1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 16
And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקֹּ֣ד
bowed
H6915
וַתִּקֹּ֣ד
bowed
Strong's:
H6915
Word #:
1 of 9
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
and did obeisance
H7812
וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
and did obeisance
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
4 of 9
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:41And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.1 Samuel 25:23And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,1 Samuel 24:8David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.