The Kings

The Kings...

Originally, 1 & 2 Kings were one book and later divided, but these books trace the history of Israel and Judah's kings.  Jeremiah is credited for writing the bulk, but not all because he is dead before the conclusion of 2 Kings, of these books. The purpose of Jeremiah's writings is not only to show historical importance, but also to show the level of success for the kings who lead under the focus of God's law and the failure of those who did not allow God to lead, guide, and direct.

1 Kings 1:
The chapter opens with David on his death bed and his son, Adonijah, assuming control of the throne without his father's blessings.  The bible tells us, David never "interfered" with his son's defiant behavior and therefore, we see a very rebellous young person emerge.  David's health was at an all time low and a young virgin, Abishag, was appointed to "take care of David's need.," God's Word records her attentiveness to David and the fact the two did not "lie" together, and so at David's death, Abishag remained a virgin. 
At some point in Adonijah's self appointed throne celebration, Nathan (a prophet) got wind of Adonijah's party, as well as the fact that he, Bathsheba, Solomon and other's of David's intended successor to the throne's allegiance, were not "invited" and he devised a plan to warn King David.  The fact they were not invited showed clear intent to kill them upon David's death.  Bathsheba was urged to tell David of Adonijah's plans (Nathan would 2nd that) and remind him of his promise to annoint Solomon king upon his death.  David devised a plan and Nathan carried out with trumpets and celebration naming Solomon king.  A funny footnote... Upon hearing Solomon had been officially sworn in as king, Adonijah's subjects scatter as to not be recognizable participants in the uprising and left Adonijah pleading for his life.

1 Kings 2:
David speaks his last words of wisdom to Solomon.  He warns him to "walk in God's way," obey God's Law, and always ask for God's blessing before any tasks.  He warns him of Joab's deceitfulness and tells him to kill him, but I wonder why he never took care of this person, as well as to kill Shimei who David also tells Solomon to kill.  He then tells him to be kind to Barzillai who kept him fed during times of war, and then David breathes his last.  Some time after David's death, Adonijah tricks Bathsheba into asking her son Solomon to give him David's virgin, Abishag, but Solomon saw this as Adonijah's deceitful way of overthrowing the throne and had him killed.  Joab, Shimei, and Barzillai were put to death and Solomon's kingdom was established.

Abishag was a young, beautiful unmarried, virgin Shunammite and appointed to serve King David as his health declined.  Her duties included anything the king desired, but also to "lie" with him in bed hoping her beauty would stir something within him and keep him warm. 

Facebook Entry June 14, 2012
Today, I'm digging into Kings and after Bathsheba (we've discussed her) we meet Abishag the Shunammite. The bible doesn't tell us much about her, but I think most women would collectively think, "eeeeew," "bless her heart," or maybe "that's just not right." Here is a young, beautiful, unmarried virgin girl "appointed" to serve an old, dying, has-been king, and we can assume, she came from a lower socioeconomic background because of this appointment. Her primary duty was to "lie" with the king in hopes her beauty would stir something inside the king, therefore, keep him warm. I say, YUK! After David's death, Adonijah asks Solomon for Abishag's hand in marriage and it cost Adonijah his life because apparently it showed his intent to over-throw the throne. At this point, Abishag is no longer talked about (I haven't completed both books, but my commentary didn't say much about her.) and we only assume she became part of Solomon's many "wives and concubines." Some say there's a good argument she is the "antagonist" written about in Song of Songs, but I've not researched this point either. Send me your thoughts