And now I have one request to make of you; do not refuse me.” She said to him, “Speak.”
Solomon's throne was not won by the sword like David's but settled at once; and when Adonijah could not rest easy under mercy, he ruined himself by his own restless ambition. Some men know not when they are well treated and so treasure up judgment for themselves by presuming on God's patience.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:12-25
And now I ask one petition of thee,.... And but one, and a small one too, as Bathsheba herself after calls it: deny me not, or "turn not away my face" (t); with shame and sorrow, which would be the case should he be denied: and she said unto him, say on; let me hear it. (t) "ne avertere facias faciem meam", Pagninus.
Adonijah masks a dangerous claim under pious language. He says the kingdom was rightfully his as the eldest son, that all Israel looked to him as king, but then smoothly adds that the Lord transferred it to Solomon, so Bathsheba hears no rebellion. Yet his assertion goes beyond truth, and his petition for Abishag, a widow of David, conceals a bid for the throne itself. He knew how to cover his tracks.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:13-18