Definition: Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 1:28. It’s a really unusual and fascinating story! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse describes a woman who was secretly married to King David. “Then king David answered…” – This tells us that David was talking to someone – likely a servant or confidante. “…Call me Bathsheba.” – This is the key part. David, who was known as “Bathsheba” in her own life (a Hebrew name meaning "blessed one"), decides to become his wife. It's a dramatic and unexpected change! “And she came into the king’s presence…” - She arrives at the King’s court, likely seeking his favor or assistance. The Significance & Why It’s Interesting: This story is found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and it's a bit of a mystery. It raises some big questions: Why did David do this? It suggests a deep vulnerability and desire for connection that went beyond his usual duties as king. What was she doing? The story doesn’t tell us how she was living this double life. It’s a bit unsettling, suggesting a complex situation. It's a foreshadowing of something bigger: Many scholars believe this story is connected to the creation narrative in Genesis, and it could be seen as a sign that David would eventually have a son who would challenge the established order. In short, 1 Kings 1:28 tells us about a woman who secretly became the wife of King David – a moment of unusual and possibly significant change. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this story in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story within the larger narrative of the Old Testament. The symbolism behind Bathsheba’s name. The possible interpretations of this event for biblical scholars.