Solomon becomes King

Wednesday 09/30/20

Series: Thru the Bible

Podcast: Download (108.3MB)

Solomon becomes King

1Chron. 28:1-8 – David’s Charge to Israel

“(1) David assembled in Jerusalem all the leaders of Israel: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials, the fighting men, and all the brave warriors. (2) Then King David rose to his feet and said,

“Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the LORD’s covenant and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build, (3) but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’ (4) “Yet the LORD God of Israel chose me out of all my father’s household to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah, my father’s household, and from my father’s sons, He was pleased to make me king over all Israel. (5) And out of all my sons–for the LORD has given me many sons–He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the LORD’s kingdom over Israel. (6) He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the one who is to build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his father. (7) I will establish his kingdom forever if he perseveres in keeping My commandments and My ordinances as he is today.’ (8) “So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek after all the commandments of the LORD your God so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever.”

1Chron. 28:9-10 – David’s Affirmation of Solomon

“(9) As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. (10) Realize now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.”

Historically, Israel has had a poor history of parental guidance in matters of training their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Abraham lived an example before Isaac, and while little is told us of his instructions along this line, the model was complete enough that Isaac was willing to be sacrificed upon the altar for his God, so that is most worthy of note. Also, unlike Isaac’s children there seemed to be a connection with God that was his own. He did not refer to God as “the God of my father”, but as God and Lord. He prayed to Him and sought after Him, yet, his children did not seem to know God themselves. Esau didn’t seem to think of or pursue God at all, and Jacob, for the first half of his life only interacted with God in times of need and when God came to him. God was known to him as “the Fear” or the “God of Abraham and Isaac” until he struck a deal with God, that if he would be with him and provide for him all his days then he would be his God. The sons of Jacob (Israel) only knew god by degrees, save Joseph who knew and pursued Him. On and on this legacy continued. Even with Moses, not much is revealed in terms of parental involvement. So when we get to David, though he loved God himself, it is little wonder that though David certainly lived an example of pursuing God and knowing Him intimately before his children all his life – there is little proof of direct instruction.

If David’s early life as a father is any indication, he seemed to have fallen short in terms of communication with his children.

The entire fiasco of Amnon, Tamar and Absalom clearly illustrated that – but what is unknown is if David learned from the great losses he, his family and kingdom suffered through his lack of parental involvement.

One can only hope that he did.

One thing we know for certain though, is that now, as he is transferring the authority of the kingdom over into his son’s hands, his tongue is untied and David begins his encouragements and commands with the thing which is of the utmost importance – KNOW and PURSUE God and make Him YOUR God forever!

This is something which is supremely lacking in today’s world. God has always had something to say about the requirement of Parental instruction of their children as regards knowing Him and walking in His ways.

God told them to teach their children by example – “as you walk in the way, as you come in, as you go out, as you sit at supper” God was to be a living breathing part of their lives – not just in terms of religious service, but in real and practical ways.

The new Testament places this on a premium level especially with spiritual leaders. Elders (Pastors) are required to manage their house well, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion, but under control with all dignity. The reason given is – If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?

Yet again, historically in the modern Christian church the Pastor’s children have often been the worst. There is a massive difference between strictly commanding your children and relationally modeling. Children need to be invited into their father’s world. He needs to make investments in them. This requires GRACE – because if their is something most men struggle with it is knowing how to relationally connect with others. Ever since the fall, men have been dodging their responsibilities. Not taking the lead, not leading by example, not being the spiritual head of their homes, not leading in family devotions, worship and prayer. So often men bow out and place this burden upon their wives, effectively leaving their wives without a spiritual covering. It is no wonder our world and the Christian church is where it is today. We lack strong, positive male leadership which is at once commanding and yet compassionate, leading and yet, immediately involved. If duty and calling pull you away from leading in your home and being relationally connected with your children, then the duty and the calling needs to be laid to one side until you can effectively manage both.

David, here is calling upon his son Solomon to rise to the occasion and make the Lord – His God, with all of his heart and soul. David makes it clear that this responsibility is his alone. No one can do it for him and if he does not pursue God, but forsakes Him…He will know for He knows the thoughts and intentions of men’s hearts and He will reject Solomon forever as a result.

We do our children no favors when we sugar coat the truth, and David was clear and sound in all he here said to Solomon.

