1 Kings 1:27

Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it vnto thy seruant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king, after him? 1 Kings 1:27 (KJV)

The verse belongs to the dramatic closing chapter of King David’s life, a period marked by the looming transfer of authority to his son Solomon. In this narrative Adonijah, one of David’s many sons, has taken the bold step of proclaiming himself king without David’s knowledge or explicit approval. This act creates a tense atmosphere in the palace as the rightful line of succession hangs in the balance.

The spoken question in the verse is presented as a plea from an unnamed servant addressing King David. The servant asks, “Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant,” expressing surprise that the king has not communicated the development concerning the throne. The wording underscores the servant’s concern that he has been left uninformed about a matter of great importance.

At the same time, Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, together with the prophet Nathan, become aware of Adonijah’s self‑appointment. They go to David to inform him of the situation, indicating that they, too, are deeply invested in the proper succession and are alarmed by the lack of communication.

The servant continues, “who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?” This question highlights the central issue of rightful succession. The passage reflects the anxiety of those close to the king who fear that an unapproved claim might disrupt the divinely intended line.

The narrative proceeds with David taking decisive action to secure Solomon’s place as his successor. In the verses that follow David publicly declares Solomon as the next king, thereby averting the crisis and setting the stage for Solomon’s renowned reign of wisdom, prosperity, and the building of the temple.