1 Kings 1:2 NIV

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

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

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 1:1-53

ADONIJAH EXALTS HIMSELF (vs.1-10) Being 70 years old, David was near to death. He complained of the cold, though well covered with blankets. His servants thought that a young girl, a virgin, would help to warm him. Why could not one of his wives do this? But they found a beautiful young woman, Abishag, and brought her to the king (v.2). She ministered to the king's needs, but he did not cohabit with her (v.4). Men will employ any available means of dealing with problems instead of committing... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 1:1-53

THE CORONATION OF SOLOMON THE OCCASION FOR SOLOMON’S CORONATION (1 Kings 1:10 ) The incident in the first four verses is recorded not for itself, but because of what grew out of it in Adonijah’s case (1 Kings 2:13-25 ). It was a custom in the Orient, and still is, to do this for hygienic reasons on the supposition “that the inhalation of young breath will give new vigor to a worn-out frame.” The event shows that Abishag was made a concubine or secondary wife to the king (1 Kings 2:22 ).... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Kings 1:1-53

Usurpation 1 Kings 1:0 DAVID is "old and stricken in years." Round about him there are certain proceedings which are almost always associated with the death of great men. There are persons who are wondering who will succeed to the throne. One man has made up his mind that he will be the king. Could we understand all that is going on in the minds of our friends when we ourselves are approaching the hour and article of death, we should be surprised by some revelations of character which we had... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Kings 1:2-4

(2) Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. (3) So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. (4) And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not. While the pious Reader feels... read more