While we are on this topic, let me introduce the next section by saying that while what David does here was necessary – it is also a pattern which should be followed. One of the things which gives a child firm and unwavering stability is knowing that while much falls on his shoulders, the work is not not his alone. Children need a sense of awe and purpose. They need to have a deep and penetrating awareness that the story they are part of, has been going on for a long time before them and will continue on, long after they are gone. They are but a page, maybe two, of a much larger story God is telling. So all the work is NOT theirs. They are building upon the work of all who have gone before them and are laying the ground work for their children to continue on where they left off.

A parent, like David, who knows when to begin passing the baton to the next generation WHILE they are still capable of carrying it themselves are wise. They have the wisdom and the strength to mentor and help solder the burden until the children’s shoulders become strong, sturdy and confident to carry it alone. If done right, the child will take their rightful place before they want to – still longing for the father’s involvement – not so much for support anymore as for companionship. As their father fades into the background they take their place and it is a place which fits them, with which they have become familiar through their father’s instruction, but which still resonates with the presence and experienced commanding of their father. They need to have a profound awareness that they just stepped into shoes which are just a little bigger than their feet, so that with the ascent to power there is a profound sense of humility as well. A desire and longing to continue the work in a way which would make their father proud and not dishonor his life’s work in any way.

This aptly describes what Solomon here experiences and it is reflected in his attitude and words throughout the beginning of his reign.

1Chron. 28:11-21 – Pattern for the temple

“(11) Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the vestibule of the temple and its buildings, treasuries, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the place of atonement. (12) The plans contained everything he had in mind for the courts of the LORD’s house, all the surrounding chambers, the treasuries of God’s house, and the treasuries for what is dedicated. (13) Also included were plans for the divisions of the priests and the Levites; all the work of service in the LORD’s house; all the articles of service of the LORD’s house; (14) the weight of gold for all the articles for every kind of service; the weight of all the silver articles for every kind of service; (15) the weight of the gold lampstands and their gold lamps, including the weight of each lampstand and its lamps; the weight of each silver lampstand and its lamps, according to the service of each lampstand; (16) the weight of gold for each table for the rows of the bread of the Presence and the silver for the silver tables; (17) the pure gold for the forks, sprinkling basins, and pitchers; the weight of each gold dish; the weight of each silver bowl; (18) the weight of refined gold for the altar of incense; and the plans for the chariot of the gold cherubim that spread out their wings and cover the ark of the LORD’s covenant. (19) David concluded,

“By the LORD’s hand on me, He enabled me to understand everything in writing, all the details of the plan.”

Then David formally introduces Solomon to the source of his strength – namely God…evoking in Solomon a need to cling on Him and rely upon Him as well.

“(20) Then David said to his son Solomon,

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He won’t leave you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished. (21) Here are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of God’s house. Every willing man of any skill will be at your disposal for the work, and the leaders and all the people are at your every command.”

Part of the process, a father must go through in leading his son through a rite of passage, is speaking well of him before his friends, co-workers and all those who have played a significant role in his own life. This effectively smooths out the way for his son to enter into the company of his friends. Being ushered into their fellowship, comradery and trust through the affirming words of his father – their trusted friend.

1Chron. 29:1-9 – Offerings for the temple

“(1) Then King David said to all the assembly, “My son Solomon–God has chosen him alone–is young and inexperienced. The task is great, for the temple will not be for man, but for the LORD God. (2) So to the best of my ability I’ve made provision for the house of my God: gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx, stones for mounting, antimony, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and a great quantity of marble. (3) Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the house of my God over and above all that I’ve provided for the holy house: (4) 100 tons of gold (gold of Ophir) and 250 tons of refined silver for overlaying the walls of the buildings, (5) the gold for the gold work and the silver for the silver, for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who will volunteer to consecrate himself to the LORD today?” (6) Then the leaders of the households, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. (7) For the service of God’s house they gave 185 tons of gold and 10,000 gold drachmas, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, and 4,000 tons of iron. (8) Whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the LORD’s house under the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. (9) Then the people rejoiced because of their leaders’ willingness to give, for they had given to the LORD with a whole heart. King David also rejoiced greatly.”

1Chron. 29:10-21 – David’s Prayer of thanks for the temple (Leading by example)

“(10) Then David praised the LORD in the sight of all the assembly. David said, “May You be praised, LORD God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. (11) Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.

(12) Riches and honor come from You,

and You are the ruler of everything.

In Your hand are power and might, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.

13) Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name. (14) “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand.

