Brothers and sisters, today we begin our study of the book of 1 Kings, continuing the historical narrative that began in 2 Samuel regarding the kings of Israel. As we saw at the end of 2 Samuel, King David was in his old age and no longer able to regulate his body temperature. In seeking a way to keep the king warm, his servants found a young woman named Abishag to serve in this role.

While it may seem unusual to modern readers, bringing in a young virgin to lay with the king was a common practice in those times to provide care for elderly royalty. Reassuringly, the text makes clear that despite Abishag's beauty, David did not engage in sexual relations with her due to his weak physical state. Nevertheless, this situation planted seeds of vulnerability, as David's son Adonijah sought to seize control of the throne while the current king was infirm.

Adonijah exalted himself and declared "I will be king," assembling chariots and horsemen in a show of force. Alarmingly, he found support from some powerful figures like Joab and Abiathar the priest, while excluding others like Nathan the prophet who remained faithful to David. Adonijah even held a great feast to rally support for his coup, conspicuously not inviting those he deemed threats to his agenda. Such actions behind the king's back betrayed Adonijah's prideful and treasonous motives, recalling the earlier rebellions against David's rule by Absalom and others.

Though concerning on the surface, we can take comfort that God is ultimately sovereign over the rise and fall of kings. As Nathan and the rest remained true to David, so believers can find refuge in our faithful God even when human authority seems vulnerable or unjust. Our hope is not in any earthly throne, but in the eternal kingdom promised through David's lineage that would be fulfilled in Christ. When feeling distressed by the unrighteous deeds of people in power, it's vital to remember that God uses even the sins of man to bring about his perfect will in his perfect timing.

As we continue our study of 1 Kings, keep in mind the covenants God made with Israel through figures like Abraham and David. Take heart that no matter how the kingdom might divide after Solomon, God's promises will certainly come to pass. Above all, our greatest King is Jesus, whose death and resurrection ensure that he will return to establish his everlasting reign on David's throne. May this perspective equip us to endure whatever hardships we face, trusting fully in the sovereign goodness and faithfulness of our covenant-keeping God. Let us press on in prayerful hope for that eternal kingdom to come.

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/MP841P112W#RSBwt7zx0h7y

Sermon notes: https://media.versebyverseministry.org/uploads/lesson_translations/1545/notes_file/589b683a2748128558d0537524025ebd.pdf

Teaching slides: https://media.versebyverseministry.org/uploads/lesson_translations/1545/slides_file/0e1846dc1d63e0a00ff7d03e1ecdba2d.pdf

Taught by Pastor Wesley Livingston,

VBVMI