1 Kings 2:1-9 - Guidance to Solomon

1 Kings 2:1-9

"so that the Lord may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'" (verse 4)

Message: Guidance to Solomon

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: David’s time on earth is coming to an end. He knows this. He has a word for Solomon. David charges Solomon to "be strong...and show yourself a man." The charge is to be strong spiritually, militarily, and morally. It is also a charge to leadership, integrity, and faithfulness to God's law. Simple words but powerful words. 

Verse 3

"And keep the charge of the Lord your God" - remain faithful to God and remember the covenant relationship we have with God. "Walk in His ways" - have a close relationship with God. "keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies" - the laws of God are comprehensive. They are specific laws and there are generally laws of God. The idea here is God permeates our entire lives, all the decisions we make and the way in which we live. "as written in the Law of Moses" - scripture stands the test of time; our faith is meant to continue from the past to the present and to the future. There is a continuity to God's message for His people. "that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn" - there is well-being and fulfillment in our life; as we are faithful to God's commands good things happen. 

Verse 4

"so that the Lord may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me" - this is the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16); God makes a promise to His people and He fulfills it. But we also in return promise to remain faithful to His promises, walk in his ways, keep his statutes. It is important to keep God's blessings. I have noticed in my frequent conversations with people in Africa, it is very hard for them at times to admit there waywardness to God's ways. They obviously take it very serious to stay close to God's laws and His ways. I wonder if at times, I find it too easy to not stay close to God and His ways. "if your sons are careful of their way..." - that word careful is a word I hold onto and reminds me continually of how important it is to be intentional, not frivolous, but to take God's words to heart in our lives. And this is the person David charges Solomon to be. It is not an option. It is not a choice. It is the way we are supposed to be in life. 

It almost seems that David is asking Solomon to be a greater person than he was. David struggled with some passivity at times. He seems to charge Solomon to not be this way. In verse 5, he brings up Joab and the way in which he carried things out - "He also shed the blood of war in peace." Joab's acts were more vengeance rather than justice. Joab however was not a worthless man. At times he encourages faithfulness to God, but our faithfulness is not a part-time thing. But Solomon is to be different. He is to be a man of God all of the time. And Joab also is to receive some sort of justice - "do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace." 

David also calls attention to the "sons of Barzillai" for their kindness to David during Absalom's rebellion. And despite Shimei cursing him he swore to not put him to death, God will not act vengeance on him. 

Thus, David gives guidance to Solomon. This is a great charge to Solomon. And a great charge to me, to remain faithful and a great charge for me to pass onto my children. 

Summary: David concludes his life by giving a great charge to Solomon to follow God, walk in His ways, and carry on the promise God made to David - to remain faithful. 

Promise: Seek to obey the Lord in all I do. 

Prayer: Lord, I have messed up many times in my life, but I pray that I can go forward and be the best person possible for you. I want to stay faithful to your promises and help those that are in need. I pray also for my children and those that come after me. I pray for Derek Lord that he lives a life pleasing to You. He has a good heart. Help him to shine. Thank you for Tyson's great love and his tenderness for others and faithfulness. You have made all my children to be great friends. Thank you for Megan's hard work and her sacrificial ways to her family. She works hard for you. My wife models this well for them and yet has a joy and love for life that I admire and am so thankful to have near me. Lord, protect people and protect those you place in my path. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 1:28-53 - Solomon Anointed King

I Kings 1:28-53

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.

I Kings 1:1-27 - Who Will Be King?

I Kings 1:1-27

And as for you now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. (verse 20)

Message: Who Will Be 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: David is now in his old age. He has a need to keep warm and so his servants look for a young virgin for him to keep him warm and find Abishag the Shunammite, a very beautiful girl to become the king's nurse though the king did not cohabit with her. 

Adonijah, born after Absalom, says, "I will be king." He was a very handsome man. Like Saul and Absalom no other qualities are described of him but that he was handsome. He conferred with Joab and Adonijah but then there were others like Benaiah and Nathan who were not with him to be king. Adonijah made a sacrifice of sheep and oxen, having a feast before men to build support for his proclamation as king. According to Tabletalk, "In the ancient Near East, eating together was a sign of peace, a sign that the parties at the meal would not seek one another’s destruction." Nathan spoke to Bathsheba stating that all this was done without the knowledge of David. Nathan is speaking for Solomon saying he is the one next to be king. 

