Misinterpretations often arise by assuming Bathsheba's elevated seat implies she holds supreme authority or co-rules with Solomon, overlooking the context where she intercedes for Adonijah's illicit request, which Solomon wisely rejects to protect his throne; others erroneously apply this to justify later doctrines like Mary's perpetual queenship without regard for the specific cultural custom of the gebirah in Israel, or misconstrue Solomon's bow as idolatrous worship rather than customary royal courtesy toward a parent.
I Kings 2:19
King James Version (1769)
19 Bath–sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.
This passage depicts King Solomon demonstrating profound respect and honor toward his mother Bathsheba by rising to greet her, bowing, providing her a throne at his right hand, and treating her as the queen mother, highlighting the significant role of the king's mother in ancient Israelite royal protocol as an influential advisor and intercessor, which underscores themes of filial piety and the structured hierarchy within the Davidic monarchy.