Solomon the new king

The purpose of this book of the Bible is to contrast the lives of those who live for God and those who refuse to do so through the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. The main events are David's death, Solomon's reign, the division of the kingdom and Elijah's ministry.

1 Kings Chapter 1

Now King David was very old and could not keep warm, so his advisers found him a beautiful young virgin to lie with him and also be his nurse. They searched the countryside and found Abishag from Shunem and she waited on David, but he did not have sex with her.

About the same time, David's son Adonijah (son of Haggith)decided to make himself king in place of his aged father and he got many chariots and recruited 50 men to run in front of him. David had never disciplined him at any time and he was a handsome man, born right after Absalom. Adonijah took Joab and Abiathar into his confidence and agreed to help him become king. But Zadok, the priest, Benaiah, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei and David's personal bodyguard remained loyal to David.

Adonija sacrificed at an altar near En-rogel and he invited all his brothers and royal officials to join him. Nathan the prophet went to Bathsheba, and asked her if she realized that Haggith's son was trying to become king. He told her if she wanted to save her own life and that of her son Solomon, she needed to go to David an ask him to place Solomon on the throne. So Bathsheba went to David and reminded him of his vow to make Solomon the next king. She told him about Adonijah's movements to be king and so David's decision must be swift before they were all killed by those loyal to Adonijah.

Nathan the prophet appeared and backed up Bathsheba's story about Adonijah's preparations to be king. And David called Bathsheba back to his side and he decreed Solomon the next king. Then David ordered Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah to take Solomon and his officers to Gihon Spring and anoint Solomon king over all Israel. David's emissaries did as they were instructed and trumpets were blown and Solomon returned to Jerusalem in a celebration so joyous that the earth shook with the sound.

Adonijah and his guests heard the noise and Jonathan, son of Abiathar came to tell them the news of Solomon being the new king. At this news, all of Adonijah's guests jumped up in panic and left him. Adonijah went to the sacred tent and prayed that his brother would not kill him. Solomon heard this and said if Adonijah was loyal, he would not be harmed, but if not, then he would die. So King Solomon summoned Adonijah and he bowed before the new king and Solomon dismissed him saying, "Go on home."

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Adonijah knew that Solomon was going to be David's successor, but he tried his deceptive plans in hopes it would work. He never had any discipline from his father, so he did not know how to work within limits. He did whatever he pleased, like a spoiled child.

Adonijah got caught and ran to the altar where he hoped for God's mercy and forgiveness. He went there, however, after his plans for treason were exposed. Joab, the commander of David's army who joined Adonijah in treason will be dealt with in the next chapter.

Solomon had the power to execute his brother. Adonijah would probably have killed Solomon if his plan had succeeded. But Solomon had nothing to prove, and so he demonstrated this type of power and showed his authority. Trying to prove one's power often proves only one's fear and self-doubt. Solomon was wise, even then.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? I can't help seeing Adonijah as a spoiled child stamping his feet and having a hissy fit. And all because David never interfered or opposed him. Do your children or children of someone you know, lack discipline? Do you know people who just seem too busy to parent? Their neglect results in a undisciplined child and they soon grow to be undisciplined adults. Children need to know self-restraint and respect for others. David served God so well that it took up all his time. Don't let your service to God take up so much of your time that you neglect your other God-given responsibilites.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.