Bathsheba then went before David, prostrating herself and saying, "What do you wish?" Bathsheba though confirms that Solomon is to be king. Nathan likewise came in to prostrate himself before David. He also recounts what Adonijah has been doing in self-electing himself king, and yet not inviting many to this ceremony including David. Once again Nathan asks, "who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?" 

In I Chronicles 22:8-10 it says the word of the Lord came to David saying that a son shall be born to David, his name shall be Solomon and "He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his father, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever." Thus Solomon is to be king. In I Kings 1:17 Bathsheba confirms this and Nathan then also confirms it in verse 24 with a question. 

Bathsheba and Nathan acted wisely in order to accomplish good goals. They saw what was happening and that it was not right and instead worked to make things right. 

Summary: David is old in age and struggling in his health. Meanwhile, his son Adonijah self proclaims himself as the next although Nathan and Bathsheba confirm that Solomon, as promised, is to be king. 

Promise: When we see that something needs to be done, we need to not be afraid but act on it. 

Prayer: In moments where leadership is uncertain, I ask for the wisdom of Nathan and the courage of Bathsheba to uphold the truth. Lord, guard me against the pride of Adonijah, who sought to take the throne by his own strength and ambition, rather than waiting on Your divine appointment. I trust in Your sovereignty to place the right leaders in power, just as You chose Solomon to sit on David’s throne.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1 - The Temple's Location Identified

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1

And David said to Gad, "I am in great distress, please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man." (verse 13)

Message: The Temple's Location Identified

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, a census is carried out by David, though influenced by Satan, opposed by Joab, yet allowed by God though man is responsible for this. Man chose to rely on his one understanding of the army that God establishes. I suppose we do this all the time. Though it is not right or showing a trust of God, God still works it together for His glory. 

Verse 7, "And God was displeased" with David for him not trusting God. "So He struck Israel." God's response to David's sin was to send a plague on Israel that killed 70,000 (verse 14). Thus, corporate responsibility. God views sin seriously and because of David's selfishness it results in other people dying. Jesus will make all free because of him bearing the punishment. Adam's sin resulted in sin for all mankind. Here David is favored by God, a man after his own heart, but his disobedience results in many dying. Back in chapter 21 verse 5 there was a count of 1,100,000 men and so this number is 6% of those men; 1 in 15. 

Verse 9, "the Lord spoke to Gad." God gives David the opportunity to be involved in the decision making consequence of his sin: 1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months of being defeated by your enemies, 3) 3 days of plagues on the land. David responds by deferring to God's mercy and thus the 3rd option results, a plague on the land that results in 70,000 dying. 

With 70,000 fallen, the Lord sets his sight now on Jerusalem. Again, all for this act of the census which showed David's pride and lack of trust in God. Just as the angel is about to destroy the land God intercedes and says, "It is enough; now relax your hand." 

David pleads to God in verse 17 that judgment would fall upon him and not all of these people. In verse 18, this commentary states: "Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain, often located on elevated ground. Ornan, a Jebusite, was a member of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. The choice of this location is significant, as it later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1), symbolizing God's presence and the central place of worship for Israel. The transformation of a common threshing floor into a sacred site illustrates God's ability to sanctify and redeem." David goes hear to build an altar, a place of worship, reconciliation and repentance. There remains a large consequence for this sin that he committed but afterwards God has him build an altar, giving him another opportunity to start over, begin again. David had to pay for the site, "600 shekels of gold," a significant amount to purchase this land. 

In verse 1 of 22 David identifies this area as the house of the Lord or the location of the future temple. 

Once again here is Divine Sovereignty. David does a census which is contrary to God's ways, showing his pride, but because of many people of Israel die and David has remorse and is told to build an altar at a place that will eventually be the sight of the temple. 

Summary: The consequence David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel, and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. 

