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1 Kings 1:28 meaning

Bathsheba’s acceptance in the royal court guaranteed Solomon’s path to become king.

In “Then King David said, ‘Call Bathsheba to me.’” (v.28), we see King David, who ruled Israel approximately from 1010 BC to 970 BC, summoning Bathsheba into his presence. At this moment in history, David is near the end of his life in Jerusalem, the capital city he established. By calling Bathsheba, he is making a decisive move to address the question of succession, following the earlier events where Adonijah attempted to seize the throne (1 Kings 1:5-10). Bathsheba, as the wife of David and mother of Solomon, would have had a deep concern for who would be recognized as Israel’s next king. Through her, David is reminded of an oath he once made, ensuring that Solomon would reign after him—an important factor in the unfolding of Israel’s monarchy, which ultimately points forward to the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:1).

When the verse says “Call Bathsheba to me” (v.28), it highlights David’s authority as king and his purposeful action to confirm the proper heir. Although Bathsheba had earlier approached David with the prophet Nathan’s guidance (1 Kings 1:11-14), this moment marks the king’s personal acknowledgment of her plea. Standing before him indicates her role as both queen consort and advocate for her son’s rightful claim. Historically, the mention of Bathsheba’s presence confirms that her influence in the royal court was significant, especially at this critical juncture, underscoring God’s providential plan to preserve the Davidic line.

This verse also underscores David’s faithfulness in keeping his vow, reflecting the broader biblical theme of covenant promises. Much like David’s reliability here, God remains faithful to His own covenant to bring forth a Savior through David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The action to call Bathsheba and stand her before the king sets into motion the final steps for Solomon’s ascent to the throne, reinforcing that even in David’s old age, he fulfills his responsibilities. No matter the tumult around them, the Lord steers events toward His redemptive plan—a plan that ultimately reaches its apex in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32-33).

1 Kings 1:28