As King David's reign drew to a close, Solomon faced the immense task of establishing himself as the rightful ruler over God's people. Wasting no time, he eliminated any threats against his throne by judiciously removing those who had sided with his rival brother, Adonijah. This firm yet prudent action allowed the bloodguilt from past conspiracies to be removed and peace to be established within the kingdom.

Yet Solomon knew that maintaining peace would require even greater wisdom. Though only a young man when he became king, Solomon approached the Lord with humility, acknowledging his need for divine guidance. In a dream at Gibeon, the epicenter of Israel's worship, God invited Solomon to ask for whatever he desired. Rather than requesting long life, riches or vengeance against his enemies, Solomon petitioned the Lord for discernment and an understanding heart to lead God's people righteously.

The Lord was pleased with Solomon's selfless petition. Not only did he endow the new king with unsurpassed wisdom, but promised to also grant him riches and honor beyond measure if he faithfully obeyed the commands of his father David. When Solomon awakened from this profound dream, he hastened to the temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices of dedication and thanksgiving to the God who had so bountifully blessed his kingship.

Solomon's divine wisdom was soon put to the test. Two women engaged in prostitution came before the king, each claiming to be the mother of the same living child. In their arguments over the true mother, they revealed that one woman's infant son had unexpectedly died in the night, whereupon the other woman had secretly switched the living child with the dead one. Without any further evidence, justice seemed impossible to determine.

Rather than rushing to judgment, Solomon shrewdly devised a plan to reveal the real mother through her natural affection. He commanded that the living child be cut in two, so that each woman could receive half. Shockingly, one woman passionately pleaded for the boy's life, willing to forfeit her maternal rights rather than see him killed. Through her unconditional love demonstrated in crisis, her identity as the true mother was unmistakably clear.

As news of Solomon's discerning verdict spread throughout Israel, all the people stood in awe of the King's God-granted wisdom. They saw that he had been endowed with an ability to administer justice far beyond any human ability. In Solomon's rule, the Israelites glimpsed qualities that would be perfectly embodied in their promised Messiah - a Son of David who would one day judge all nations with faultless righteousness and establish an eternal kingdom of peace.

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Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/9CEQH53F6C#qyXOmzZPbN4q

As King David's time drew to a close at 70 years of age, it was time for new leadership to emerge over Israel. While David's son Adonijah attempted to seize control of the kingdom, God had made it clear through the prophet Nathan that David's younger son Solomon was to be the next king. In his dying words, David charged Solomon to "show yourself a man" and take charge as king.

Ruling wisely over a united Kingdom would require Solomon to make adherence to God's Torah his highest priority. The instructions and commands given to Israel through Moses were the very guidelines by which the king and people were to live. Faithfulness to God's word would determine the success or failure of Solomon's reign. David warned his son of certain men like Joab and Shimei who posed potential threats due to their disloyal acts in the past. A proper purging of such enemies within his administration would be necessary for Solomon to solidify his position as king.

Shortly after taking the throne, Solomon was approached by his older brother Adonijah requesting to marry one of David's concubines, Abishag. However, Solomon recognized this was not an innocent match-making proposal, but rather a crafty plot by Adonijah to strengthen his claim to the throne. Marrying a king's concubine in other cultures equated to seizing the monarchy. In wisdom, Solomon dismissed the notion and declared Adonijah's action as treason worthy of death.

The prophet Nathan had foretold years earlier that God would remove the priestly line of Eli due to their disobedience. When Abiathar the priest aligned with Adonijah’s coup, Solomon fulfilled this prophecy by stripping Abiathar of his priestly authority, though sparing his life. Joab and Shimei, two others David warned about, met their ends as well due to ongoing defiance. Through decisive yet merciful action, Solomon established the security necessary to faithfully lead God's people into an era of peace and prosperity.

Solomon's reforms pointed forward to an ultimate, ideal king who would one day purge all evil from God's kingdom forever. The dividing of Israel after Solomon's demise intensified the longing for a Messiah who would permanently unite the nation under God's righteous rule. Jesus Christ fulfills these ancient hopes as the son of David serving also as our great high priest in the order of Melchizedek. At his still-future glorious appearing, Jesus will make all of Israel's enemies a footstool beneath his feet, finally and fully establishing the eternal Kingdom of God on earth.

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As David's time as king drew to a close, he called upon his son Solomon to impart some final words of wisdom before passing away. David had reigned faithfully over Israel for forty years, seeing many victories and blessings from God. In his old age, he was now looking back reflectively on all that God had done through him. More than anything, he wanted to ensure Solomon understood the importance of following God with all his heart as the new king. David told Solomon his time had come to join his ancestors, urging him to "be strong and show yourself a man" by taking on the heavy responsibilities of leadership.

