Why Was Abishag so Important to King David and His Sons?
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Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have your name listed in the Bible? It’s fascinating to observe the many obscure names mentioned with almost no information attached. Abishag is one of them, yet she had a vital part in the story of King David and His sons. Her story, although brief is found in 1 Kings 1-2.
Who Was Abishag and What Did She Do?
Abishag was a young virgin chosen to keep King David warm in his bed during his last days. Let’s paint the factual backdrop from which our imaginations run as the untold story full of drama and conspiracy unfolds.
Abishag’s name starts us off with singular and curious meaning. “Father of wandering,” “cause of wandering,” or “my father wanders” hint at a dubious parentage. A young Jewish virgin, from the tribe of Issachar and the city of Shunem, Abishag’s beauty singled her out for the position of attendant or caregiver for the King.
King David suffered from the effects of old age. Perhaps poor blood circulation kept him from keeping warm at night, but despite layers of royal blankets, the king felt cold. This prompted the search which eventually brought Abishag to the palace.
“So his attendants said to him, ‘Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm’” 1 Kings 1:2 NIV.
David’s servants conducted a national search throughout Israel. The requirements seemed simple enough. She was to be a young virgin and beautiful. The job description is two-fold, to care for David and lie beside him to keep him warm.
They chose the Shunammite Abishag and brought her to the king.
Why Was Abishag Important to King David?
Abishag’s job as bed companion to King David unveils only a small puzzle piece of a much bigger role. God made a covenant with David which promised an everlasting kingdom. Within this kingly line from which the Messiah would be born, a massive power struggle took place. Abishag became a silent pawn in it.
We know several things from the text. She was very beautiful. She was a virgin. She nursed and waited on David. She had no sexual relationship with him.
The decision to bring Abishag to the palace may have had medical, psychological, or political undertones. They may have thought the youth and vigor of a young maiden would transfer to the King. Perhaps there was sexual intent. We aren’t told. However, we are certain from Scripture that the prospect of simply easing David’s discomfort thrust this young woman into being a protagonist in an unforgettable story. For surrounding Abishag, the race for the throne swelled with conspirators.
Bathsheba and David’s son, Solomon, had been promised the throne, but another son by a different mother wanted it. Without David’s knowledge, Adonijah attempted to grab the power. He proclaimed himself king with lavish festivities and celebrations.
But not everyone got an invitation to the party. Solomon did not, nor did Nathan God’s prophet, or Benaiah, David’s loyal military commander.
Nathan went to Bathsheba and apprised her of the situation. Solomon’s kingship was at stake and with an overthrow, Solomon’s life, and the lives of all loyal to him would be in great peril.
“So Bathsheba went to see the aged king in his room, where Abishag the Shunammite was attending him” 1 Kings 1:15.
David was aware of Adonijah’s ambition but did not confront him for it. His lack of providing leadership was about to hit the fan (1 Kings 1:6).
Abishag, in her mundane caregiving role, was in the room when Bathsheba entered. She likely witnessed the scene which changed the course of events and moved history in the direction God intended. Abishag found herself the silent observer of an attempted coup de’etat by Adonijah. For God had chosen Solomon not Adonijah to succeed David.
Bathsheba exposed Adonijah’s deceit.
“My lord, you yourself swore to me your servant by the Lord your God: ‘Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ But now Adonijah has become king…” 1 Kings 1:17-19 NIV.
Nathan also came before the king. He confirmed Bathsheba’s words.
David roused himself to action. “I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place” 1 Kings 1:30 NIV.
David called for Zadok the priest and Benaiah. The King’s instructions came fast and furious.
“Put Solomon on my royal mule and ride through the city.”
“Let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint Solomon king over Israel.”
“Blow the trumpet and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon.’”
Then the prophet Nathan accompanied Solomon to sit on the throne.
When Adonijah heard the horn and loud rejoicing in the city, he thought it was for him. A messenger brought chilling news of Solomon’s coronation. Adonijah ran for safety. He took hold of the horns of the altar where he believed no one would dare to kill him.
“Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword,” he begged Solomon’s men.1 Kings 1:51 NIV
“Solomon replied, ‘If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die’” 1 Kings 1:52 NIV.
Why Was Abishag Coveted by David's Son?
After King David died, Adonijah approached Bathsheba, as a mediator between himself and his half-brother Solomon. According to ancient Near Eastern customs Adonijah, the oldest son of the king was considered the rightful heir to the throne. Adonijah was the elder living son. He began by first stating to the King’s mother how all of Israel had set their sights on him to be king. Entwined within his coveted request lay his perception of the many injustices dealt him.
“Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife” 1 Kings 2:17 NIV.
The handsome Adonijah set his eyes on the beautiful Abishag for his wife. Although Abishag is not specifically named as a concubine in Scripture, she would have had a similar standing and perhaps was considered the same. When the King died, like the remainder of David’s harem, she probably stayed within the palace household.
Adonijah’s request compromised Solomon’s kingship. Taking possession of a deceased king’s harem would have signaled Adonijah’s right to the throne.
Surprisingly Bathsheba agreed to petition the King for their marriage. Scripture gives no indication if Abishag knew anything about Adonijah’s plan. But a wise Solomon immediately saw past Adonijah’s lovelorn desire to make Abishag his wife and understood the union’s potential to usurp his throne.
Adonijah’s attempted power grab violated their agreement when Solomon spared Adonijah’s life. “…if evil is found in him, he will die.”
Solomon put Adonijah to death that very day.
5 Important Things to Know about Abishag
God chose and used Abishag for His purposes.
Even though Abishag seemed to have little control over her life, God was in control.
Abishag’s gift of outward beauty became part of God’s bigger plans.
Although Abishag’s voice is silent and her task one of servitude, her contribution to the kingly line had significance.
God protected Abishag despite the treachery and evil intent surrounding her.
There is much we don’t know about Abishag, yet within a story filled with injustice and incomprehensible actions of people and cultures, God’s Sovereignty reigns. Her story reminds us there is a true King above all earthly kings, Sovereign, just, and eternal.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Fizkes
Her love for pasta and all things Italian stems from years of ministry abroad. She’d love to tell you about it over a steaming cup of cappuccino. Connect with Sylvia on her blog, When the House is Quiet, her Facebook page, or Twitter.
This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.
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