1 Kings 1:15

Verse

So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

Then Bath-sheba went into the king's room; now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was waiting on him.

Free Bible Version

So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old and Abishag was looking after him.

Geneva Bible 1599

So Bath-sheba went in vnto the King into the chamber, and the King was verie olde, and Abishag the Shunammite ministred vnto ye King.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old, and Abishag was taking care of him.

Unlocked Literal Bible

So Bathsheba went into the king's room. The king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.

Noah Webster Bible

And Bath-sheba went to the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunamite ministered to the king.

World English Bible

Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.

Young's Literal Translation

And Bath-Sheba cometh in unto the king, to the inner chamber, and the king [is] very aged, and Abishag the Shunammite is serving the king:

Context

Nathan and Bathsheba before David

¹⁴Then, while you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words.”¹⁵So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him.¹⁶And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?”

Summary

In 1 Kings 1:15, Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, seeks an audience with King David to address the issue of succession to the throne. This verse captures Bathsheba's wisdom and courage in navigating the political dynamics of the royal court, ensuring that her son Solomon is recognized as the rightful heir. Bathsheba's actions reveal her commitment to fulfilling the promise made by David to make Solomon king after him, showcasing her loyalty to both her son and the king. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Solomon's ascension to the throne and the establishment of his reign.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Bathsheba went in unto the king into the chamber,.... Where he lay, being bedridden; she took Nathan's advice, and directly went to the king's apartment: and the king was very old: and decrepit, borne down with the infirmities of old age, though but seventy years of age: and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king; she was then waiting upon the king, and serving him with what was necessary and proper for him; and perhaps there was no other in the chamber at that time.