A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Abishag
ABISHAG,
The Shunamite, a beautiful young virgin, who cherished David, king of Israel, in his old age, and was afterwards desired by his son Adonijah, as a wife; which request caused him to be put to death by the command of Solomon, who looked upon it as an indication that Adonijah wished in other respects also to take the place of David, their father. A learned commentator thus tells the story:—"The king, (David,) though he had been so robust in his youth, seemed to decay daily. His afflictions, labours, fatigues, and perpetual wars, had exhausted him so much, that entering on his seventieth year, his natural heat seemed on the point of being extinguished; while his mind was as vigorous as ever, and he still governed with so much wisdom and authority, as made his life previous. His physicians, in order to prolong it, hit upon an expedient which succeeded, at least, for some time. All Israel was sought through to find out a proper person, and the choice fell on Abishag, the Shunamite, a young, beautiful, and virtuous woman. He made her his wife, and she was with him both night and day.'" That Abishag was considered the honourable wife of king David, and was so according to the customs of that age, there is no doubt.