1 Kings 2:19

“Bathsheba therefore went unto King Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah, etc.] She went from her own house to the palace; for she might not live at court; or however had an apartment to herself, from whence she went to the king with her suit in favour of Adonijah: and the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her; upon her entrance into the presence chamber, in honour to her as a parent, he rose up from his throne, and made his obeisance to her, as a dutiful son: and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; a magnificent seat or throne, as the word is, was ordered to be set for her: and she sat on his right hand; where he placed her in honour…”

“Bath-sheba . . . went unto King Solomon--The filial reverence and the particular act of respect, which Solomon rendered, were quite in accordance with the sentiments and customs of the East. The right hand is the place of honor; and as it expressly said to have been assigned to "the king's mother," it is necessary to remark that, when a husband dies, his widow acquires a higher dignity and power, as a mother over her son, than she ever possessed before. Besides, the dignity of "king's mother" is a state office, to which certain revenues are attached. The holder has a separate palace or court, as well as possesses great influence in public affairs; and as the dignity is held for life, it…”

“A seat - Or, “a throne.” We have here a proof of the high dignity of the Queen-mother. Compare also 1Ki 15:13; 2 Kings 11:1-3. In the Persian court the Queen-mother had often the chief power. return to 'Top of Page'”

“2:19-21 Solomon understood the intentions behind Adonijah’s small request. Adonijah’s desire to marry Abishag could have launched a claim to the throne, whether or not she was officially in David’s harem.”

“rose up: Exo 20:12; Lev 19:3, Lev 19:32 she sat: Psa 45:9, Psa 110:1; Mat 25:33 3 Kings (1 Kings) 2:20”