THE THRONE. 1st Kings 2:13-46 Occasionally, people will approach us with a proposition that, on the face of it, seems entirely innocent and legitimate. However, the person who comes and their attitude makes us suspicious that there is more to this than meets the eye; we need to be cautious and find out what is behind their questions and actions. When we are skeptical and uneasy about the matter, a wise person listens cautiously to everything and how it is said and does not jump to a quick conclusion.
Bathsheba sensed the request of Adonijah was not all that he said it was. Her perceptive question reveals her apprehension. His insulting exaggeration that the people looked at him as king was proof enough that he intended to claim the throne by taking David's last wife as his wife, even though she was still a virgin. He was either ignorant of the law or was ignoring it by making such a request that carried with it a death sentence. Even though he said he knew Solomon was king by the will of God, it didn't seem to matter to him.
This attitude is quite prevalent today. Many know the moral standards of the Bible have not changed, but they willfully choose an immoral lifestyle in defiance of the word of God. Some people think the socially accepted norms make an action okay. Even some professing believers seem to believe that cohabiting, consenting adults should be accepted as if they are married people. For some reason, they think the only way to determine if they should be married is to try out the "married life" before making any vows. This is contrary to all that God intended marriage to be and the moral standards that He established when He gave Adam Eve to be his wife. He intends that those who are “chaste virgins” be presented to each other and remain faithful to each other as long as they live.
Solomon immediately understood Adonijah's intent and had to act quickly to deal with the conspirators. If Bathsheba was unaware of the significance of Adonijah's request, she must have been very naive. More likely, she agreed to Adonijah's request as a justification for Solomon to firmly establish his kingship by executing those who would challenge him. Adonijah was immediately put to death.
Abiathar was banished even though he had been a loyal high priest under David. He made a wrong choice when he supported Adonijah. It was apparent to Solomon that he had to distance himself from the religious opposition that would have continued if Abiathar had remained the priest. He needed a priest who would be loyal to him as his representative before the Lord. Zadok was a legitimate choice because he was a descendant of Eleazar, one of Aaron’s sons.
Joab knew what would happen to him as a conspirator against Solomon. If he had been allowed to live, he would have been a constant danger to Solomon’s leadership. The military had to be united, and a trusted, loyal leader was needed to maintain law and order. Joab knew he would be the next one to die when he heard of Adonijah's death and Abiathar being banished because of his part in Adonijah's scheme. Joab had not accidentally caused the death of Abner, Amasa, and Absalom. In each case, he was defending his position in life by murdering his rivals before they could take his place. The horns of the altar could not save him because Solomon was justified in his action by the law.
The curse on Joab's family because of his sin and the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Eli's family by the banishment of Abiathar reminds us that the Lord does not forget or overlook sin. It must be punished. We may think we will get away with wrongdoing, and eventually, all the consequences will fade away before they fall on us. We may have been able to do some service that we thought was for the Lord, but we can be replaced if we take God and His people for granted.
Solomon chose Benaiah to lead the military and carry out justice on behalf of the king. He had served David well and was willing and ready to serve Solomon. When we find a trusted person who does what he does, "As unto the Lord, and not unto man," we are well-advised to give them responsibility corresponding to their ability. Shimei was also granted amnesty under certain conditions, but he took the instructions and prohibitions on him lightly. As a consequence, he, too, died under the hand of Benaiah as a rebel against the orders he had received.
Solomon's action in carrying out David's advice and executing justice brought stability to the nation so there could be a peaceable reign. Not all problems we face are external opposition against the Gospel and the truth of God. Internal rebellion creates instability and can bring an untimely end that should have been strong.
Sometimes, we must take necessary steps that are not popular when dealing with internal matters. We do not like to rebuke and correct our brothers and sisters, but some things cannot be avoided for the sake of the Lord's name, His testimony, and peace among brethren. "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity... for there the Lord commanded the blessing; even life for evermore."
There are principles in life that have been tried and proven by many before us. When the affairs of life are such that we have to apply those principles, then stand up and be counted and apply yourself to them and the matters before you that must be dealt with. Others will depend on you, so always be there for them and stand firm in faith and for the truth, and you will find they know you care. They will trust you and the advice and leadership you give. Trustworthy men don’t quit when the pressure comes to compromise or avoid dealing with challenging issues. They stay at their post when all the others are gone. People are confident in such a man they can trust. They do what is right, not making a fuss or complaining about what others will or will not do.
When God gives a charge, there is a reason for it. I dare not, for any reason, ignore it or quit. It may seem too hard at the moment, and the purpose is unknown to me, but He is my Lord, and I am not left alone without guidance. His ways are always best, but I will need to learn what His will is by taking time to read and research the scriptures of the Bible to base any action I will take on the infallible word of God. Though I don’t know the end of the road, what is around the next turn, or the conclusion of a matter, I need to place my feet where He walked each step on the path of the Just One shining unto a perfect day.
The truths of God’s Word are not just for information. He intends me to know and practice them in total consecration to His will and purposes, even though the outcome is unknown to me. To keep them means I must guard them from all who oppose them and apply them all my life, not just at its close. To keep these charges is my solemn obligation to the Lord. These are to be acts of obedience, not to add to my salvation in any way. These are conditional promises that my spiritual life will prosper and that I will be effective in whatever the situation offers. God also gives unconditional promises that don’t depend on me. He has plans and purposes that are unfolding continually throughout my life. He promised an everlasting King on David’s throne and that He’ll never leave me alone without the needed strength, wisdom, and grace to do His will in His way.