Today's Reading:

1 Kings 1
1 Kings 2
Psalm 37
Psalm 71
Psalm 94

Stop and breathe: The books of Kings (originally one book) told the story of Israel’s monarchy: from Samuel anointing Saul, through David and Solomon, to the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and the bold ministry of the prophet Elijah. Some events overlap with Chronicles, like the “newspaper articles.”  Yet through every flawed king, division, and failure, God never abandoned His people. He raised prophets, preserved a remnant, and kept His promises.

That same amazing God is writing grace into your story, too. He sees every chapter and never lets go.  Where do you need to trust His steady faithfulness today?

 

King David had fallen ill, and they wanted to keep him warm, so they brought in a virgin named Abishag, as an ancient practice where the warmth of the healthy body shared heat with the ill person. Scripture denotes, “the king knew her not,” meaning that there was nothing sexual about it. Abishag became a part of the royal harem later, which gave her status. The mighty warrior who fought Goliath and wrote the psalms was now cold in bed, showing that even leaders have frail times.

Adonijah was David’s fourth son, and he assumed he was the legitimate heir to the throne, being the next oldest; he may have even known David would have picked Solomon. Adonijah was supported by Joab (David’s commander) and Abiathar (one of the high priests). David’s loyal supporters were Nathan the prophet, Benaiah (commander), Zadok (the other high priest), and Solomon. Adonijah decided to host a feast and self-proclaim his kingship.

David had never rebuked Adonijah for his arrogance in the past, which showed the pattern of parental discipline evident in the earlier family disasters (Absalom and Amnon). Nathan approached Bathsheba (Solomon’s mother) and warned her that if Adonijah succeeded in overtaking the throne, she and her son Solomon would most likely be killed to prevent an uprising of the new king. It was customary for the new king to kill the other sons who would possibly be able to dethrone him. Nathan advised Bathsheba on what to say to King David to change the situation, but for God’s glory, not his own advancement. Nathan went in to see David when he knew Bathsheba was in there, to confirm the news of Adonijah’s intent.

David instructed that Solomon was his choice and ordered that there be an official announcement of him as the next king. They paraded Solomon around on a mule and then had him sit on the throne to rule over Israel and Judah. The loyal commanders and priests took Solomon along with the Kerethites and Pelethites (mercenary bodyguards paid by the royal guard). Adonijah and his party guest heard that Solomon was anointed king and the guest scattered in panic. Adonijah went straight to the altar and grabbed the horns (accidental sins required this) and begged for mercy. He begged Solomon to swear not to kill him. Solomon made a conditional agreement, that if Adonijah did not continue to submit to Solomon’s authority and turned wicked, then he would die.

In chapter 2, since David was dying, he gave instructions to Solomon to be a strong man, faithful to God and keep the Lord’s commands as written by Moses. David confessed (the sin of his heart) and gave Solomon the first business orders as the new king.

1. Joab- who had murdered two innocent commanders (Abner and Amasa) during peace needed to be punished.
2. The sons of Barzillai- were to be shown kindness for their loyalty and support to David during Absalom’s rebellion).
3. Shimei- who had thrown rocks at David, (David had sworn to not kill him personally), he wanted Shimei to finally be brought to justice.

These were not just for personal revenge, but for justice and to remove future threats. Adonijah then asked Bathsheba for Abishag to be his wife, which was another power grab at taking the throne. Solomon, however, had him executed. Abiathar the priest who was against him was then fired from his position for being disloyal, but allowed since he had faithfully carried the Ark. This prophecy was foretold when Eli’s house would no longer be the line of the high priests. Joab the unfaithful commander was killed at the altar, and Benaiah was appointed as the new army commander. Shimei was exiled to Jerusalem and told if he ever left, he would die. Three years later he violated the oath and left to find his runaway slaves. This disobedience to the king showed his untrustworthiness and resulted in his death. Solomon had now fulfilled his father’s dying request to deal with Shimei.

David had never really disciplined Adonijah, and it almost cost Solomon the throne. Where have you seen the long term consequences of weak boundaries or failing to correct a loved one?

Psalm 37
The main theme to the psalm was “Do not fret,” which was repeated several times David wrote do not get angry or anxious when others succeed as their time is short. You are instead to trust in the Lord and do good, rejoice in God, commit to following His plans, be still and wait patiently for God to act. We can rest in Him as the wicked will be cut off. The humble will receive the land, and God will laugh at the wicked. God takes care of the righteous, even during famine. God orders our steps and He provides for us. The wicked may look strong, like a spreading tree, but they will soon disappear.

Psalm 71
This was a prayer that just because I am old, do not throw me away. The psalmist took shelter in God when he felt vulnerable and attacked. Now in old age, he still shares God’s wonders and faithfulness. This was an honest plea to God; do not forsake me, so that I can share You and Your deeds with the next generation. The psalmist did not want to be retired, he still had purpose in old age, which was to spread knowledge of God’s grace to future generations. He sustains us so we can keep proclaiming His righteousness.

Psalm 94
This was a cry for justice. The psalmist saw arrogant, wicked people that were oppressing others. They would crush the vulnerable widows, orphans and foreigners and then brag about it. The wicked say that God does not see. He then reminds us of the truth that God does hear their plans, see their cruelty and will discipline. Even when it feels like the wicked are winning, God will discipline in order to correct and teach, not just as punishment. Difficult days are to train to eventually get to rest/relief. The wicked will band together, but God’s justice will win.

Today's Discussion question: 

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