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Writer's picture: Hannah ElizabethHannah Elizabeth

In the beginning of 1 Kings, chapter one, we see that David is old and his earthly reign begins to come to an end. His health has declined and they were unable to keep his physical body warm. One of Daivd’s sons, Adonijah son of Haggith, desires the throne and, “kept exalting himself, saying, ‘I will be king!’” (1 Kings 1:5 CSB). However, we see in verse 17 that Daivd had previously made a promise to Bathsheba (one of his wives) that her son, Solomon, would become king. Because David had been bedridden, he did not know the news of Adonijah. Not only was Adonijah exalting and declaring himself as king, but he had prepared chariots, cavalry, men to run before him (v. 5), sacrificed sheep, goats, and fattened cattle (v.9), and had invited all the royal officials and brothers, except a select few to join him.


As mentioned above, because David was bedridden and knew none of Adonijah’s actions, Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan come to David and share the news with him. David responds in verse 29-30, “The king swore an oath and said, ‘As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from every difficulty, just as I swore to you by the LORD God of Israel: your son Solmon 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.” So King David had the priest Zadok, the prophet Nathan, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites take Solomon down to Gihon. By David’s command, Solomon rode on his own mule, he was anointed king over Israel, and the ram’s horn was blown to proclaim, “Long live King Solomon” (v.39)! Verse 40 actually states, “all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth split open from the sound.”


After reading this story, what I noticed was that David’s sons, Adonijah and Solomon acted completely different. I noticed Adonijah, taking things into his own hands, coming up with his own plans to be king, exalting himself. Yet, on the other hand, I saw Solomon who didn’t fight to prove his character or nobility. I saw Solomon, who didn’t act out of fear of “losing his promised kingdom.” Solomon, who didn’t react when Adonijah was haughty and sought the kingdom out of his own strength. Solomon, who trusted he didn’t have to prove himself or take God’s plan for his life, into his own hands. I saw Solomon, who’s heart and strength was found in the Lord.


It made me think of Proverbs 16:9 that states, “A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” Adonijah planned his way and what he thought would be, but God established and determined Solomon’s steps, making him King. 


********This part of the story ends with Solomon becoming the new King of Israel and Judah, and with Adonijah acknowledging him as king. Adonijah states, “the kingship was turned over to my brother, for the LORD gave it to him,” (v. 15), when speaking with Bathsheba.*******


I think there are so many different takeaways from this passage of Scripture: the importance of letting God fight for you, being still and finding strength in God alone, being faithful in the little, having Bathsheba and Nathan’s courage, and trusting that God is ultimately in control of all things, including your life today. 


I don’t know what you’re facing, or the Adonijah that may be opposing you, but I encourage you to let God establish your steps. Do not let the people around you or the circumstances you may be facing cloud the promises of God over your life. Do not react to people who God will take care of. Let your heart find strength in knowing God is in control. Like David states in Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.” Receive God as the strength of your heart today! For what God has promised, that He will fulfill.




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david hays
david hays
21 jul 2024

Psalm 37:34 (KJV)

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].


You will see it! ❤️

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