Day 156 – Solomon & the Throne

• We’re into another book – 1 Kings. 1 Kings and 2 Kings were, like 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, originally only one book. It describes the history of Israel (and soon Judah, when the country splits into two distinct sections) in this time of kingly reign, and if you want more information, check out the video at the bottom of this post. It’s very helpful.
• Today we read about David’s death and Solomon’s rise to the throne. David, by now, is very frail, as the opening verses of 1 Kings 1 recounts. A woman, who we also read about in 1 Kings 2, is named here. She’s called Abishag.
• Before Solomon became the king, he had a challenge to the throne from Adonijah. Who was Adonijah and why did he think he should have been the next king? 1 Kings 1:5-7 will give you several clues.
• What did Adonijah do to try to help himself become king, despite the fact that his father wasn’t yet dead? Who wasn’t invited to his feast?
• David, as king, could chosen whoever he wanted as his successor. Why did he choose Solomon instead of Adonijah? Can you remember reading about this in 1 Chronicles 22:8-9? Take a look now if you can’t.
• How did David stop Adonijah’s plan? Which of David’s friends helped him?
• Solomon could have had Adonijah killed for trying (unsuccessfully) to get the throne. At the end of 1 Kings 1 we find Solomon doesn’t. Why? What does this show about Solomon’s character?
• What were David’s final words to Solomon? Pay special attention to 1 Kings 2:1-4. What is David urging Solomon to do that Saul didn’t (and David sometimes didn’t)?
• After David dies, Adonijah tries to marry David’s companion Abishag. This was possibly part of another attempt by him to work himself into a position to become king again. When Solomon sees this, he’s very angry at his brother. What does he then do with Adonijah this time?
• Notice that Solomon is not afraid to make strong decisions. Not only does he get rid of his brother, but he also gets rid of Joab too. Joab was useful to David, but 1 Kings 2 (especially verses 5-6) show how he could have been dangerous to Solomon.
• Psalm 72 was either written by Solomon or about him (and by David). The author, whoever he was, is praying for the new king, which in worldly terms was Solomon. But it’s clear from our post-Jesus understanding that this psalm is all about Jesus. Try reading it again, and think specifically about how it speaks more about Jesus than it ever could about Solomon.

As we say goodbye to our time with David, spend a few moments thinking about some of the new things you’ve learned about this man. If you could say one thing about how you learn from something about David, what would it be?

The new arrival, Solomon, on the face of it, wasn’t the first choice for a king. He became king because of his father’s promise to Bathsheba, and Bathsheba shouldn’t ever have been a part of the story! Solomon was a king through grace, and he was able to show grace to his brother Adonijah… at least initially!

We’re brought into a heavenly kingdom through unmerited grace too, aren’t we? How can we then use that knowledge to love others as we have been loved, and show grace to each other?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlogtwjFyx0