Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how the mother, Bathsheba, presents her request as "small," a bit of a negotiation tactic to soften the king's response. Even though Solomon's initial promise is broad – "I will not refuse you" – he's about to be challenged with a request that has enormous, unintended consequences for his reign and the nation.
Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After David's death, his son Solomon is solidifying his reign, having just dealt with Adonijah's coup attempt. Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, approaches him with a seemingly simple request, an interaction that unfolds against the backdrop of newly established royal authority and the lingering political tensions of David's final days. Her words here set up a request that will test Solomon's newfound power and his commitment to justice, as she seeks to secure a place for someone connected to David's past.
Bathsheba confronts her son, now king, with a bold request. This isn't just any mother-son chat; it's a pivotal moment carrying the weight of legacy and political intrigue.
A Delicate Negotiation
Bathsheba enters the throne room not as a supplicant asking for favors, but as a mother leveraging her influence. She knows Solomon is king, but she also knows the deep bond they share. Her request is framed as "small," a tactic to disarm him and make refusal seem unreasonable. This scene highlights how relationships, even between royalty, can be navigated through personal appeals and established affection.
The King's Vulnerability
Solomon's immediate agreement, "Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you," is telling. He's eager to honor his mother, perhaps feeling indebted to her for her past support or simply out of genuine love. However, this blanket promise will soon prove to be a significant challenge, showing that even good intentions can lead to difficult situations when they haven't been fully considered.
Solomon's vow to his mother seems noble, but it sets the stage for a morally compromising situation. This instant "yes" without knowing the "what" has serious consequences.
A Promise Made in Haste
Solomon's quick affirmation is born from respect and love, but it lacks wisdom. He commits before understanding the nature of the request. This highlights a crucial life lesson: while honoring commitments is vital, wisdom dictates that we should understand the full implications before making them, especially when they involve significant decisions or principles.
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Foreshadowing Future Conflict
This seemingly innocent exchange is a direct setup for the request Bathsheba is about to make: that Adonijah be given Abishag as his wife. In that culture, marrying a father's widow was a public claim to the throne. Solomon's promise, made without knowing this, forces him into a corner. He must either break his word to his mother or legitimize a potential rival to his kingship. This illustrates how rash promises can entangle us in complicated ethical dilemmas.
Bathsheba's seemingly simple request, made immediately after Solomon has consolidated his power by executing rivals, carries significant weight. It highlights the delicate political balance and the lengths to which Solomon must go to secure his reign, even as he navigates family dynamics.
c. 970 BC
Death of King David
King David, the father of Solomon, dies after a long and influential reign. His final days and the succession of his son Solomon are marked by political intrigue.
c. 970 BC
Adonijah's First Attempt for Throne
While David is on his deathbed, Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempts to seize the throne, a move that is ultimately thwarted by David and Nathan the prophet.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Anointed King
Following Adonijah's failed coup, Solomon is swiftly anointed king, securing his succession and establishing his authority over Israel.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Solomon Consolidates Power
After David's death, Solomon acts decisively to eliminate potential threats to his throne, including Adonijah and others who had supported him.
c. 970 BC
Bathsheba's Request
Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, approaches him with a seemingly small request. Solomon, eager to honor his father's wishes and show deference to his mother, readily agrees.
This passage echoes the son's loving promise to his mother, highlighting the importance of loyalty and compassion in family relationships, which is exactly what Solomon is showing here.
Proverbs 22:6The commitment Solomon makes to his mother here reflects the godly upbringing and respect for his parents that Proverbs advises, demonstrating the fruit of a righteous foundation.
Matthew 15:4Jesus himself quotes from the Ten Commandments about honoring parents, showing that the principle behind Solomon's promise to Bathsheba is a deep, enduring command from God.
Exodus 22:22-23This passage outlines God's strong command to protect the vulnerable, including widows, and Bathsheba is acting as a widow advocating for herself and her family, appealing to the king's sense of justice and divine law.
Notice how the mother, Bathsheba, presents her request as "small," a bit of a negotiation tactic to soften the king's response. Even though Solomon's initial promise is broad – "I will not refuse you" – he's about to be challenged with a request that has enormous, unintended consequences for his reign and the nation.
After David's death, his son Solomon is solidifying his reign, having just dealt with Adonijah's coup attempt. Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, approaches him with a seemingly simple request, an interaction that unfolds against the backdrop of newly established royal authority and the lingering political tensions of David's final days. Her words here set up a request that will test Solomon's newfound power and his commitment to justice, as she seeks to secure a place for someone connected to David's past.
After David's death, his son Solomon is solidifying his reign, having just dealt with Adonijah's coup attempt. Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, approaches him with a seemingly simple request, an interaction that unfolds against the backdrop of newly established royal authority and the lingering political tensions of David's final days. Her words here set up a request that will test Solomon's newfound power and his commitment to justice, as she seeks to secure a place for someone connected to David's past.
"Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.”" — Notice how the mother, Bathsheba, presents her request as "small," a bit of a negotiation tactic to soften the king's response. Even though Solomon's initial promise is broad – "I will not refuse you…
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Last reviewed October 2026