1 Kings 1 (Click to read chapter)
Synopsis
The story begins with King David at his death bed, having just lived 70 years. The many years of hardship took a toil on his health. His reign saw an unified kingdom, glorious and with focused reverence for God. This was a direct result of David's obedience to God. But David had many wives and concubines and thus many children. Unfortunately, this led to many deadly squabbles and another one presented itself as 1 Kings opens up. This time, it involved his fourth son, Adonijah, who was the logical crown prince.
David's eldest son, Amon, was killed by Absalom for raping his sister. His second son, Daniel, had probably died by this time (nothing was mentioned about him except in Chronicles) and his third son, Absalom was killed in an earlier rebellion. As such, Adonijah was the logical son to succeed his throne.
However, Adonijah knew that he was not David's favorite nor the choice as his successor. David wanted Solomon to be king. So, Adonijah hatched a plan to usurp the throne and proclaim himself king. This chapter records the story of how Adonijah failed in his attempt as Solomon was eventually crowned King. The actions by Solomon against the conspirators showed how wise and great he was.
V1-4 - At a time where polygamy was accepted, getting a virgin to nurse David and keep him "warm" was not considered out of place. However, David did not have any sexual relationship with Abishag, probably by choice. Eventually, it would be because of Abishag that Adonijah was put to death by Solomon.
V5-6 - Adonijah wanted to be king and many people expected him to be as he was the crown prince. But David (and God) had other plans. While David was God-fearing and was used by God, he nevertheless had problems in family relationships. He failed as a father as he did not impart the correct moral and spiritual values to Adonijah; V6 indicated that David did not interfere with Adonijah and thus did not correct his wrong doings while he was growing up.
What I learn
Even God-fearing people must not take for granted of their family's spiritual development and well-being. Moral and spiritual character need years to build and it certainly requires constant attention and Godly discipline. It is the duty and responsibility of a Godly parent to teach and guide his children as they grow. As parents, let us not allow our service to God, especially in leadership position, be the excuse for not having the time and energy to teach and guide our children.
V7-8 - Joab was a great military leader who had served David as his most-abled commander. His career saw many great achievements and many shameful acts at the same time. He was a man after himself and had lived according to his own standard, which was one of selfishness. Plotting with Adonijah against Solomon was, but one of the many treacherous acts he was responsible for. Abiathar, the high priest installed by David also conspired with Adonijah. On the other hand, Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David's special guard made the right choice.
What I learn
Joab and Abiathar made their choice, it was a wrong and bad choice as Adonijah was known not to be a good leader. Yet, and probably for their own preservation, they chose to conspire against Solomon. When we have to make choices, it would be crucial for us to seek God and obey what He wants us to do. Do not let our own selfish desires drive us into making wrong choices.
V11-14 - Nathan took action to ensure that Solomon be installed as king. He knew that Solomon was God's choice and thus did not shy away from his responsibility to take appropriate action.
What I learn
We have to stand up and take responsible action when it is right to do so. We know that it is right if God tells us so. And when He does, let us not shy away from our responsibility.
V49-52 - Those who were supporting Adonijah took off and left him to face the wrath of the new king alone. Adonijah thought that by clinging onto the horns of the altar (which symbolized the mercy and forgiveness of God) he could save his life. While expecting the worst from the king, Solomon spared his life even though he had legitimate power to kill Adonijah.
What I learnWhat I learn
We have to stand up and take responsible action when it is right to do so. We know that it is right if God tells us so. And when He does, let us not shy away from our responsibility.
V49-52 - Those who were supporting Adonijah took off and left him to face the wrath of the new king alone. Adonijah thought that by clinging onto the horns of the altar (which symbolized the mercy and forgiveness of God) he could save his life. While expecting the worst from the king, Solomon spared his life even though he had legitimate power to kill Adonijah.
When his treacherous act was exposed, Adonijah ran to God's altar in panic. He thought that by holding on to the horns of the ram, God would give him immunity. However, King Solomon acted in majestic kindness when he spared Adonijah's life. He had nothing to proof as he knew he was God's choice for the throne. Sometimes, forgiving a personal attack shows more strength that taking revenge, especially when we have we have the power to do both.
Over to YOU
I sincerely hope that my sharing has inspired you to share your learning too. Please do so by clicking the "Comments" link below. Share to help me and other readers.
Next up...
Chapter 2 reveals what David said to Solomon before he dies....coming up on 29th Oct...
Hi
ReplyDeleteI agree. As parents we must be mindful that TODAY will impact TOMORROW, so it is always wise to spent quality time building a strong relationship with our loved ones early or live to regret it later.
Hello Steven - thanks for continuing to bless us with your bible study.
ReplyDelete1 Kings 1 is incredible in the lessons it can teach us. I found it remarkable how David was able to make the right decision and do what was within his power to do simply because he kept his word. This is an admirable quality about him which is very important in our family life that people know that we will do what we promised. Based on David keeping his word to Bathsheba he was able to do the right thing and also to control his anger in not doing more than what he had promised. By this I mean that he did not discipline Adonijah or interfer in Solomon's decision. David managed to control himself and not react out of the fear man. He trusted God even in his old age when he was weak physically he could still be strong in the Lord.
May God Bless you in the writing of this blog and the readers as they read and comment - Pastor Peter
Yes we can learn so much from David's life.If we sow the right actions early, our children will follow in our footsteps.And visa versa.
ReplyDeleteDavid succumbed to sexual tempatation but then his son later fell to the same weaknesses.Not only did David take many wives and concubines, he slept with another man's wife.Although the Lord may forgive when we repent, the consequences on others may be more damaging than we expect.