1st Kings 1:11-53 SOLOMON BECOMES KING Not everything is written down in the scriptures that has affected the historical account. Apparently, there had been a time when David had received word from the Lord that Solomon was to become king after him. However, it happened; David knew Solomon was to succeed him on the throne God had promised to continue, and on which our Lord Jesus Christ will be seated in the future. The oath David had made could not be changed because it had been witnessed by the Lord God.
It was a practice among Middle East tribes to eliminate all threats to the throne by killing those who would think they had a claim to it. Bathsheba was concerned that this would happen to her and her young son Solomon if Adonijah became the king. Nathan the prophet planned a way to bring the ailing old king to understand what needed to be done. By arranging the order of Bathsheba's visit and his own to follow, and by bringing a similar report of what was happening, David would see what had to be done.
Diplomacy is important in dealing with older people. Much of what they think about relates to the past, and present events are not really important to them personally. It takes wisdom to communicate clearly enough to get specific answers from them and still not be offensive. Nathan understood this so wisely staged both Bathsheba's inquiry and his follow-up to find out if David had privately sanctioned Adonijah's actions or whether Adonijah had acted on his own.
In a quick response of enlightened decision-making, David took charge of the whole matter. Solomon was to be king. He wanted them to do quickly what must be done to establish the throne by first of all having Solomon ride David's own royal mule. This was a visible, public proclamation of the fact that Solomon's succession to the throne was sanctioned by David. All the people would be able to see this and knew what that action meant.
The place of his anointing as king was probably where the ark was situated on Mt. Zion. Anointing oil was made of a special formula that was kept where the ark was. Zadok the priest representing the people to God, Nathan the prophet representing God to the people, and other leaders loyal to David were to be witnesses to the ceremony of Solomon being anointed king. The blowing of trumpets would have been heard for a long distance. That, along with the pipes the people played and the enthusiastic shouts of the people, was obviously intimidating to those seated with Adonijah at his feast when they found out Solomon was proclaimed king by the highest authority. When the news was given that he was king over Israel and Judah, a united-kingdom, those guests who had been looking for a place of authority under Adonijah quickly left him alone.
The expectation of the people of Israel was that the nation under the new king would be even more successful that when David was king. David himself worshipped in reverence on his bed because he had lived to see his son, Solomon, the new king on his throne. Adonijah feared that what he would have done to Solomon would be done to him, so he hung on to the horns of the altar in an attempt to place himself under divine protection. Later both Joab and Adonijah found that was a false hope. His only choice was to submit to Solomon's authority as the new king, or if he continued in opposition, he would die.
It is always very foolish to take matters into one's own hands without an understanding of the will of God in a matter. It is also unwise for us to leave unattended, things that obviously need to be done. It may make us uncomfortable to have to make decisions that offend some people, but we must commit ourselves to do that which is right no matter what the cost.
Some schemes are doomed to fail before they start and yet people get caught up in a net of wrong-doing. It is hard to admit that what we have been doing or supporting is wrong. To seek the help and mercy of God after failure has taken place is too late. We need to seek guidance and wisdom from Him before undertaking some project or plan we might have. Hind-sight often leaves us defeated and unwilling to admit to our mistakes. When that happens, we need to make a fresh start in fellowship with God and under divine guidance.
When one has been attacked, challenged and/or accused unfairly, to forgive that demonstrates more strength than retribution. Grace is a powerful force that has long-lasting effects. Trying to prove our own power and authority at the expense of others is self-defeating because it is motivated by fear and doubt.
1Kings 1: 48. “And also thus said the king, ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.’” SONS. Expectations: every father has them when each child is born. Is he going to be like her side of the family or mine? Will he look like his mother or his father? Will he be a good learner or will he be a bit slow? Can I give him what he needs with all the responsibilities I have in my life? How much time can I take from my work to give him the kind of instructions he must hear? He is not like his other brothers. He is an individual in his own right, but why can’t he be like the rest of the family? Maybe this is just a phase he is going through. I’ll get him the best tutors I can find. Why can’t his mother get control of that boy?
Now this one is more like it. He is what I had hoped for. Smart? You better believe it. He has got all he needs and more. He seems to be more like me than the other boys. Well, of course I spend more time with him, but still, he’s young and I am not quite so busy now. Things are going better at work and I can give him more time than I could give to the older boys. In fact, now that he is grown, I think he is the one to take over the business – the work that God gave me to do. He even thinks like I do.
Regrets: one couldn’t get his mind out of the gutter. Too bad he had that weakness for girls. And to think he could do that to his own sister. Unbelievable! And the rebel – he was too good looking for his own good. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of the mirror. Yes, it is true – he had the personality to go with it. I thought I could handle him. Who would’ve thought he would ever try to take over the whole business and leave me out in the cold? I should’ve started with him a whole lot earlier. Really, part of that whole rebellion was my fault because I should have seen it coming years before. Now? I am afraid he is in hell!
Now I’m frozen all the time. Can’t seem to get warm at all. And that son of mine can’t seem to get his eyes off of this girl who is helping me. I am afraid he has got some of his old dad in him – looking where he shouldn’t. And this news – what am I to do? He’s taking over just like his brother did. He wants it all now and he wants what he wants no matter what I might say. Come on - act now – don’t wait. If you don’t act now there will be a major war when the Lord takes me. It is obvious who God wants to lead this work. Now speak up and do it right – and do it right immediately!
Anticipation: he is the one for sure that God has chosen. Now do this right – make it public – make it quick – and make sure greatest number of people know what has happened before the other son can do anything about it. Solomon, my son: you are God’s man. Act like it. Don’t hesitate. You have what it takes because God gave it to you. How did it go I wonder? Did it work out the way I planned? It did? Praise God! He has done great things where of I am glad! Not often does one get to see his successor on the throne and live to tell about it. Yes, my body is cold, where is my parka? I need some more blankets. Where is that girl who is supposed to take care of me and keep me warm? Awww, David, don’t be so fussed up. Solomon is on the throne. My heart is warm! He needs my advice. Give it to him quick while your mind is sharp. He is in danger and needs to know how to dealt with things. Someone go get Solomon, the king!
“It is not always easy, Father God, to know the best way to deal with these relationship problems. Help me to be firm but not hard; sensitive but not cowardly; faithful but not compromising; gracious but truthful. Give me the wisdom to look ahead and plan, and the sense to realize I need Thee, in order to do what is right in every situation. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”