Solomon: Israel’s Wisest King (3): Solomon Shall Be King! (I Kings 1:11-31) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Role of Nathan the Prophet
II. The Role of Bathsheba the Mother
III. The Role of David the King
Matthew Henry on I Kings 1: “[Nathan] was concerned, because he knew God’s mind, and David’s and Israel’s interest; it was by him that God had named Solomon Jedidiah (II Sam. 12:25), and therefore he could not sit still and see the throne usurped, which he knew was Solomon’s right by the will of him from whom promotion cometh. When crowns were disposed of by immediate direction from heaven, no marvel that prophets were so much interested and employed in that matter; but now that common providence rules the affairs of the kingdom of men (Dan. 4:32) the subordinate agency must be left to common persons, and let not prophets intermeddle in them, but keep to the affairs of the kingdom of God among men ... when [Bathsheba] visited the king, Abishag was ministering to him (I Kings 1:15), and Bathsheba took no displeasure either at him or her for it ... she bowed and did obeisance to the king (1:16), in token of her respect to him both as her prince and as her husband; such a genuine daughter was she of Sarah, who obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. Those that would find favour with superiors must show them reverence, and be dutiful to those whom they expect to be kind to them.”