מלכים א, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״ט

A royal encounter between a mother and her son reveals a delicate balance between formal etiquette and family respect, set against the backdrop of a complex political request. Bathsheba approaches King Solomon following a request from Adonijah [מצודת דוד]. The primary approach among commentators is that she comes to speak strictly on Adonijah's behalf, seeking to help him [רש״י]. However, an alternative perspective suggests that her true intention is actually to benefit Solomon. Bathsheba believed that fulfilling Adonijah's request would calm his deep frustration, restore his affection for Solomon, and ultimately bring greater stability to the kingdom [מלבי״ם].

When Bathsheba enters, Solomon treats her with profound respect. He steps forward to meet her [מצודת דוד], standing up and bowing as a devoted son honoring his mother [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Only after showing this personal reverence does he return to his royal position and sit on his throne. He then commands his servants to bring an additional seat so she can sit at his right hand [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

While the title of the king's mother naturally refers to Bathsheba, a traditional approach suggests it also serves as a subtle reference to the matriarch of the royal line, Ruth the Moabite. According to this tradition, Ruth lived an exceptionally long life and was present to see her great-grandson Solomon take the throne [רש״י, חומת אנך]. Conversely, other scholars reject this idea, pointing out that the historical timeline makes such an extended lifespan highly unlikely [רד״ק].