מלכים א, פרק ב׳, פסוק ט״ז

Adonijah approaches Bathsheba with a crucial request, sensing that the previous fear and tension surrounding the royal succession have finally settled. Feeling that the time is now right to bring forward his petition, he stresses that he has only a single request and that he is bringing it specifically to her [מצודת דוד]. He does this because the success of his plea depends entirely on her involvement.

The reason for his exclusive appeal to Bathsheba lies in her unique, personal knowledge about King David's relationship with Abishag the Shunammite. While the general public might assume that David had been intimate with Abishag, Bathsheba knows for a fact that this was not the case. Her certainty comes from a specific past incident. David had explained to Abishag that she was forbidden to him. When Abishag reacted by mocking his abilities, David called for Bathsheba and proved his physical vigor with her [חומת אנך]. Because Bathsheba knows the true nature of David's connection with Abishag, she is the only person who can facilitate Adonijah's request.

Knowing that his fate rests in her hands, Adonijah pleads with Bathsheba not to turn him away. He begs her not to disappoint him or send him away empty-handed [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Receptive to his earnest plea, Bathsheba shows her willingness to listen and invites him to speak [ביאור שטיינזלץ].