This verse from 1 Kings 2:13 sets the stage for a crucial encounter. Let's break it down:
"Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon." Adonijah, a son of David who previously attempted to seize the throne (1 Kings 1), approaches Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. This is a significant action. He's seeking an audience with the queen mother.
"She said, “Do you come peaceably?” Bathsheba is immediately wary and suspicious. She recognizes that Adonijah's past actions were not peaceable, and she knows he has a history of ambition and rebellion. Her question is a direct challenge to his intentions.
"He said, “Peaceably.” Adonijah claims his intentions are peaceful. This is likely a facade. Given the context of the story, this answer is meant to disarm Bathsheba and gain her trust. He's attempting to appear non-threatening so she'll listen to his request.
In summary, the verse means:
Adonijah seeks out Bathsheba, and she immediately questions his motives. He assures her he comes in peace, but this is likely a deception to get her to hear him out. The verse establishes a tense and potentially deceptive encounter, hinting at Adonijah's continued ambitions and Bathsheba's caution.
Significance in the Larger Narrative:
This verse is the beginning of a plot in which Adonijah will ask Bathsheba to intercede on his behalf to Solomon for the hand of Abishag. Solomon perceives this as a veiled attempt by Adonijah to once again claim the throne and has Adonijah executed. It demonstrates the level of distrust and political maneuvering that were taking place in the aftermath of David's death and Solomon's ascension to the throne.
This verse from 1 Kings 2:13 sets the stage for a crucial encounter. Let's break it down:
"Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon." Adonijah, a son of David who previously attempted to seize the throne (1 Kings 1), approaches Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. This is a significant action. He's seeking an audience with the queen mother.
"She said, “Do you come peaceably?” Bathsheba is immediately wary and suspicious. She recognizes that Adonijah's past actions were not peaceable, and she knows he has a history of ambition and rebellion. Her question is a direct challenge to his intentions.
"He said, “Peaceably.” Adonijah claims his intentions are peaceful. This is likely a facade. Given the context of the story, this answer is meant to disarm Bathsheba and gain her trust. He's attempting to appear non-threatening so she'll listen to his request.
In summary, the verse means:
Adonijah seeks out Bathsheba, and she immediately questions his motives. He assures her he comes in peace, but this is likely a deception to get her to hear him out. The verse establishes a tense and potentially deceptive encounter, hinting at Adonijah's continued ambitions and Bathsheba's caution.
Significance in the Larger Narrative:
This verse is the beginning of a plot in which Adonijah will ask Bathsheba to intercede on his behalf to Solomon for the hand of Abishag. Solomon perceives this as a veiled attempt by Adonijah to once again claim the throne and has Adonijah executed. It demonstrates the level of distrust and political maneuvering that were taking place in the aftermath of David's death and Solomon's ascension to the throne.