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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 1 - Verse 15

1:15
And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.

Meaning

In 1 Kings 1:15, we see a significant event in the life of King David. Bathsheba, the wife of David and mother of Solomon, entered the king's chamber. This act holds great symbolic importance as it signifies Bathsheba's strategic move to secure the throne for her son Solomon. The fact that King David was very old at this time highlights the transition of power from one generation to the next. Abishag, the Shunammite woman, also played a crucial role in ministering to David, emphasizing the king's advanced age and the need for a caretaker. This verse foreshadows the political intrigue and power struggles that will soon unfold as Solomon ascends to the throne. It underscores the complexity of relationships and the dynamics of power within the royal court. As readers follow the narrative, they will witness the lengths to which individuals go to secure their futures and the consequences of their actions in the kingdom of Israel.

Theological Overview

In 1 Kings 1:15, we see depicted a significant moment in David's life as he nears the end of his days. The verse describes Bathsheba entering the king's chamber, where David, now very old, lies. The presence of Abishag the Shunammite, who is attending to the king, highlights the fragility of David's physical state. This verse has been subject to theological interpretation, with some scholars seeing Bathsheba's visit as a strategic move to secure the throne for her son Solomon. Others view Abishag's role as a foreshadowing of the transition of power from David to Solomon. Additionally, the age of David is symbolic of the passing of the old generation to make way for the new. Word studies reveal that the term "ministered" connotes not only physical care but potentially emotional support as well, indicating the deep bond between David and Abishag in his final days. This verse offers rich theological insights into the themes of succession, mortality, and the faithfulness of God's plan in the Biblical narrative.

American Standard Version

And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering unto the king.
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