1 Kings 2:20

_THEN SHE SAID, I DESIRE ONE SMALL PETITION OF THEE; I PRAY THEE, SAY ME NOT NAY. AND THE KING SAID UNTO HER, ASK ON, MY MOTHER: FOR I WILL NOT SAY THEE NAY._ No JFB commentary on these verses....

12-25 Solomon received Bathsheba with all the respect that was owing to a mother; but let none be asked for that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request, or to appear in a bad cause. According to eastern customs it was plain that Adonijah sought to be king, by his asking for Abishag as his wife, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious, turbulent spirits commonly prepare death for themselves. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown....

EXPOSITION ADONIJAH'S INTRIGUE. 1 KINGS 2:12 AND SOLOMON SATE ON THE THRONE OF DAVID HIS FATHER, AND HIS KINGDOM [_i.e; _dominion, sway] was established greatly. [Cf. 2 Chronicles 1:1, 2 Chronicles 1:2. This verse serves as a kind of heading or introduction to the rest of the chapter. It was principally by the removal of rivals and disaffected persons that his sway was established. 1 KINGS 2:13 AND ADONIJAH, the son of Haggith, came to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon....

THEN SHE SAID, I DESIRE ONE SMALL PETITION OF THEE,.... It was but one, and a little one, and therefore she hoped it would be granted: [I PRAY THEE], SAY ME NOT NAY; do not refuse it, or deny it me, or turn away my thee with shame and disappointment: AND THE KING SAID, ASK ON, MY MOTHER, FOR I WILL NOT SAY THEE NAY; since it is a small one, as thou sayest, and provided it is fit and lawful to be granted....

II. SOLOMON'S GLORIOUS REIGN. HIS FAILURE AND END 1. The Righteous judgment of Solomon CHAPTER 2:12-46) _ 1. Solomon upon the throne (1 Kings 2:12)_ 2. Adonijah's request (1 Kings 2:13) 3. Bath-sheba before Solomon (1 Kings 2:19) 4. Solomon's answer and sentence upon Adonijah (1 Kings 2:22) 5. Adonijah executed (1 Kings 2:25) 6. Abiathar thrust out (1 Kings 2:26) 7. Joab and Shimei executed ...

DEATH OF DAVID; SOLOMON ESTABLISHED ON HIS THRONE. The main source of this chapter is the same as that of 1, but interspersed are Deuteronomic additions (1 Kings 2:3 f., 1 Kings 2:10; 1 Kings 2:27). The authenticity of David's advice to Solomon has been disputed, especially the reasons given for procuring Joab's execution. Judged by any standard it places his character in an unamiable light. Solomon was advised to find a pretext for putting Joab and Shimei to death, and perfidy is inculcated as wisdom (1 Kings 2:6; 1 Kings 2:9). Without attempting to justify its mo

_I desire one small petition of thee_ These words seem to confirm what has been said above, that Bath-sheba had not realized the grave import of her request. _I will not say thee nay_ i.e. If it be possible for me to grant it. The condition, though unexpressed, is of necessity understood....

B. THE PETITION MADE BY BATHSHEBA 2:19-21 TRANSLATION (19) Then Bathsheba went unto King Solomon to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And the king arose to meet her, bowed himself to Her, and sat upon his throne; then he had a throne set for the mother of the king, and she sat on his right hand. (20) And she said, One small favor I am about to ask from you, do not deny me. And the king said to her, Ask, my mother, for I will not deny you. (21) And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother for a wife. COMMENTS When Bathsheba entered Solomon's throne room, he rendered unto her the respect due the queen mother, rising to meet her, bowing to her and placing her throne[119] on the right side of his own (1 Kings 2:19). Casting herself in the role of Cupid, and with a twinkle in her eye, Bathsheba got right to the point of her visit. She referre

DAVID'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT The recital of David's last charge to Solomon and his death is followed by an account of the execution of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. 3, 4. Cp. Deuteronomy 17; 2 Samuel 7; 2 Samuel 7. 5. ABNER.. AMASA] For Abner see 1 Chronicles 9:36; 1 Samuel 14:50; 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 2-3 for Amasa see 2 Samuel 17:25 (Cp....

GOD’S LESSONS FROM HISTORY 1 KINGS _PHILIP SMITH_ CHAPTER 2 DAVID’S INSTRUCTIONS TO SOLOMON Solomon was now the king. But before David died, he gave some special instructions to Solomon. David told Solomon to respect God and to obey his laws. That is a very important lesson for anyone who has authority. A king might make laws for other people to follow. But even a king must obey God’s laws. V1 When David was near death, he gave these instructions to his son Solomon. V2 ‘I will die soon like everyone else’, David said. ‘Be strong and confident. V3 Do what the *Lord your God orders you to do. Obey all his laws and commands. These are in the book of the Law of Moses. Then wherever you go, you will be successful in all your actions. You will be successful wherever you go. V4