Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 1
Hebrews 6:16 explains why people make oaths. An oath is a serious promise that someone makes with God as his witness. The oath removes any doubt that may exist about the person’s true intentions. That oath makes the matter into a serious duty in front of God. People should carry out all their promises, but an oath makes their duty even more serious.
David had already made an oath that Solomon would become king (1:17). However, Nathan had said that David’s true intentions seemed unclear (1:27).
So, to end all arguments and to avoid any doubt, David decided to repeat his oath. He invited Bathsheba, his wife to whom he made the original oath, back into his room. Then, he declared his serious promise.
David first reminded Bathsheba how important God was in his life. The only true God, the God of Israel, was also David’s personal God. David had known many troubles in his life, and God had rescued him from them all (2 Samuel 22:1). In front of this God therefore, the real God, David was making this promise.
David had already promised that Solomon would become king after him. However, now he promised that there would be no further delay. The matter could not wait until some future event, such as David’s death. Solomon would become king that same day, while David was still alive. He would receive David’s authority, and he (Solomon) would rule Israel from that day.
This bold declaration astonished even Bathsheba. David had done much more than she even requested. With a truly grateful heart, she bent her body to the ground to give him honour.
Next part: David arranges for Solomon to become king at once (1 Kings 1:32-35)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2024, Keith Simons.