1 Kings 2:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 2:12-25

Here is, I. Solomon's accession to the throne, 1 Kgs. 2:12. He came to it much more easily and peaceably than David did, and much sooner saw his government established. It is happy for a kingdom when the end of one good reign is the beginning of another, as it was here. II. His just and necessary removal of Adonijah his rival, in order to the establishment of his throne. Adonijah had made some bold pretensions to the crown, but was soon obliged to let them fail and throw himself upon Solomon's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 2:17

And he said, speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king ,.... He owns him to be king, and which he the rather did to engage her to take his suit in hand, and to cover his design: for he will not say thee nay ; or turn away thy face, or deny thy request; she being his mother, for whom he had a great affection, and to whom he was under obligation on all accounts: that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife ; which was contrary to the law of God, Leviticus 18:8 ; which surely... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 2:17

That he give me Abishag - to wife - He cheerfully gives up all right to the kingdom, and only desires to have this young woman, who, though she had been his father's wife or concubine, was still in a state of virginity. Some think that Joab and Abiathar had advised Adonijah to make this application, not doubting, if he got Abishag, that the popular tide would again turn in his favor, and that Solomon, whom they did not like, might soon be deposed; and that it was on this account... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 2:17

And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the ring; for he will not say thee nay, [will not repulse thee. Same words as 1 Kings 2:16 . There is a spice of flattery in these words. He now exaggerates her influence with the king] that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. [We are hardly justified in concluding, as some commentators have done, that love had nothing to do with this request. It is not improbable, on the contrary, that a passion for the beautiful Shunamnite,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 2:17

1 Kings 2:17. That he give me Abishag to wife It is not likely that either Adonijah or Bath-sheba was ignorant that it was unlawful for any man to marry his father’s wife: but they perhaps thought that as David knew her not, the marriage had not been completed. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 2:1-46

Opponents of Solomon executed (2:1-46)As he saw his death approaching, David passed on to Solomon advice aimed at ensuring stability to his reign and good government for God’s people. The first and most important point was a reminder to be faithful to God. God’s promises of a prosperous kingdom and a lasting dynasty required David and his successors to be obedient to God’s will. Without obedience, there was no guarantee of blessing (2:1-4; 1 Chronicles 22:6-16).David’s second piece of advice to... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 2:17

say thee nay = turn away thy face. See note above. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 2:13-25

Adonijah’s execution 2:13-25Adonijah’s professed acceptance of Solomon’s succession overcame Bathsheba’s initial fear of him. He convinced her that he only wanted permission to marry King David’s former nurse. But Solomon saw deeper into Adonijah’s intent. Even though David had not had sexual relations with Abishag, she was part of his harem, one of the women who ministered to his most intimate needs."Although Abishag had been only David’s nurse, in the eyes of the people she passed as his... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 2:13-34

B. The Foundation of Solomon’s Reign 2:13-4:34The writer noted that Solomon’s sole reign began well. The things most responsible were God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon (the central section), his political decisions (the first section), and his administrative ability (the third section). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 2:13-46

1. Solomon’s purges 2:13-46Solomon wrote that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13; Psalms 111:10). At the very beginning of his reign he gave evidence of being wise by the way he dealt with his political enemies. His wise decisions at this time resulted in peace and prosperity for Israel for the next 40 years (971-931 B.C.). read more

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