Cherish

The group, Association would be proud to know that I have been humming their 1960's tune ever since I looked up the story of King David's young virgin who gave him heat by lying in his bosom.

The story is found in the first verses of I Kings. He couldn't stay warm. His servants found a Shunammite to serve him and cherish him. Her name was Abishag. Not every person is called by name in the holy scriptures yet she goes down in history as the young damsel who cherished the king and kept him warm.

His servants must have wanted him to be comfortable in his last days to search for someone dedicated to the cause of the kingdom enough to surrender her maidenhood at the post of keeping an old man warm. The scriptures make it plain that the king "knew her not." So she did not have the opportunity to be a spouse or a lover.

The king was infirm yet the servants made the effort. The maiden served unreservedly. The king was honored in his weakened physical state. He was comforted and we can imagine distracted.

In verse 5, Adonijah attempts to exalt himself as king by calling a meeting of his supporters. The scriptures tell us he doesn't tell Solomon or the mighty men of David nor the prophet Nathan.

People who assume a position surreptitiously usually know who not to invite to their meetings. One cannot invite the prophet of God and you certainly cannot invite the heir apparent.

I digress.

A lot of reverence was going on in King David's chamber. I love when Bathsheba approached this frail king in verse 16 she bowed and did obeisance until she was recognized.

He was cherished. He was honored. He was respected.

There is a way to treat a man who has given his all for the kingdom.