1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 28
Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
קִרְאוּ
Call
H7121
קִרְאוּ
Call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַתָּבֹא֙
And she came
H935
וַתָּבֹא֙
And she came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖ד
and stood
H5975
וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖ד
and stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
12 of 14
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
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
Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king.
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.