1 Kings 2:17-18
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It's easy to just see David asking for a wife, but the really striking thing is his request. By asking for Abishag, a woman already intimately connected to his royal household, David is essentially seeking to reclaim a piece of his past and, by extension, a claim to the throne's legitimacy, even as he faces his own death.
And he said, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David, nearing the end of his life, is making his final arrangements and establishing Solomon as his successor. Adonijah, David's older son who had previously tried to seize the throne, is now making a seemingly humble request to Solomon, seeking to marry Abishag, one of David's concubines. This act, while appearing innocent on the surface, carries significant political weight in ancient Israel, as marrying a former king's consort was often a claim to the throne itself.
David, on his deathbed, makes a seemingly simple request to Solomon. But in the ancient world, such requests carried immense political and personal weight.
David's final request for Abishag isn't just about comfort; it's about solidifying Solomon's reign and, perhaps, protecting his own legacy.
Political Implications
In the complex politics of ancient Israel, marrying a king's former concubine was a significant act. It could be interpreted as a claim to the throne or at least a close association with royal power. David likely knew this, and by entrusting this request to Solomon, he was testing his son's wisdom and his willingness to honor his father's wishes, even in death.
Personal Stakes
Beyond politics, David might have felt a personal need for assurance. His reign had been marked by turmoil and family strife. This request could be a final, desperate attempt to ensure stability and order for his son and the kingdom, binding Solomon closer to his father's memory and concerns.
Abishag the Shunammite was a young woman brought to care for the ailing King David. But her story hints at a deeper significance within the royal court.
Abishag's role was to provide warmth and care for David in his old age, as described in 1 Kings 1:1-4. She was a Shunammite, a region known for its beauty, and she was described as 'very beautiful.'
However, the text is careful to state, 'David did not lie with her.' This distinction is crucial. She was not a full wife or concubine in the intimate sense, but a devoted attendant.
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By requesting her hand in marriage, Adonijah (in the next chapter, implicitly making the request through his mother Bathsheba) was making a political statement. Marrying a king's former attendant, especially one so closely associated with the king's final days, was seen as a potential move for the throne. It was a claim, however subtle, to royal ties and legitimacy.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
A reference to the person holding supreme authority in Israel. The king was considered the Lord’s anointed, responsible for upholding justice, defending the nation, and leading the people in covenant faithfulness to God.
Adonijah's request, though seemingly simple, carries immense political weight in the ancient Near East. Marrying a former consort of the king, especially one like Abishag who was associated with David in his final days, was often seen as a claim to the throne or at least a significant challenge to the current ruler's authority.
c. 970 BC
David Appoints Solomon King
An aging King David, with God's favor and support from figures like Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, designates his son Solomon as his successor.
c. 970 BC
Death of King David
King David dies after a long and significant reign, leaving the kingdom to Solomon. This marks a transition of power and the beginning of a new era.
c. 970 BC
Adonijah's First Claim to the Throne
David's older son, Adonijah, attempts to seize the throne, but is thwarted by the support for Solomon. This establishes a tension between the brothers.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Consolidates Power
Upon ascending the throne, Solomon acts swiftly to secure his rule, often dealing with potential rivals and those who had supported opposing claims.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Adonijah Requests Abishag
Adonijah, now recognizing Solomon as king, uses Bathsheba to intercede with Solomon, requesting that he be allowed to marry Abishag. This request is perceived as a subtle challenge to Solomon's authority.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Executes Adonijah
Solomon views Adonijah's request as a power play, potentially a claim to the Davidic throne, and has him executed, thus eliminating a threat to his reign.
This passage shows a similar, and politically charged, request when David took Saul's concubine, highlighting the sensitive nature of a king taking another's consort.
2 Samuel 16:21-22Absalom publicly took David's concubines to demonstrate his claim to the throne, illustrating how possession of royal women was a symbolic act of usurpation.
Song of Solomon 6:8This passage refers to the king having sixty queens and eighty concubines, showing the vastness of the royal harem and the status associated with it.
1 Kings 1:1-4The story of Adonijah’s earlier attempt to seize the throne by presenting himself as king, and Bathsheba’s role in challenging him, provides context for the political maneuvering surrounding the succession.
It's easy to just see David asking for a wife, but the really striking thing is his request. By asking for Abishag, a woman already intimately connected to his royal household, David is essentially seeking to reclaim a piece of his past and, by extension, a claim to the throne's legitimacy, even as he faces his own death.
David, nearing the end of his life, is making his final arrangements and establishing Solomon as his successor. Adonijah, David's older son who had previously tried to seize the throne, is now making a seemingly humble request to Solomon, seeking to marry Abishag, one of David's concubines. This act, while appearing innocent on the surface, carries significant political weight in ancient Israel, as marrying a former king's consort was often a claim to the throne itself.
David, nearing the end of his life, is making his final arrangements and establishing Solomon as his successor. Adonijah, David's older son who had previously tried to seize the throne, is now making a seemingly humble request to Solomon, seeking to marry Abishag, one of David's concubines. This act, while appearing innocent on the surface, carries significant political weight in ancient Israel, as marrying a former king's consort was often a claim to the throne itself.
"And he said, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”" — It's easy to just see David asking for a wife, but the really striking thing is his request. By asking for Abishag, a woman already intimately connected to his royal household, David is essentially…
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Last reviewed October 2026