Every true worshipper of God comes to this frustrating and yet exaltant impasse. “I want to give so much more to God, but I can give Him nothing that does not first come from Him to begin with”.

The heart longs to give what it cannot – something not already owned by Him – but this is only frustrating to us – not Him and only to us until we reconcile our hearts to Who we are dealing with.

God knows we can give nothing to Him but what He already owns. Even our love for God is but an echo of His love for us. John tells us, “We love Him BECAUSE he first loved us.” These frustrations are of no importance to God at all and embracing this requires a surrender and humility which God finds more valuable and more beautiful than all other things He could own and it IS something which ONLY you can GIVE – it cannot be taken. THAT is true worship!

“(15) For we are foreigners and sojourners in Your presence as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. (16) LORD our God, all this wealth that we’ve provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand; everything belongs to You. (17) I know, my God, that You test the heart and that You are pleased with uprightness. I have willingly given all these things with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You. (18) LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep this desire forever in the thoughts of the hearts of Your people, and confirm their hearts toward You. (19) Give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and to carry out all Your commandments, Your decrees, and Your statutes, and to build the temple for which I have made provision.” (20) Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the LORD your God.” So the whole assembly praised the LORD God of their ancestors. They bowed down and paid homage to the LORD and the king. (21) The following day they offered sacrifices to the LORD and burnt offerings to the LORD: 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs, along with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel.”

1Kings 1:1-4 – David’s caregiver in his old age

“(1) Now King David was old and getting on in years. Although they covered him with bedclothes, he could not get warm. (2) So his servants said to him: “Let us search for a young virgin for my lord the king. She is to attend the king and be his caregiver. She is to lie by your side so that my lord the king will get warm.” (3) They searched for a beautiful girl throughout the territory of Israel; they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. (4) The girl was of unsurpassed beauty, and she became the king’s caregiver. She served him, but he was not intimate with her.”

1Kings 1:5-27 – Adonijah claims the throne

“(5) Adonijah son of Haggith kept exalting himself, saying, “I will be king!” He also assembled chariots, cavalry, and 50 men to run ahead of him. (6) But his father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” In addition, he was quite handsome and was born after Absalom. (7) He conspired with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. They supported Adonijah, (8) but Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s warriors did not side with Adonijah. (9) Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah, the servants of the king, (10) but he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the warriors, or his brother Solomon. (11) Then Nathan said to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king and our lord David does not know it? (12) Now please come and let me advise you. Save your life and the life of your son Solomon. (13) Go, approach King David and say to him, ‘My lord king, did you not swear to your servant: Your son Solomon is to become king after me, and he is the one who is to sit on my throne? So why has Adonijah become king?’ (14) At that moment, while you are still there speaking with the king, I’ll come in after you and confirm your words.” (15) So Bathsheba went to the king in his bedroom. Since the king was very old, Abishag the Shunammite was serving him. (16) Bathsheba bowed down and paid homage to the king, and he asked, “What do you want?” (17) She replied, “My lord, you swore to your servant by the LORD your God, ‘Your son Solomon is to become king after me, and he is the one who is to sit on my throne.’ (18) Now look, Adonijah has become king. And, my lord king, you didn’t know it. (19) He has lavishly sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep. He invited all the king’s sons, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army, but he did not invite your servant Solomon. (20) Now, my lord king, the eyes of all Israel are on you to tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. (21) Otherwise, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, I and my son Solomon will be regarded as criminals.” (22) At that moment, while she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived, (23) and it was announced to the king, “Nathan the prophet is here.” He came into the king’s presence and bowed to him with his face to the ground. (24) “My lord king,” Nathan said, “did you say, ‘Adonijah is to become king after me, and he is the one who is to sit on my throne?’ (25) For today he went down and lavishly sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep. He invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And look! They’re eating and drinking in his presence, and they’re saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ (26) But he did not invite me–me, your servant–or Zadok the priest or Benaiah son of Jehoiada or your servant Solomon. (27) I’m certain my lord the king would not have let this happen without letting your servant know who will sit on my lord the king’s throne after him.”