Promise: All works together for God's good purposes. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences of life. You weave all of life together for Your glory. But there are huge consequences along the way. It is hard to reconcile the loss of any person, let alone 70,000 men of Israel through a plague. Yes, there is a seriousness of sin. Is all death the result of judgment? Lord, I submit and surrender to You and plead for your grace and mercy. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 21:1-6 - David's Census

I Chronicles 21:1-6

1 Then Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me word so that I may know their number.” 3 But Joab said, “May the Lord add to His people a hundred times as many as they are! My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord seek this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt to Israel?” 4 Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore, Joab departed and went throughout Israel, and came to Jerusalem. 5 Then Joab gave the number of the census of the people to David. Israel was 1,100,000 men in all who drew the sword; and Judah was 470,000 men who drew the sword. 6 But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, because the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

Message: David's Census

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: In the last 2 issues of Tabletalk, I have been skipping these passages from I Chronicles. Maybe it is because I am so far behind and I am just trying to get through 1 and 2 Samuel now and through these passages. But today I thought I would try and do it. 

In this passage, David is being influenced by Satan. It is rare in Scripture that Satan is named. Satan opposes God and any reliance on him. In this instance the reliance is on man's understanding of how many people are available for an army. The danger reported here is a reliance on human strength. It seems interesting because I don't think many would object to what David is doing. 

David solicited the help of Joab, but Joab thought it a bad idea. Up to this point I haven't thought Joab to always be a man of integrity. He is one that seems to want to be in control. Granted, he has confidence in himself. He defeated and killed Amasa when David started to put him in charge of the army. And he has been responsible for other deaths as well, such as Absalom, David's son. But here Joab sees the spiritual consequences David is potentially bringing upon himself. 

But he did not prevail and went through the land and made a count, though he would not go along and include Levi among the counts. 

This action is paralleled in 2 Samuel 24:1 though there God is mentioned as inciting David to perform the census. Though in that verse the anger of God is mentioned and with the explanation that, "God can use even the actions of adversaries to accomplish His purposes (Genesis 50:20 - "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good"). Ephesians 1:11 says, "He works all things after the counsel of his will." Everything is under God's sovereign will, even the incitement to not rely on God. But though the outcome of this is under God's will, the act itself is the responsibility of David and Satan. As Tabletalk records, "God ordained this sin but He did so without committing sin Himself."

That's a hard idea to wrap oneself around. And I imagine there are many opponents of this idea in our world. God cannot sin, but God allows sin to achieve His good purposes. 

There is a purpose here. This sin would eventually lead to the building of the temple. 

Summary: Under God's sovereign will, Satan incites David to count his people to prepare his army. Joab objects but this counting will result eventually in the building of the temple. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "the Lord can use anything—even sin—to accomplish His holy purposes."

Prayer: Lord, in these texts is your will revealed though it is carried out in ways that oppose your perfect plan. You can use any circumstance and you can work all things together for good. I take this to mean that even when I disobey you, though I am accountable and responsible for this and will many times bear consequences, those consequences and results are a part of your means to work things out for good. Lord, I am a child of God now for almost 42 years and this is still hard for me to comprehend its complete meaning. There is no excuse for sin and still I must stand against it but no sin is greater than your plan and you can use it still to accomplish your good purposes. I praise you God for making this work and forgive even my words that often maybe do not frame this correctly. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:20 - Train the heart

Proverbs 11:20 

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,

But the blameless in [their] walk are His delight. 

Message: Train the heart

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: These contrasts are always interesting to me. The contrast here is the perverse and the blameless; the result is an abomination or a delight and how it relates to the Lord. Matthew Henry comments here, "Nothing is more hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with uprightness." It is interesting and amazing to me that this book is written, that we have this collection in Proverbs. It reminds me of Rob's lessons and the numerous ways to say the same thing. Like there is this constant need for more information, in the hopes that people will live their lives in the correct manner. Like, how many different ways can it be said. 

The Lord wants our upright behavior. The Lord wants us to walk in ways of blameless. At my PT appointment there seems to be a recognition by the people of the hospital to be attentive to people's needs. We get these feedback ratings and the good feedback is wanted, the good ratings of customer service. The cable guy knows he needs the good rating even though his demeanor wasn't necessarily great, but he asked for all 10's and I guess you want to give that to him, even though there was something about him that wasn't helpful. But it is wanted is the point. People see that what people want is good customer service. We see this in life. To be respectful. And in many ways that is what these passages are saying over and over. 

It amazes me and makes me wonder how did we get all of these sayings and why did Solomon write them all. I think of Grandmother Payton and Wiley and even my mom and the various sayings around the house, the phrases and the notebooks Wiley had of all the sayings and the clippings my Grandmother had - little motivating words, little reminders. All of these little reminders. 

