1 Kings 1:28
Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king.
1 Kings 1:28 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, King David is calling for Bathsheba to come into his presence. This moment is significant in biblical history because it marks the beginning of the affair between King David and Bathsheba, which ultimately leads to a series of tragic events. King David, who was supposed to be out at war fulfilling his duties as a leader, instead remained in Jerusalem, where he saw Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop. David's decision to bring Bathsheba, who was married to one of his soldiers, into his presence sets off a chain of events that result in adultery, deceit, and ultimately the death of Bathsheba's husband, Uriah. This verse serves as a crucial moment in David's reign, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the importance of obedience to God's laws. It acts as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to temptation and straying from the path of righteousness.
Theological Overview
When King David answered and called for Bathsheba to come before him, it was a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of their relationship. This interaction was significant because it set the stage for a series of events that would have far-reaching consequences. The theological interpretation of this verse often focuses on the themes of power, temptation, and sin. David's actions in calling Bathsheba to him ultimately led to his adulterous affair with her, which resulted in the murder of her husband Uriah. This tragic chain of events serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to one's desires and abusing one's power. Word studies on the names "David" and "Bathsheba" can provide further insights into the characters and their motivations in this situation. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments.
1 Kings 1:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then king David answered and said, Call to me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king.
World English Bible
Then king David answered, “Call to me Bathsheba.” She came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king.
Douay-Rheims
And king David answered, and said: Call to me Bethsabee. And when she was come in to the king, and stood before him,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then King Dauid answered, and saide, Call me Bath-sheba. And shee came into ye Kings presence, and stoode before the King.