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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 1 - Verse 17

1:17
And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Kings, we see the Queen Mother Bathsheba reminding King David of a promise he made to her. The promise was that their son, Solomon, would succeed David as king and sit on the throne. This interaction highlights the importance of keeping one's word and honoring promises made. It also demonstrates the continuity of the royal lineage and the transfer of power from one generation to the next. The verse sheds light on the political dynamics within the royal family and the significance of succession in ancient Israelite society. It showcases the role of the Queen Mother in advocating for her son's right to the throne and ensuring that the succession plan is carried out as promised. Overall, this verse underscores the themes of loyalty, inheritance, and the divine mandate for kingship in the context of ancient Israel.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Book of Kings, the phrase "swarest by the LORD thy God" holds significant theological implications. The act of swearing by the Lord meant making a solemn oath, invoking God as a witness to the promise being made. This practice underscores the importance of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness in the biblical context. The use of this phrase also highlights the belief in the sovereignty and authority of God over all things, including human agreements and promises. The mention of Solomon as the future king further illustrates the divine plan and succession in the lineage of the Israelite monarchy. By studying the word "swarest," we see the emphasis on the sacredness of oaths and commitments made in the presence of God. Overall, this verse emphasizes the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, as demonstrated through the succession of kings in Israel.

American Standard Version

And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by Jehovah thy God unto thy handmaid, [saying], Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.
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