The Bible does not record David’s response to the advice of his servants, but we can assume that he agreed, since this verse tells us that they carried out the search. It is noteworthy that a different word is used for young woman
than in the previous verse. Thus, the translation “virgin” in 1 Kings 1:2 is in some measure confirmed. If the writer had merely wanted to speak of a young woman there, he could have used the word he chose in this verse.
The search incorporates another issue that verse 2 does not mention. They looked for a beautiful young woman. The inclusion of beauty in the requirements for this young virgin may have been for the purpose of assuring that the king would find her presence pleasant.
It is also notable that they carried out the search in the whole of Israel, not just in the area surrounding Jerusalem. The extent of the search illustrates the importance that was placed upon the king’s physical condition and the desire for a remedy. The scope of the search is confirmed by the fact that the woman who is found, Abishag, is a Shunammite. The name Shunammite describes a person coming from the town of Shunam, was near Mount Carmel in the north of Israel. Abishag fulfilled the requirements that had been laid down.
3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.