Day 108 · Part 7: The Kingdom

Solomon Takes the Throne (1 of 3)

1 Kgs 1–2 · 1 Chr 22 · 118 verses

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In the Story

Chapter 16: Solomon Takes the ThroneFrom the start, as far as 1 Chronicles 22

In context

About 970 BC, King David is old and cannot keep warm (1 Kings 1:1). His son Adonijah, born after Absalom, says, “I will be king,” and Joab and Abiathar the priest take his side (1:5–7). Nathan and Bathsheba remind David of his oath that Solomon would reign, and David has Solomon ride his own mule down to Gihon, where Zadok anoints him while the people shout, “Long live King Solomon” (1:11–40).

1 Chronicles shows David getting ready for the house of God his son will build, with stone, iron, bronze and cedar, because “Solomon my son is young and tender” (1 Chronicles 22:1–5). God had told David he would not build it, because he had shed much blood; the son who would build it would be “a man of peace” (22:8–9). Before he dies, David charges Solomon to keep the Lord’s ways, to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai, and not to let Joab or Shimei go to the grave in peace (1 Kings 2:1–9). He had reigned forty years (2:11).

The reading ends hard: at Solomon’s order Benaiah kills Adonijah, Joab and Shimei, and Abiathar is sent home to Anathoth. “The kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon” (2:13–46).

A word of hope

For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6–7 · God promised David a son who would be “a man of peace”; Isaiah speaks of a son on “David’s throne,” and “of peace there shall be no end.”

For families

Bathsheba went to the old king’s room and reminded him of his oath that her son Solomon would reign after him (1 Kings 1:15–21). Later, when she came to King Solomon with a request from Adonijah, he rose to meet her, bowed to her and had a throne set for her at his right hand. “Ask on, my mother,” he said (2:19–20).

Bathsheba spoke up for her son. Who has spoken up for you?

In the Bible

World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).

A hymn for today

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name · words by Edward Perronet

Organ and orchestra: an introduction, then each of the 8 verses. Tap a verse’s number to start there.

All hail the pow'r of Jesus' name!Let angels prostrate fall;Bring forth the royal diadem,And crown Him Lord of all.
Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre,And, as they tune it, fallBefore His face who tunes their choir,And crown Him Lord of all.
Crown Him, ye morning stars of light,Who fixed this floating ball;Now hail the strength of Israel's might,And crown Him Lord of all.
Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God,Who from His altar call;Extol the Stem of Jesse's rod,And crown Him Lord of all.
Ye seed of Israel's chosen race,Ye ransomed from the fall,Hail Him who saves you by His grace,And crown Him Lord of all.
Hail Him, ye heirs of David's line,Whom David Lord did call,The God incarnate, Man divine,And crown Him Lord of all.
Sinners, whose love can ne'er forgetThe wormwood and the gall,Go spread your trophies at His feet,And crown Him Lord of all.
Let every tribe and every tongueThat bound creation's call,Now shout in universal songThe crownèd Lord of all.