1 Kings 1:28-53
Today's Passage: 1 Kings 1:28-53
Yesterday in the first half of 1 Kings 1, we saw Adonijah make a play for David’s throne while the aged king still lived. It seems that at some point David had promised Bathsheba (and maybe others knew as well) that her son, Solomon, was the intended successor (1:17). Maybe this knowledge is why Adonijah made his play. In either case, Adonijah had gained favor with several people very close to David, but not all. Today’s passage picks up as those who are still loyal scheme and work to secure the throne for David’s intended successor.
The plan was simple, David reaffirmed his commitment to Bathsheba and Solomon—if Adonijah reigned both would surely die. Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah were to take Solomon and anoint him king. Unlike Adonijah, Solomon’s rode David’s mount, sat on David’s throne, and even had David bowing from his bed while granting a blessing on the new king. Had David died, Adonijah’s coup may have succeeded, but as such, David passed on his throne before he died.
With Solomon’s appointment secured, Adonijah, Joab, and the others were gravely concerned. Adonijah sought sanctuary in the temple, grabbing hold of the alter and refusing to let go. Solomon promised that he wouldn’t be hurt as long as he “showed himself a worthy man” …which, spoiler alert, didn’t last too long.
In 2nd Samuel 7, God promised David an eternal throne—that we know was ultimately fulfilled in Christ. However, even the first transition of power at the conclusion of David’s reign brought more turbulence that one might hope or expect as the recipient of such a promise. Why?
2nd Samuel 7 was a pinnacle of David’s life and reign as king. However, after 2nd Samuel 7 came chapter 11, when David sinned against God, against Bathsheba, against Uriah, and became a murderer to cover it all up. Reading David’s story after that point is a downhill spiral of consequences. Now that David lay on his deathbed, these consequences continue to haunt him as his chosen successor is nearly ousted before he began—by a half-brother no less.
In terms of something to focus on today as we seek to apply this message, I can’t help but be reminded that our legacy starts today. You’ve probably heard the old saying that the best time to plant a tree was 100 years ago. The second best time is today. Your tombstone will be engraved when you die, but it’s being written now. What is it that you’d like written there?
As I think about David’s life, I can’t help but think that standing on that rooftop—seeing Bathsheba—if he could see all of the consequences and the way it would destroy his family, there’s no way he would have done what he did. We all know the feeling of being blinded by sin. Pray for God’s perspective that we may not enter into temptation.
Written By: Tyler Short
Yesterday in the first half of 1 Kings 1, we saw Adonijah make a play for David’s throne while the aged king still lived. It seems that at some point David had promised Bathsheba (and maybe others knew as well) that her son, Solomon, was the intended successor (1:17). Maybe this knowledge is why Adonijah made his play. In either case, Adonijah had gained favor with several people very close to David, but not all. Today’s passage picks up as those who are still loyal scheme and work to secure the throne for David’s intended successor.
The plan was simple, David reaffirmed his commitment to Bathsheba and Solomon—if Adonijah reigned both would surely die. Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah were to take Solomon and anoint him king. Unlike Adonijah, Solomon’s rode David’s mount, sat on David’s throne, and even had David bowing from his bed while granting a blessing on the new king. Had David died, Adonijah’s coup may have succeeded, but as such, David passed on his throne before he died.
With Solomon’s appointment secured, Adonijah, Joab, and the others were gravely concerned. Adonijah sought sanctuary in the temple, grabbing hold of the alter and refusing to let go. Solomon promised that he wouldn’t be hurt as long as he “showed himself a worthy man” …which, spoiler alert, didn’t last too long.
In 2nd Samuel 7, God promised David an eternal throne—that we know was ultimately fulfilled in Christ. However, even the first transition of power at the conclusion of David’s reign brought more turbulence that one might hope or expect as the recipient of such a promise. Why?
2nd Samuel 7 was a pinnacle of David’s life and reign as king. However, after 2nd Samuel 7 came chapter 11, when David sinned against God, against Bathsheba, against Uriah, and became a murderer to cover it all up. Reading David’s story after that point is a downhill spiral of consequences. Now that David lay on his deathbed, these consequences continue to haunt him as his chosen successor is nearly ousted before he began—by a half-brother no less.
In terms of something to focus on today as we seek to apply this message, I can’t help but be reminded that our legacy starts today. You’ve probably heard the old saying that the best time to plant a tree was 100 years ago. The second best time is today. Your tombstone will be engraved when you die, but it’s being written now. What is it that you’d like written there?
As I think about David’s life, I can’t help but think that standing on that rooftop—seeing Bathsheba—if he could see all of the consequences and the way it would destroy his family, there’s no way he would have done what he did. We all know the feeling of being blinded by sin. Pray for God’s perspective that we may not enter into temptation.
Written By: Tyler Short
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