Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 1:14

Charles Ellicott Commentary

1 Kings 1:14

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

1 Kings 1:14

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words." — 1 Kings 1:14 (ASV)

While thou yet talkest. —The whole history seems to indicate a growth of royal state and Eastern reverence for the king’s person since the defeat of Absalom, contrasted with the comparative simplicity of interaction with him in earlier days, and in preparation for the still greater development of majesty and despotism under Solomon. Bath-sheba’s entrance into the bedchamber seems to be looked upon as an intrusion, to be ventured upon only in the humble attitude of a suppliant. Nathan does not presume to approach the king with remonstrance until the maternal anxiety of Bath-sheba has paved the way. (Compare, in Esther 4:10-16, the picture of the still more unapproachable royalty of Persia.)