Kings I 1:12

12 And it came to pass, while she was long praying before the Lord, that Heli the priest marked her mouth.

Kings I 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 ) .

Kings I 1:12 In-Context

10 And she very much grieved in spirit, and prayed to the Lord, and wept abundantly.

11 And she vowed a vow to the Lord, saying, O Lord God of Sabaoth, if thou welt indeed look upon the humiliation of thine handmaid, and remember me, and give to thine handmaid a man-child, then will I indeed dedicate him to thee till the day of his death; and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and no razor shall come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, while she was long praying before the Lord, that Heli the priest marked her mouth.

13 And she was speaking in her heart, and her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: and Heli accounted her a drunken woman.

14 And the servant of Heli said to her, How long wilt thou be drunken? take away thy wine from thee, and go out from the presence of the Lord.