1 Kings 1:47

the king's servants i.e. The general public of Jerusalem who gathered themselves to offer congratulations to David on the commencement of the reign of his son. That a son should begin to reign during his father's lifetime was no uncommon occurrence in the East.

the king bowed himself upon the bed The verb is that commonly used of an act of worship, and the language of the next verse shews that David's bowing was of this nature. He prayed that the good wishes he had just heard might be fulfilled, and thanked God for what had already happened. The action and intention is similar to that of Jacob described Genesis 47:31.