King David was old (1:1). A comparison of dates given in 2 Samuel and 1 Kings indicates that David is well over seventy years old as he lies on his deathbed, much older than the average lifespan in the first millennium B.C.25
Abishag, a Shunammite (1:3). Biblical and ancient Near Eastern sources give special attention to the status of women in the royal court. The size and makeup of the king’s harem was a measure of his power and prestige. In this case the beautiful Abishag slept next to the king but was never added to his harem. Yet, as a consequence of this intimate association with the king, any interest in marrying her would be interpreted as a challenge to the throne (see 2:13–25). It is noteworthy that Abishag was from Shunem in Galilee, not far from Nazareth. Her selection may have been a way to maintain strong ties between the Judean monarch and the rival northern tribes.