1 Kings 1:12

12 If you want to save your own life and the life of your son Solomon, follow my advice.

1 Kings 1:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 1:12

Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel,
&c.] How to conduct in this affair, which she being a woman, and no doubt surprised and confounded at this relation, might be at a loss what to do; wherefore Nathan, being a wise man, and a faithful friend, offers to give the best advice he could, and desires her attention to it: says he,

that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon;
which would be the usurper's first care to take away, that he might have no rival, and none to disturb him in his government; which step has been often taken by usurpers to secure themselves, see ( Judges 9:5 ) .

1 Kings 1:12 In-Context

10 But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king’s bodyguard or his brother Solomon.

11 Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and asked her, “Haven’t you heard that Haggith’s son, Adonijah, has made himself king, and our lord David doesn’t even know about it?

12 If you want to save your own life and the life of your son Solomon, follow my advice.

13 Go at once to King David and say to him, ‘My lord the king, didn’t you make a vow and say to me, “Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’

14 And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said.”