Zadok the priest then took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. They they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, "Long live King Solomon!" (verse 39)
Message: Solomon Anointed King
Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.
What the Lord is Saying: In the first part of 1 Kings 1 one of David's sons is interested in being the next king and tries to self-proclaim himself king while his father David is simply hanging on for dear life, weak and disoriented. A pretty nurse is sent to care for him and despite her beauty and care he did not go into her or have sexual relations which seemed to be permitted at the time. Meanwhile Adonijah was having a feast and trying to get support for him being King. But Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba went to David to confirm that in fact it was promised for Solomon to be king next.
In verse 28, David calls Bathsheba and confirms with her what she was saying that 'Your Son Solomon shall be king after me.' Bathsheba is happy and relieved.
David directs Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah to have Solomon ride on his mule blowing the trumpet, "Long live King Solomon. Then you shall come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne and be king in my place; for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah." This was the public acknowledgement that Solomon needed David to make of him being king, the riding in on the mule. Jesus, naturally, will one day parallel this when he enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The mule in these times was a prestigious animal and represented the kings royalty and leadership.
This is what they did. Had him ride on King David's mule. "And all the people were playing flutes and rejoicing with great joy."
In verse 41, Adonijah heard this wondering why the City is making such an uproar. After hearing all that was going on, with the riding in on the mule and King David placing Solomon on the throne and announcing him as king, "the guests of Adonijah were terrified; and they arose and each went on his way." Thus his support base has collapsed. People fear that their allegiance to Adonijah will cause problems for them so they flee.
Adonijah even feared for his life but King Solomon said to him, "Go to your house." David shows him mercy, allowing him to live even though he had been rebellious. David allowed many others to live despite their rebellion but it was other men like Joab that ended up killing those other lives. David was a man of mercy.
The people knew that the Lord had anointed Solomon previously, so based upon this they did not wait any more and made sure that Solomon was being presented as the new king. The lesson today from Tabletalk mentions this: "We need to act wisely, but we need not wait for a “sign from heaven,” nor are we to “let go and let God.” When the right thing needs to be done, we need to do it."
Summary: In response to Adonijah trying to be king, David proclaims Solomon as king, has him ride in on a mule, sit on his throne and the people respond while the supporters of Adonijah flee and David has mercy on him.
Promise: James 4:17 tells us that when we know the right thing to do and fail to do it, we have sinned. We need not wait for a special sign to do the right thing. It is always the right time to obey the Lord.
Prayer: Lord God, indeed it is always the right time to obey the Lord and do the right thing. I see this and help me in these days to do the right thing, to make phone calls to the men I have been led to do that with, to visit people that need to be visited that are in need. Help me to not delay in doing those right things. Give me the passion and the desire to go forward well and do those things. Help me to not delay. Thank you for these lessons. Help me to not delay as well. There is much I can be doing. Help me to do it.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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