Bathsheba responds to Adonijah’s plea by agreeing to approach King Solomon, reflecting both her maternal devotion and her diplomatic influence in Israel’s royal household.
Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak to the king for you.” (v.18) When Adonijah, a son of King David by a different wife, approached Bathsheba with a request, she willingly offered to convey his message to her son, King Solomon. Bathsheba, who first appeared in David’s life under complicated circumstances (2 Samuel 11), ultimately became the mother of Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 970 - 931 BC. She was thus positioned at the center of Israel’s royal court after David’s death, holding a place of influence and respect as the queen mother.
In this verse, Bathsheba’s reply demonstrates her willingness to serve as an intermediary between Adonijah and Solomon. By saying, “Very well; I will speak to the king for you,” (v.18) she accepts the delicate role of neighborly peacemaker, yet her response also sets in motion a chain of events that would define the newly established monarchy. Bathsheba’s consent here echoes her sense of responsibility toward members of her household, even as she remained loyal to her son, the rightful king. Throughout 1 Kings 2, the interaction underscores the significance of the queen mother’s voice in the royal court, showing Bathsheba’s capability to advise or advocate within the framework of Israel’s emerging leadership structure commentary_ECC_1_1).
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1 Kings 2:18 meaning
Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak to the king for you.” (v.18) When Adonijah, a son of King David by a different wife, approached Bathsheba with a request, she willingly offered to convey his message to her son, King Solomon. Bathsheba, who first appeared in David’s life under complicated circumstances (2 Samuel 11), ultimately became the mother of Solomon, who reigned in Israel from 970 - 931 BC. She was thus positioned at the center of Israel’s royal court after David’s death, holding a place of influence and respect as the queen mother.
In this verse, Bathsheba’s reply demonstrates her willingness to serve as an intermediary between Adonijah and Solomon. By saying, “Very well; I will speak to the king for you,” (v.18) she accepts the delicate role of neighborly peacemaker, yet her response also sets in motion a chain of events that would define the newly established monarchy. Bathsheba’s consent here echoes her sense of responsibility toward members of her household, even as she remained loyal to her son, the rightful king. Throughout 1 Kings 2, the interaction underscores the significance of the queen mother’s voice in the royal court, showing Bathsheba’s capability to advise or advocate within the framework of Israel’s emerging leadership structure commentary_ECC_1_1).