"'And moreover the king's servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, "May your God make the name of Solomon better than your name, and his throne greater than your throne." And the king bowed upon the bed.'" — The court's response is significant: the *servants* (*avdey ha-melekh*, David's officials) come to David with congratulations. Their blessing—*teyy Elohekha et-shem Shlomoh me'shimkha, ve-yagdil et-kiso mi-kisekhah* (may your God make the name of Solomon better than your name, and his throne greater than your throne)—is extraordinary: they invoke David's God and pray that Solomon will *surpass* David in fame and throne-glory. This echoes Benaiah's earlier prayer but now comes from the general court. The phrase *va-yishtachav ha-melekh 'al-hamitah* (the king bowed upon the bed) suggests David's physical and spiritual acceptance—he bows in gratitude or relief, acknowledging that his will has been accomplished and the succession secured. The gesture is humble yet satisfied.

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