DAY 150: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – 1 KINGS 1-4

May 28, 2024

1 KINGS 1-4
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DAY 150: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today our journey through the Bible in a year takes us to the Book of 1 Kings. It begins with the transition of power from King David to his son, Solomon.

Before starting today’s reading, take some time to stop and pray. Ask for wisdom regarding today’s reading. Read 1 Kings 1-4. Let’s journey!

The books of First and Second Kings were originally written as one text that tells the story of the kings of Israel, continuing on where we left off in 2 Samuel, with King David and his son Solomon, soon to be king. Ultimately, it is a history of the decline of the kingdom of Israel, as they move away from the Lord. The author of the Book of Kings, provides a judgment on the rule of each king, based on their worship of the Lord God and the keeping of the covenant Israel made with God. Throughout the book of Kings, we also see that prophets are raised up in an attempt to steer Israel and its kings back on the path of following the Lord.

1 Kings 1-4: Our journey begins with the story of the transition of power from a dying King David to his son, by Bathsheba, Solomon. Adonijah, the fourth son of King David, seeks the support of Joab, army commander-in-chief, and Abiathar the priest, about his desire to assume his sickly father’s throne. All concur and a ceremony takes place to install Adonijah as King of all Israel. Through Nathan the prophet, and Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, King David was advised of Adonijah’s actions. Solomon, the tenth son of King David, is installed as King before Adonijah’s ceremony and party are over. Solomon, at the age of 20, became the King of Israel. King David advises King Solomon to execute Joab and Shemiel; however, advised King Solomon to exercise wisdom in how he handled these matters. Solomon establishes his throne by executing rivals and traitors. He executed his brothers Adonijah, Joab, and Shemiel. He removed Abiathar from the priesthood and sent him into exile. The young King Solomon seeks wisdom from the Lord. King Solomon appointed his administrators and it is explained how the administration of Israel would be handled under the new king. (1 Kings 1:1-4:34)

After reading today’s reading, consider the following: What kings were present in today’s reading? Were they good or bad? How do you know? What lesson can be learned, or what warning can be taken from a study of these kings? What warnings, if any, were given by prophets? How can understanding the fall of Israel help us today in the way that we view authority figures?

Godspeace!