1 Kings 1:28-40 – Solomon’s Coronation

“(28) King David responded by saying, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. (29) The king swore an oath and said, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from every difficulty, (30) just as I swore to you by the LORD God of Israel: Your son Solomon is to become king after me, and he is the one who is to sit on my throne in my place, that is exactly what I will do this very day.” (31) Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground, paying homage to the king, and said, “May my lord King David live forever!” (32) King David then said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada for me.” So they came into the king’s presence. (33) The king said to them, “Take my servants with you, have my son Solomon ride on my own mule, and take him down to Gihon. (34) There, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him as king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ (35) You are to come up after him, and he is to come in and sit on my throne. He is the one who is to become king in my place; he is the one I have commanded to be ruler over Israel and Judah.” (36) “Amen,” Benaiah son of Jehoiada replied to the king. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so affirm it. (37) Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.” (38) Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down, had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon. (39) Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” (40) All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth split open from the sound.”

1 Chron. 29:22-25 – Solomon’s Coronation

“(22) They ate and drank with great joy in the LORD’s presence that day. Then, for a second time, they made David’s son Solomon king; they anointed him as the LORD’s ruler, and Zadok as the priest. (23) Solomon sat on the LORD’s throne as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. (24) All the leaders and the mighty men, and all of King David’s sons as well, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. (25) The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been bestowed on any king over Israel before him.”

1Kings 1:41-53 – Adonijah receives mercy

“(41) Adonijah and all the invited guests who were with him heard the noise as they finished eating. Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn and said, “Why is the town in such an uproar?” (42) He was still speaking when Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest, suddenly arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are an excellent man, and you must be bringing good news.” (43) “Unfortunately not,” Jonathan answered him. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king. (44) And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have had him ride on the king’s mule. (45) Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon. They have gone from there rejoicing. The town has been in an uproar; that’s the noise you heard. (46) Solomon has even taken his seat on the royal throne. (47) “The king’s servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ Then the king bowed in worship on his bed. (48) And the king went on to say this: ‘May the LORD God of Israel be praised! Today He has provided one to sit on my throne, and I am a witness.'” (49) Then all of Adonijah’s guests got up trembling and went their separate ways. (50) Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. (51) It was reported to Solomon: “Look, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me that he will not kill his servant with the sword.'” (52) Then Solomon said, “If he is a man of character, then not a single hair of his will fall to the ground, but if evil is found in him, then he dies.” (53) So King Solomon sent for him, and they took him down from the altar. He came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your home.”

1 Kings 2:1-9 – David instructs Solomon

“(1) As the time approached for David to die, he instructed his son Solomon, (2) “As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and brave, (3) and keep your obligation to the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, judgments, and testimonies. This is written in the law of Moses, so that you will have success in everything you do and wherever you turn, (4) and so that the LORD will carry out His promise that He made to me: ‘If your sons are careful to walk faithfully before Me with their whole mind and heart, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

Notice that David is doing just as I said earlier. He is inviting his son into a reality and relationship which though it includes him, it also predates him. God and David have been talking about Solomon – before Solomon even knew he was on their minds. David is giving to Solomon the greatest gift any father could bestow upon their children and that is words, God – Who is the father of them both – spoke to him regarding his son. David is saying to Solomon – in times of prayer and prophetic word – God has spoken to me about you, He said he would be your father…etc. and so the baton has been passed!

“(5) “You also know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me and what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s army, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He murdered them in a time of peace to avenge blood shed in war. He spilled that blood on his own waistband and on the sandals of his feet. (6) Act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head descend to Sheol in peace. (7) “Show loyalty to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite and let them be among those who eat at your table because they supported me when I fled from your brother Absalom. (8) “Keep an eye on Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim who is with you. He uttered malicious curses against me the day I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan River, and I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never kill you with the sword.’ (9) So don’t let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man. You know how to deal with him to bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.”

If you remember we learned of Abner back in 2Samuel 2 and how he had unilaterally established Ish-bosheth, Saul’s remaining eldest son as king over all Israel except Judah where David was already king. Abener had killed the brother of Joab who was the commander of David’s army. The scriptures are clear that Abner was a wicked man, and a political opportunist. When Ish-bosheth insulted him, Abner sought to overthrow him by seeking to turn all of Israel over to David’s reign. Having sent word to David of his intentions, David received Abner to a feast and they began peace talks which resulted in a unified Israel under David’s reign. When Abner was leaving the feast, Joab was just returning to the kingdom and he saw Abner leave peaceably. So Joab confronted David about it telling him he should have killed Abner. He then left David and pursued Aber himself and killed him, thus creating an accusation from Israel against David that he had killed Abner. So Joab had allowed his desire for vengeance to supercede his loyalty to king and country. Though Joab still served Daivd with distinction after this, David never forgot the treason.

