Definition: And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 1:16. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising moment in King David’s life! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: David is being judged: In this passage, David is being called upon to face the consequences of his actions – specifically, his affair with Bathsheba. Bathsheba bows and obeisance: Bathsheba, a beautiful woman, was caught in a moment of temptation. She lowered herself before David, showing humility and submission. This is essentially a sign of acknowledging her wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness. The King asks what she wants: David, realizing this wasn’t a request for something good or desirable, immediately turns the conversation to a question – “What wouldest thou?” (meaning, "What do you want?") What it Signifies: This verse is significant because: It's a humbling moment for David: It shows David's recognition of his fallibility and his willingness to admit he made a mistake. He’s not trying to be defiant; he’s acknowledging his weakness. It establishes a shift in the narrative: The verse marks a turning point. Instead of focusing on anger or punishment, the king is now seeking understanding from David. It's a moment where David realizes the gravity of his actions and begins to consider how to make amends. It’s about humility and repentance: The key takeaway here is that David wasn’t just asking for something; he was demonstrating humility – acknowledging his wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness. In short, it's a pivotal moment where David acknowledges his mistake and shows a willingness to seek reconciliation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Kings? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of David’s life?