1St Kings 2:13-46 THE THRONE Occasionally we will be approached by people with a proposition that, on the face of it, seems quite innocent and legitimate. But the person who comes, and the attitude they have, make us suspicious that there is more to this than meets the eye. When we are skeptical and uneasy about the matter it is a wise person who listens with caution to all that is said, the way it is said, and does not jump to a quick conclusion.
It seems like 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 his intention was 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 willfully choose an immoral lifestyle in defiance to the word of God. There are people who think the socially accepted norms make an action okay. Even some professing believers seem to think cohabiting, consenting adults should be accepted as if they are married people. For some reason they think the only way they can determine if they should be married is to try out the "married life" before making any vows.
Solomon understood immediately what Adonijah's intent was and had to act quickly to deal with the conspirators. If Bathsheba was not aware of the significance of Adonijah's request we must have been a very naive person. More likely she agreed to Adonijah's request as a justification to have Solomon firmly establish his kingship by bringing about the execution of 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 bad choice when he supported Adonijah. Joab knew what would happen to him as a conspirator against Solomon. When he heard of Adonijah's death and Abiathar being banished because of being part of Adonijah's scheme, he knew he would be the next one to die.
Joab had not accidentally caused the death of Abner, Amasa and Absalom. In each case he was defending his own 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 fulfilling 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 wrong-doing and eventually all the consequences will just fade away before they fall on us. It may be that we have even been able to do some service that we thought was for the Lord. But we can be replaced if we start taking God and His people for granted.
Benaiah had served David well and he 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," then we are well-advised to give them responsibility corresponding to their ability. Shimei also had been granted clemency under certain conditions, but took the instructions and prohibitions laid 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 to an untimely end that which should have been strong.
There are times when we must take necessary steps that are not popular, in order to deal with internal matters. We do not like to have to rebuke and correct our brothers and sisters, but some things can not 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."
1Kings 2:3. “And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
FINAL INSTRUCTIONS. There are principles in life that are tried and proven Stand up and be counted and apply yourself to them Others will depend on you, so always be there Stand strong and you will find they know you care.
Men don’t quit when the pressure comes on They stay at their post when all others are gone People are confident in such a man they can trust They do what is right not creating a fuss.
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 and the purpose not known But He is my Lord and I am not left on my own.
His ways are always best but I will need to learn Though I don’t know the end of the road or what’s around the next turn I need to place my feet where He walked each step of the way 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 full consecration To keep them means I must guard them from all who oppose And apply them all my own life, not just at the close.
To keep these charges is my serious obligation As acts of obedience, not to add to my salvation These are conditional promises that my spiritual life will prosper And 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 He promised an everlasting King on David’s throne And He has promised to me, He’ll never leave me alone.
“May I respond faithfully to Thy charges, Father. May I always be ready to fulfill the obligations that arise by being strong, ready to defend, committed to holy living and to Thy truth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."