1 Kings 2:17 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

And he said, 'Please speak to King Solomon for me (because he won't refuse you) and ask him to let me marry Abishag from Shunem.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Adonijah is asking Bathsheba to request that Solomon allow him to marry Abishag, David's former caregiver, believing Solomon won't deny his mother's request.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical narrative, King David has just died, and his son Solomon has been established as the new king after a contested succession. Adonijah, another son of David who had previously tried to claim the throne, approaches Bathsheba with this request for Abishag, David's former attendant, hoping she can intercede with Solomon. This request was politically sensitive in ancient Israelite culture, as marrying a woman who had served the previous king could symbolize a challenge to the new ruler's authority and stability.

Explore Similar Verses

1 Kings 2:22

King Solomon answered his mother, 'Why are you asking for Abishag the Shunammite to be given to Adonijah? You might as well ask for the kingdom to be given to him too, since he's my older brother! And while you're at it, ask for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah to be given power as well.'

1 Kings 1:3

So they searched throughout all the territory of Israel for a beautiful young woman, and they found Abishag from Shunem, and brought her to the king.

1 Kings 1:15

So Bathsheba went into the king's private room. The king was very old, and Abishag from Shunem was taking care of him.

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