Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 2 - Verse 21

In this verse, Bathsheba is speaking to King Solomon regarding a request made by Adonijah, Solomon's brother, to marry Abishag the Shunammite. Abishag was a young woman who had served King David in his old age, but did not have sexual relations with him. By requesting to marry Abishag, Adonijah was making a political move to assert his claim to the throne and challenge Solomon's reign. The significance of this request lies in the ancient Near Eastern custom where taking possession of a former king's concubine symbolized taking possession of his kingdom. By granting or denying this request, Solomon's response would demonstrate his control over the kingdom and establish his authority as the rightful king. Ultimately, Solomon sees through Adonijah's ploy and understands the threat to his rule, leading him to take decisive action to secure his position as king.

In this verse from 1 Kings 2:21, the request for Abishag the Shunammite to be given to Adonijah as a wife raises theological questions about the nature of human relationships and the boundaries of familial loyalty. The language used in this verse indicates a complex dynamic between characters, as Adonijah, the brother of King Solomon, makes a bold request that challenges the authority of the reigning king. The theological interpretation of this verse prompts us to explore themes of power dynamics, loyalty, and the importance of honoring familial ties. Additionally, a word study on the term "wife" could shed light on the cultural and social context in which this request was made, providing further insights into the implications of this marriage proposal.