1 Kings 2:20
“Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.”
In this verse, we find a conversation between Solomon, the newly anointed king of Israel, and Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. This interaction takes place shortly after Solomon ascended to the throne, following the death of his father, King David.
To better understand the context, it is helpful to consider the events leading up to this conversation. Prior to his death, King David had promised Bathsheba that her son Solomon would be the next king of Israel (1 Kings 1:17). However, Adonijah, Solomon’s older brother, had also proclaimed himself king and had gathered support among certain individuals, causing a potential threat to Solomon’s reign.
In 1 Kings 2:13-18, we see that Bathsheba goes to King Solomon to speak on behalf of her son. Adonijah had approached Bathsheba with a request to marry Abishag, who had been a servant to King David in his old age. This request had political implications, as it could be seen as Adonijah attempting to secure a claim to the throne by marrying a woman associated with the former king.
Recognizing the potential danger, Bathsheba brings the matter to Solomon’s attention. In verse 19, Bathsheba states, “I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay.” Bathsheba humbly presents her request, asking Solomon not to deny her what she is about to ask. This indicates that she is seeking favor from her son, the king, in her appeal.
Solomon, in response to his mother’s plea, assures her that she can make her request without fear of denial. He says, “Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.” Solomon, as the king, grants her permission to ask for what she desires, promising not to refuse her request.
It is worth noting that the specifics of Bathsheba’s petition are not mentioned in this verse. The text does not reveal what she asked of Solomon at this particular moment. The following verses (1 Kings 2:21-25) describe Bathsheba’s request, which pertains to Adonijah’s desire to marry Abishag and Solomon’s response to that request.
In examining this passage, we can observe the respect and honor shown by Solomon toward his mother. Despite being the king, he listens attentively to her and grants her request before even knowing what it is. This interaction demonstrates the value of honoring parents and the significance of the mother‑son relationship.
In a broader context, this passage reminds us of the importance of approaching those in authority with respect and humility. Bathsheba’s approach to Solomon serves as an example of how we can seek favor from others in positions of power or influence.
Overall, 1 Kings 2:20 highlights the relationship between Solomon and Bathsheba, showcasing their mutual respect and the significance of honoring one’s parents.