1Kings 2:10-11 – Death of David

“(10) Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. (11) The length of time David reigned over Israel was 40 years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem.”

1Chron. 29:26-30 – Death of David

“(26) David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. (27) The length of his reign over Israel was 40 years; he reigned in Hebron for seven years and in Jerusalem for 33. (28) He died at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon became king in his place. (29) As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, note that they are written about in the Events of Samuel the Seer, the Events of Nathan the Prophet, and the Events of Gad the Seer, (30) along with all his reign, his might, and the incidents that affected him and Israel and all the kingdoms of the surrounding lands.”

1Kings 2:12-46 – Solomon establishes his Kingdom (Wrapping up the loose ends of David his father’s reign)

“(12) Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingship was firmly established. (13) Now Adonijah son of Haggith came to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother.

She asked, “Do you come peacefully?” “Peacefully,” he replied,

(14) and then asked, “May I talk with you?”

“Go ahead,” she answered.

(15) “You know the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected me to be king, but then the kingship was turned over to my brother, for the LORD gave it to him. (16) So now I have just one request of you; don’t turn me down.”

She said to him, “Go on.”

(17) He replied, “Please speak to King Solomon since he won’t turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as a wife.”

(18) “Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”

(19) So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him about Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, sat down on his throne, and had a throne placed for the king’s mother. So she sat down at his right hand.

(20) Then she said, “I have just one small request of you. Don’t turn me down.”

“Go ahead and ask, mother,” the king replied, “for I won’t turn you down.”

(21) So she said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as a wife.”

(22) King Solomon answered his mother, “Why are you requesting Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my elder brother, you might as well ask the kingship for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab son of Zeruiah.”

(23) Then Solomon took an oath by the LORD: “May God punish me and do so severely if Adonijah has not made this request at the cost of his life. (24) And now, as the LORD lives, the One who established me, seated me on the throne of my father David, and made me a dynasty as He promised–I swear Adonijah will be put to death today!”

(25) Then King Solomon gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died.

(26) The king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death today, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD in the presence of my father David and you suffered through all that my father suffered.”

(27) So Solomon banished Abiathar from being the LORD’s priest, and it fulfilled the LORD’s prophecy He had spoken at Shiloh against Eli’s family.

(28) The news reached Joab. Since he had supported Adonijah but not Absalom, Joab fled to the LORD’s tabernacle and took hold of the horns of the altar. (29) It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the LORD’s tabernacle and is now beside the altar.”

Then Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada and told him, “Go and strike him down!”

(30) So Benaiah went to the tabernacle and said to Joab, “This is what the king says: ‘Come out!'”

But Joab said, “No, for I will die here.”

So Benaiah took a message back to the king, “This is what Joab said, and this is how he answered me.”

(31) The king said to him, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him in order to remove from me and from my father’s house the blood that Joab shed without just cause. (32) The LORD will bring back his own blood on his own head because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, without my father David’s knowledge. With his sword, Joab murdered Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. (33) Their blood will come back on Joab’s head and on the head of his descendants forever, but for David, his descendants, his dynasty, and his throne, there will be peace from the LORD forever.”

Here I take exception with Solomon’s words. Abner’s supposed righteousness was no greater than trash itself and so, IMO should not have been placed on a level playing field with Joab, who though sometimes misguided, was still a good commander, servant and friend to David having offered good advice and wisdom to David more than once.

“(34) Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and put him to death. He was buried at his house in the wilderness.

(35) Then the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.

(36) Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but don’t leave there and go anywhere else. (37) On the day you do leave and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will certainly die. Your blood will be on your own head.”

(38) Shimei said to the king, “The sentence is fair; your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. (39) But then, at the end of three years, two of Shimei’s slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. Shimei was informed, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.” (40) So Shimei saddled his donkey and set out to Achish at Gath to search for his slaves. He went and brought them back from Gath. (41) It was reported to Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned. (42) So the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Didn’t I make you swear by the LORD and warn you, saying, ‘On the day you leave and go anywhere else, know for sure that you will certainly die’? And you said to me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will obey.’

(43) So why have you not kept the LORD’s oath and the command that I gave you?” (44) The king also said, “You yourself know all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore, the LORD has brought back your evil on your head, (45) but King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain established before the LORD forever.”

(46) Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died.

So the kingdom was established in Solomon’s hand.”

Blessings!

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Series: Thru the Bible

Solomon becomes King

Pastor Mark