Year 1, Week 42, Day 3 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 42, Day 3

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of 1 Kings 2.

Today’s reading records the transition from David’s reign as king to his son, Solomon’s reign. 1 Kings 2 notes David’s parting instructions to Solomon: “When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses” (1 Kings 2:1-3a). In addition to David’s broad sweeping word of obedience, Solomon also received particular advice as to how certain men should be handled. 1 Kings 2 also describes some of the first actions that Solomon took as he sight to establish himself as king: "So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established…Now therefore as the LORD lives, who has established me and placed me on the throne of David my father, and who has made me a house, as he promised…But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD forever.”…So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon” (1 Kings 2:12,24,45,46b).

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was the promise for and yet also charge to Solomon concerning the establishment of the kingdom during his reign: “The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne” (Psalm 132:11-12). Concerning Solomon, the promise made to David was: “He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). David’s counsel to Solomon was for the purpose of Solomon experiencing the blessing of seeing the kingdom established: “that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 2:3b-5). In order for Solomon to see the kingdom be secure and prosperous, he would need to seek the LORD and live obediently to the Word of the LORD. Devotion to the LORD would be the first means to enjoy all that comes with an established kingdom. While a lack of devotion would not negate the LORD’s promise to David of having a descendant on the throne, such lack of devotion would eclipse the enjoyment of experiencing that promise.

One area where Solomon’s obedience would be a factor in the enjoyment of experiencing an established kingdom was how Solomon dealt with the kingdom’s enemies. Perhaps David should have personally addressed matters with the people referenced in today’s reading that Solomon would need to deal with. The issues pertaining to individuals like Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei, were all matters that originated during David’s reign as king. But David did not truly deal with these individuals; however, he left Solomon to deal with these individuals, even as he gave counsel to Solomon on how to handle some of the situations. Solomon shows great discretion in how he dealt with these individuals. What today’s reading shows is that the manner in which he did deal with matters helped to establish him as king.

Adonijah’s earlier attempts to usurp the throne for himself were neutralized. Adonijah was spared but given clear instructions on how to stay out of trouble: “And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die” (1 Kings 1:52). But Adonijah stupidly seemed to be inclined to be both sinister and subversive: “Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon…And he said, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife” (1 Kings 2:13,17). Solomon’s response to his mother’s request was decisive: “Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life!…as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today.” So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he struck him down, and he died” (1 Kings 2:23-24b-25).

Additional threats against the establishment of the kingdom are also neutralized by Solomom. Abiathar, the priest who sided with Adonijah was banished and was replaced by Zadok, a priest who had been loyal. Joab, the military commander, who also sided with Abiathar, was executed by Benaiah. Benaiah then became commander of the military. Shimei, who cursed David while he was fleeing from Absalom (see 2 Samuel 17), was brought to Jerusalem by Solomon and placed under house arrest. If Shimei wished to stay safe he would need to not wander outside Jerusalem. When Shimei violated Solomon’s instructions, Benaiah also struck him down. The actions of eliminating the kingdom’s enemies as a means toward which the kingdom was established might be considered as previews of a future enemy elimination: “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:41-43).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe