New English Translation

1 Kings 2:13-21 New English Translation (NET)

13. Haggith’s son Adonijah visited Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. She asked, “Do you come in peace?” He answered, “Yes.”

14. He added, “I have something to say to you.” She replied, “Speak.”

15. He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine and all Israel considered me king. But then the kingdom was given to my brother, for the Lord decided it should be his.

16. Now I’d like to ask you for just one thing. Please don’t refuse me.” She said, “Go ahead and ask.”

17. He said, “Please ask King Solomon if he would give me Abishag the Shunammite as a wife, for he won’t refuse you.”

18. Bathsheba replied, “That’s fine, I’ll speak to the king on your behalf.”

19. So Bathsheba visited King Solomon to speak to him on Adonijah’s behalf. The king got up to greet her, bowed to her, and then sat on his throne. He ordered a throne to be brought for the king’s mother, and she sat at his right hand.

20. She said, “I would like to ask you for just one small favor. Please don’t refuse me.” He said, “Go ahead and ask, my mother, for I would not refuse you.”

21. She said, “Allow Abishag the Shunammite to be given to your brother Adonijah as a wife.”