David emphasized that the key to Solomon's success would be wholly committing to obeying God's commands and statutes. He reminded Solomon of God's promise that if the kings of Israel walked faithfully before Him, their dynasty would be established forever. Keeping God as the highest priority through studying His word and living righteously was the surest way for Solomon's reign to be blessed. As with Joshua after Moses, God promises to be with those who heed His voice. This mirrored the heart of Deuteronomy and Jewish teachings to always remember God's instructions. David wanted to impart the significance of loyalty to Yahweh above all else as the foundation for Solomon's kingship.

While stressing devotion to God, David also gave Solomon practical counsel about administrative matters. He informed him of two men, Joab and Shimei, who still needed to face justice for past dishonorable acts, though David had shown them mercy. Joab had unlawfully killed commanders out of personal interests, while Shimei cursed David during a time of rebellion. David ordered Solomon to deal wisely with punishing their offenses according to the law, though with discretion. In contrast, he told Solomon to continue showing kindness to the sons of Barzillai who had faithfully assisted David in his time of need. David's final warnings emphasized the importance of rooting out anything that could corrupt or harm the kingdom from within.

After imparting this wise guidance, David's time on earth came to an end as he passed away and was buried in Jerusalem. The writer reflected on David's forty year reign that began in Hebron and concluded with three full decades ruling from Jerusalem, leaving a strong legacy. With his father's death, Solomon formally took the throne as the new king of Israel. Through obeying God and applying the principles David emphasized, Solomon's rule was established on a firm foundation just as God intended. Solomon was set up for success by his father's perfect parting words that focused on maintaining a right relationship with Israel's covenant-keeping Lord above all else.

Sermon notes: https://media.versebyverseministry.org/uploads/lesson_translations/1548/notes_file/681c8f745edb7e5a811d2a357e3cbfa6.pdf Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/R905BC62NG#C5zd46EcuKIV

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1-kings-lesson-2a

Brothers and sisters, today I want to share with you from God's word about an important transition of power and leadership that took place in Israel as recorded in 1 Kings 1. As we reflect on these events, may our eyes be opened to God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the principles of mercy that were on display.

King David's time as ruler over God's people was coming to an end. Though still alive, his health was declining and a power struggle was emerging between two of his sons - Adonijah and Solomon. Adonijah had begun declaring himself king and gathered supporters for his cause, though David had not designated him as the successor. Meanwhile, God had revealed to David and others that Solomon was to be the next ruler.

The prophet Nathan saw what was unfolding and worked diligently with Bathsheba to bring this situation before King David and ensure Solomon received the throne as God had ordained. Their counsel exemplified wisdom, respect, and urgency to protect both the kingdom and God's chosen king. David responded immediately, affirming before witnesses God's promise regarding Solomon. He then took action to officially inaugurate Solomon as the new king in the prescribed manner according to God's law.

Solomon was anointed and proclaimed king amid celebration by the people. The noise could be heard even by Adonijah's companions gathering in rebellion. When Jonathan arrived bearing the news, their hopes turned to fear, realizing their deception had been exposed. Adonijah fled in terror to the tabernacle, pleading for mercy from the new king he had sought to overthrow.

Though Solomon could have rightly condemned Adonijah, he displayed remarkable mercy and restraint and offered him forgiveness if he proved loyal. How beautiful a picture of our Lord, who extends grace to sinners who turn from their ways. Sadly for Adonijah, pride still ruled his heart and eventually cost him his life. But through it all, God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant with David were clear. He established Solomon on the throne as He had said.

As believers today, we do well to reflect on these events. They remind us that God is in control of all earthly authorities and will accomplish all His purposes. They show us the importance of godly counsel, respect, urgency and obedience when responding to matters of leadership. And most of all, they portray for us the unfathomable mercy we have received from Christ, who died that we might live though we were His enemies, and offers pardon to all who turn to Him in faith and repentance. My prayer is that we would ever embrace this grace and reflect it to others through humility, compassion and forgiveness.

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/TD8JHSRCC4#lanC23NeHHI9

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Taught by Pastor Wesley Livingston,

VBVMI

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

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Taught by Pastor Wesley Livingston,

VBVMI

In the wake of King David's reign, his son Solomon inherited a united and flourishing Israel. Under Solomon's leadership, the kingdom reached new heights in size and prestige. His crowning achievement – the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem – became a symbol of Israel's power and devotion, attracting awe from around the world.

However, prosperity often sows the seeds of discord. Solomon's heart strayed, leading to a fatal misstep that fractured the once-unified kingdom. This division created two rival states: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.

Join Pastor Wesley Livingston of Verse by Verse Ministry International (VBVMI) as we delve into the fascinating and turbulent history of the Divided Kingdom. Explore the stories, the struggles, and the ultimate fate of these two Israelite nations.