1 KINGS 1-4: DAY 150 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
May 30, 2023
1 KINGS 1-4
DAY 150 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses For Today: 1 Kings 3:7-9
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, spend some time in prayer with the Lord. Bring all your requests before Him. Ask Him for an understanding of 1 Kings 1-4. Then read 1 Kings 1-4. Let’s journey!
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 brother 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 4:1-34)
Returning to chapter 3 and our focus verses, 1 Kings 3:7-9.
King Solomon was given a blank check when God instructed the young king to ask for whatever he wanted and it would be done. The young king’s response:
7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
(1 Kings 3:7-9, NIV)
Solomon asked for wisdom so he could rule God’s people fairly and judiciously. He asked for something that benefitted others as much, possibly more, than it benefited himself. Solomon reveals his character with this request. God rewarded Solomon with wisdom, wealth, long life, and peace. Solomon served the God’s chosen people and the Lord blessed him.
Godspeace!
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