Maybe this is what we need continually, to be reminded more and more of these truths. 

Source of following statements: 

• In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, intentions, and will.
• The emphasis on the heart suggests that God is concerned not just with outward actions but with the inner motivations and attitudes of individuals.
• The term "blameless" does not imply sinlessness but rather integrity and uprightness in one's conduct.
• The "walk" refers to one's way of life or conduct, suggesting a consistent pattern of living that aligns with God's commandments.

It isn't only the outward God is focused on, but what is on the inside. And living that sort of life that encompasses thoughts, intentions and will. But it isn't about being perfect. And yet in Scripture whatever the failure rate there is - 10% or 15% or more that Jesus covers it. And yet that 10% makes us completely unworthy. LDS thought is do your best and Jesus covers the rest, but this misses the boat. We are stamped not acceptable the moment we sin. Yes, we want to live good lives, but for our own well being, not for God's acceptance. 

Prayer: God, these verses and the meaning of these verses is what I need though at times I don't understand the repetition but I suppose we need these reminders continually. We need the constant reinforcement of the behavior we are all trying to live by. I need these good sources of information and need to be trained in this manner that reminds me that life is about glorifying you. That it is about pleasing you and making you number one. But God I thank you for covering my sin. That you cover it all. That you make it so I can know you. You have given me the right understanding of who you are and who I am in Christ. Keep working on my heart and not only mine but all those I am in contact with, in my life. I thank you for the friends you have given me and the course of life we are all on. Thank you for my grandmothers and the reminders in life that we need to live rightly. I need that reinforcement. Lord, you want my good behavior. Help me to make the right choices in life, to honor you. And I need this good behavior in my life. I live by peace when I live in this manner. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 23-24 - David's Last Words

2 Samuel 23-24

The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, he who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain. (verse 2-4)

Message: David's Last Words

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: The author of 2 Samuel in chronicling David's life starts 2 Samuel 23 by saying, "These are the last words of David." David is raised high, anointed and the sweet Psalmist. "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me" and David mentions God equipping him to rule. God has set David apart by establishing a covenant relationship with him. David recognizes something special has occurred with God on his side. Not every person is set aside. Some are worthless. 

David describes the perfect king as well, chosen by God, ruling by God's hand, listening to God and being directed by him. Thus, this is what the ideal ruler looks like. 

David then mentions mighty men and their accomplishments: 

• Josheb-basshebeth - 800 slain by him
• Eleazar - struck the Philistines with 2 others; the Lord brought a great victory that day
• Shammah - took his stand, defended it and struck Philistines; the Lord brought a great victory that day
• Then 3 of the 30 men came to David in cave of Adullam. David wants a drink from the well. Got him drink but he would not drink it. 
• Abishai - swung his spear against 300 and killed them; he was most honored of the 30. 
• Benaiah - killed 2 sons of Moab; killed a lion, an Egyptian
• Then David mentions 1. Asabel, 2. Elhanan, 3. Shammah, 4. Elika, 5. Helez, 6. Ira, 7. Abiezer, 8. Mebunnai, 9. Zalmon, 10. Maharai, 11. Heleb, 12. Ittai, 13 Benaiah, 14. Hiddai, 15 Abi-albon, 16. Azmaveth, 17. Eliabba, 18. Shammah, 19. Ahiam, 20. Eliphelet, 21. Eliam, 22. Hezro, 23 Paarai, 24. Igal, 25 Bani, 26 Zelek, 27 Naharai, 28. Ira, 29 Gareb, 30. Uriah
• 37 in all 

The author here takes the time to mention and list these men. It is important to recognize others always. David did not work alone. He was a leader and had many men that came to his aid. These men formed an elite group that were involved in establishing David's rule. There is community and collective strength in establishing God's purposes. The church body has many members, all contribute and part of the whole. 

Summary: David mentions last words about characteristics of a Godly king and then also lists out all of the men that assisted him in establishing his kingdom. 

Promise: God is concerned not only with the central players in the story of redemption but also with the saints who play lesser parts.

Prayer: God, thank you for using everyone. It is good to recognize the importance of community, of many people working together for Your good. As I speak to someone that lives somewhat on an island and does not have many people in their life, I am reminded of the importance of having many, of the value in having multiple people that can assist and help. Thank you for gifting many the way you have and keep working out all for your glory. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.