Since the Jewish law allowed polygamy, David’s conduct in following - what has been said to have been - physician’s advice, was blameless. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 1:2

1 Kings 1:2. Wherefore his servants His physicians; said, Let there be sought for the king a young virgin Whose natural heat is fresh and wholesome, and not impaired with bearing or breeding children. The same counsel is given by Galen for the cure of some cold and dry distempers. Let her stand before the king That is, minister unto him, or wait upon him in his sickness, as occasion requires. And let her lie in his bosom As his wife; for that she was so, may appear by divers... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

1:1-4:34 SOLOMON ESTABLISHES HIS KINGDOMSolomon becomes king (1:1-53)David was old and his health was failing. He needed a nurse with him continually, one of her duties being to lie with him in bed to give him warmth. Although this nurse, Abishag, was not David’s concubine, many people apparently thought she was (1:1-4; see note on 2:22).Adonijah, David’s oldest surviving son, decided to establish himself as king while David was still alive, and so prevent any possible claim to the throne by... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 1:2

servants: i.e. his advisers, probably medical. virgin = damsel. Hebrew. bethulah . 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