Definition: Then Bathsheba bowed with [her] face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that passage from 1 Kings 1:31. It’s a really significant moment in the story of King David and his relationship with Bathsheba. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Essentially, this verse describes a deeply humbling and reverent act by Bathsheba. “Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth…” – This shows a tremendous loss of dignity and power. She's acknowledging her dependence on David, which is a huge shift in her position. “…and did reverence to the king.” - Reverence means deep respect, honor, and awe. Bathsheba was showing immense deference to David as king. “And said, Let my lord king David live for ever.” – This is the key part. She explicitly asked for David's life to be eternally blessed. It’s a powerful declaration of her devotion and desire for his continued prosperity. What does it tell us about this event? It was a significant moment of submission: It shows Bathsheba recognizing the power and importance of David, even in a way that goes beyond just being a queen or wife. It’s a precursor to a dangerous situation: This act of reverence is happening before the story of King Solomon's construction of the temple. This suggests there was a growing tension between David and Bathsheba, and her desire for his favor might have been causing problems. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t fully explain why she did this – it could be interpreted as a sign of deep devotion or perhaps a desire to secure her own position within the kingdom. It's a complex moment in history! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage? Explore the significance of Bathsheba’s actions in the larger story?