Adonijah’s peaceful approach to Bathsheba shows how God’s plan for Solomon’s reign continued despite human schemes.
“Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, ‘Do you come peacefully?’ And he said, ‘Peacefully.’” (v.13)
This verse highlights a pivotal moment in Israel’s royal court, as Adonijah the son of Haggith (v.13), who had previously attempted to claim the throne before Solomon’s official coronation, now approaches Bathsheba the mother of Solomon (v.13). Adonijah, a son of King David by Haggith, fits into the historical timeline around 970 B.C. when David’s reign was ending. Bathsheba had been the wife of King David and bore Solomon, who would become Israel’s divinely appointed king (1 Kings 1:17). Her pivotal role in this verse points to the influence she held as queen mother.
The phrase “Do you come peacefully?” (v.13) underscores Bathsheba’s concern for the stability of the new monarchy. After Solomon ascended to the throne (ca. 970-931 B.C.), tensions could still run high among David’s sons. By asking this question, Bathsheba effectively demands clarity in Adonijah’s intentions. His response, "Peacefully" (v.13), suggests that he is approaching with a conciliatory demeanor rather than rekindling his previous claim to kingship. This moment also foreshadows the broader challenges that can arise when authority transitions within a biblical lineage, reflecting themes found in other parts of Scripture where family loyalties and the promise of God’s kingdom are tested (Matthew 12:46-50).
Geographically, the encounter likely took place in or near Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. Jerusalem stood on the southeastern hills of the region, an integral location for the kingdom’s government and worship. This setting conveys the gravity of Adonijah’s approach: a former rival to the throne now seeking audience with the queen mother in the heart of Israel’s political center. Through this brief but poignant exchange, the verse underscores both the family dynamic of David’s lineage and the delicacy of royal succession.
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1 Kings 2:13 meaning
“Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, ‘Do you come peacefully?’ And he said, ‘Peacefully.’” (v.13)
This verse highlights a pivotal moment in Israel’s royal court, as Adonijah the son of Haggith (v.13), who had previously attempted to claim the throne before Solomon’s official coronation, now approaches Bathsheba the mother of Solomon (v.13). Adonijah, a son of King David by Haggith, fits into the historical timeline around 970 B.C. when David’s reign was ending. Bathsheba had been the wife of King David and bore Solomon, who would become Israel’s divinely appointed king (1 Kings 1:17). Her pivotal role in this verse points to the influence she held as queen mother.
The phrase “Do you come peacefully?” (v.13) underscores Bathsheba’s concern for the stability of the new monarchy. After Solomon ascended to the throne (ca. 970-931 B.C.), tensions could still run high among David’s sons. By asking this question, Bathsheba effectively demands clarity in Adonijah’s intentions. His response, "Peacefully" (v.13), suggests that he is approaching with a conciliatory demeanor rather than rekindling his previous claim to kingship. This moment also foreshadows the broader challenges that can arise when authority transitions within a biblical lineage, reflecting themes found in other parts of Scripture where family loyalties and the promise of God’s kingdom are tested (Matthew 12:46-50).
Geographically, the encounter likely took place in or near Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. Jerusalem stood on the southeastern hills of the region, an integral location for the kingdom’s government and worship. This setting conveys the gravity of Adonijah’s approach: a former rival to the throne now seeking audience with the queen mother in the heart of Israel’s political center. Through this brief but poignant exchange, the verse underscores both the family dynamic of David’s lineage and the delicacy of royal succession.