September 10, Reading 1 – 1 Kings 2

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The two books of Kings outline the history of Solomon’s line. David’s line through Solomon peters out! This is the tragedy of Solomon’s history. What did David make clear to Solomon in verses 2-4?

SJA Notes

* God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth, repay to the proud what they deserve!

“So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.”

In this passage we have David going the way of all things, the end of his life here on earth.

Solomon’s reign begins with three murders.

Adonijah – The brother who wanted to be king instead of Solomon.

Joab – The army commander who split blood under the king’s covenant of peace.

Shimei – Who cursed and mocked and threw stones at the king when David was at the lowest point (Absalom having stolen the hearts of Israel).

Abonijah. Joab. Shimei.

They were put the death, and God’s word tells us that the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

Three men dead.

But really, there are four in this passage.

Because David died as well.

And as we read through the scriptures, the first half of the old testament particularly, we can often glaze over at the speed at which the years run by.

But that sense of speed, it can be a helpful thought to plumb – That even the best king amongst humans, David, couldn’t live forever. He grew old. He died.

We know that the establishment of the kingdom in Solomon’s hands did not last. Within a generation there was a sundering.

So what can we say but that we need a king that lives forever!

We need a kingdom that is established in eternity!

Praise God that we have these things in Jesus.

Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

* God Above,

Thank You for Jesus, who is the FOREVER KING, whose kingdom shall never end.

Thank You that You have established Your word in our hearts, building Your kingdom continually through the ages.

Thank You for Your love for us.

Please sink us in self that we might rise in You.

Amen.

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