Starting at verse 28 and continuing through verse 35 (1 Kings 1:28–35), the writer gives us the response of David to the things that Bathsheba and Nathan had reported to him. The king sent to have Bathsheba brought into his presence. This call implies that she had withdrawn while Nathan was speaking to David.

Bathsheba came into the king’s presence. The same Hebrew word is used twice in this verse. The ESV translates the first instance as [the king’s] presence, and then as before [the king]. The Hebrew word “Lip-ne” literally means to the face of, which indicates a close presence and one that implies a relationship. This time she kept silent, for it was not to speak but to hear what David had to say to her that she had been called. It is wise to know when to speak and when to keep silent. It is also a mark of honesty. A person who lies often does not know when to stop, feeling that he has to improve the story. The person who has spoken the truth is just as content to let matters rest at that point.

We might wonder what she thought at this point. It is possible, though not certain, that she took this response as a good sign. If the king had supported Adonijah’s claim, he need not have any further direct contact with the mother of Solomon.