1 Kings 2 (Click to read chapter)
Synopsis
David charged Solomon with several things before he died. The most significant one was to make God and His laws the center of his life and the government so as to preserve the kingdom of Israel.
Interestingly, David also charged Solomon to specifically deal with two persons; Joab and Shimei. The advice given to Solomon on how to deal with them was harsh. On the surface, it seemed that David had held his hatred for these two and did not forgive them. But if we see this in the proper context, that David also asked Solomon to deal generously with the sons of Barzillai, we can then understand why.
This chapter also records that Adonijah did not repent and therefore, was finally killed at the order of Solomon.
Major Verses
V2-4 - Having lived an exemplified life of obedience to God, David wanted to give his well-season advice to Solomon. God's promise to David comprised two parts (2 Sam 7); a conditional part that depended on the king's action and an unconditional part that God will keep. For the first part, as long as David and his descendants honored and obeyed God (conditional), they will keep the office and the nation will be blessed. The second, which was God's part to keep, was that David's line will go on forever and this was fulfilled in Jesus (unconditional).
What I learn
It is every father's responsibility to teach his children the right things. The first charge that David gave to Solomon showed that his heart was after God. How often do we tell our children about the importance to follow after God? This is OUR responsibility as fathers. Let us not shy away from it so that our children will not forget God.
V5-9 - Joab represented those who are ruthless in accomplishing their selfish goals, which are usually at the expense of others. Joab was a self-serving man; his only code was his strength and winning battles was his only law. He did not regard God's law as all he wanted was to get power for himself. Similarly, Shimei had no regard for God when he cursed David as it was against both the civil and God's laws to cursed a king (Ex 22:28).
On the other hand, Barzillai stood for those who are loyal to God and who obeyed His laws. When offered glory, he had unselfishly asked that it be given to his son instead.
What I learn
In dishing out the advice, David was really helping Solomon to establish and secure his throne. His harsh orders were only directed toward the blatant enemies - those who opposed God by opposing His anointed king. Joab had once again proved his selfishness by siding with Adonijah instead of revering God's choice of Solomon as king. For those who are for God, such as Barzillai, David directed Solomon to honor him and his son.
V15-22 - Adonijah was unrepentant, despite being shown mercy by Solomon. By asking for Abishag to be given to him, he was really trying to re-establish his claim to the crown. In those days, possessing the king's harem (Abishag was part of David's harem) was equivalent to claiming the throne. Adonijah's words in v15, "the kingdom was mine. All Israel looked to me as their king. But things changed, and the kingdom has gone to my brother" revealed his true but ugly intention.
V 23-25 - The wise Solomon saw through the veil of Adonijah's request. Knowing that his unrepentant brother was still after his throne, he had to order for his life to be taken as Adonijah had gone against God's will.
What I learn
Those who go against God's will eventually be punished. Let us be careful to follow what God wants us to do and never go against Him.
Summary
David gave Solomon wise words to follow - to put God in the center of his life so that his position and the nation will be preserved. Joab and Abiathar both served David as Army Commander and High Priest respectively. But they chose to defile God's way by conspiring with Adonijah to try to usurp Solomon's throne and thus were punished eventually. Adonijah did not appreciate Solomon's generosity and instead continued to try to take his crown; he paid for that with his life.
Over to you
Share your learnings by adding your comment - click "Comments" below.
Coming up next ...
In Chapter 3, we will read about Solomon's famous request for wisdom....coming up on 5th Nov.
David charged Solomon with several things before he died. The most significant one was to make God and His laws the center of his life and the government so as to preserve the kingdom of Israel.
Interestingly, David also charged Solomon to specifically deal with two persons; Joab and Shimei. The advice given to Solomon on how to deal with them was harsh. On the surface, it seemed that David had held his hatred for these two and did not forgive them. But if we see this in the proper context, that David also asked Solomon to deal generously with the sons of Barzillai, we can then understand why.
This chapter also records that Adonijah did not repent and therefore, was finally killed at the order of Solomon.
Major Verses
V2-4 - Having lived an exemplified life of obedience to God, David wanted to give his well-season advice to Solomon. God's promise to David comprised two parts (2 Sam 7); a conditional part that depended on the king's action and an unconditional part that God will keep. For the first part, as long as David and his descendants honored and obeyed God (conditional), they will keep the office and the nation will be blessed. The second, which was God's part to keep, was that David's line will go on forever and this was fulfilled in Jesus (unconditional).
What I learn
It is every father's responsibility to teach his children the right things. The first charge that David gave to Solomon showed that his heart was after God. How often do we tell our children about the importance to follow after God? This is OUR responsibility as fathers. Let us not shy away from it so that our children will not forget God.
V5-9 - Joab represented those who are ruthless in accomplishing their selfish goals, which are usually at the expense of others. Joab was a self-serving man; his only code was his strength and winning battles was his only law. He did not regard God's law as all he wanted was to get power for himself. Similarly, Shimei had no regard for God when he cursed David as it was against both the civil and God's laws to cursed a king (Ex 22:28).
On the other hand, Barzillai stood for those who are loyal to God and who obeyed His laws. When offered glory, he had unselfishly asked that it be given to his son instead.
What I learn
In dishing out the advice, David was really helping Solomon to establish and secure his throne. His harsh orders were only directed toward the blatant enemies - those who opposed God by opposing His anointed king. Joab had once again proved his selfishness by siding with Adonijah instead of revering God's choice of Solomon as king. For those who are for God, such as Barzillai, David directed Solomon to honor him and his son.
V15-22 - Adonijah was unrepentant, despite being shown mercy by Solomon. By asking for Abishag to be given to him, he was really trying to re-establish his claim to the crown. In those days, possessing the king's harem (Abishag was part of David's harem) was equivalent to claiming the throne. Adonijah's words in v15, "the kingdom was mine. All Israel looked to me as their king. But things changed, and the kingdom has gone to my brother" revealed his true but ugly intention.
V 23-25 - The wise Solomon saw through the veil of Adonijah's request. Knowing that his unrepentant brother was still after his throne, he had to order for his life to be taken as Adonijah had gone against God's will.
What I learn
Those who go against God's will eventually be punished. Let us be careful to follow what God wants us to do and never go against Him.
Summary
David gave Solomon wise words to follow - to put God in the center of his life so that his position and the nation will be preserved. Joab and Abiathar both served David as Army Commander and High Priest respectively. But they chose to defile God's way by conspiring with Adonijah to try to usurp Solomon's throne and thus were punished eventually. Adonijah did not appreciate Solomon's generosity and instead continued to try to take his crown; he paid for that with his life.
Over to you
Share your learnings by adding your comment - click "Comments" below.
Coming up next ...
In Chapter 3, we will read about Solomon's famous request for wisdom....coming up on 5th Nov.
Solomon used wisdom in how he dealt with those who had been against David or him:
ReplyDeleteHe warned Adonijah that "if evil is found in him, he will die" (1Kings 1:52) which happened when Adonijah requested to marry David's wife to claim the kingship.
He told Shimea not to cross the Kidron Valley or he will die, and he agreed to his own death through his own action later.
He removed Abiathar from the priesthood and from leadership but did not kill him and put Zadok the priest in his place.
Only Joab was shown no mercy because of his blood guilt, disloyalty and his position as the commander of the army. Very sobering - how we are not to touch the Lord's anointed. I think if Joab, Abiathar and Shimei had been serving God instead of self interest then none of these judgements would have come upon them. Blessings Pastor Peter