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Therefore his servants said to him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Medical and Legal Remedy

Commentators explain that the proposal to bring a young woman to David was a medical remedy for his lack of body heat, a practice noted by ancient physicians. The phrase "lie in thy bosom" indicates she was to become a legal concubine-wife. Within the context of Old Testament law, which permitted polygamy, this was considered a blameless course of action.

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Book Overview

1 Kings

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Commentaries

3

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 1 Kings 1:2

18th Century

Theologian

Since Jewish law allowed polygamy, David’s conduct in following what was reportedly a physician’s advice was blameless.

John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Kings 1:2

17th Century

Pastor

Wherefore his servants said to him
His physicians; so Joseph's physicians are called his servants, ([Reference Genes…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Kings 1:1–4

17th Century

Minister

We have David sinking under infirmities. He was chastised for his recent sins, and felt the effects of his former toils and hardships.