1 Kings 1:23

23 and was announced: "Nathan the prophet is here." He came before the king, honoring him by bowing deeply, his face touching the ground.

1 Kings 1:23 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 1:23

And they told the king
Some that attended at the door, or were in the chamber:

saying, behold, Nathan the prophet;
or he is in the room, which the king through his infirmities might not be sensible of:

and when he was come in before the king;
nearer to him, and as to be properly in his presence:

he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground;
showing him the same reverence, though in bed, as if on his throne.

1 Kings 1:23 In-Context

21 If you fail to act, the moment you're buried my son Solomon and I are as good as dead."
22 Abruptly, while she was telling the king all this, Nathan the prophet came in
23 and was announced: "Nathan the prophet is here." He came before the king, honoring him by bowing deeply, his face touching the ground.
24 "My master the king," Nathan began, "did you say, 'Adonijah shall be king after me and sit on my throne'?
25 Because that's what's happening. He's thrown a huge coronation feast - cattle, grain-fed heifers, sheep - inviting all the king's sons, the army officers, and Abiathar the priest. They're having a grand time, eating and drinking and shouting, 'Long live King Adonijah!'
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.