Here in my part of the world, we are nearing the end of one of the hottest summers on record. This morning there is a cool breeze as I sit on my back porch typing, and suddenly it feels like anything is possible. It's time for new projects and fresh starts. The perfect time to start a study in a new book. If you are new to this journal, feel free to jump in here with us. You are never behind! Or, if you want to start the challenge from the beginning, go for it!
King David is aging and his frail body can't keep warm.
v2 Just what every old guy needs to keep warm--a young virgin. (rolling my eyes over here.)
v3 Abishag. An unfortunate name.
v5 Adonijah, David's 4th-born son is planning to take the throne before his dad has even passed away.
v6 Does this mean he'd never needed discipline, or does it mean David was a permissive parent? I'm guessing the latter.
v11 The monarchy is relatively new still, so a man can claim to be king--and it just might stick. They have not yet set protocols in place for acquiring the throne. (He should have taken notes during his brother's own attempts, though.)
v15-31 A lesson in humility. Instead of bullying your way into a situation, claiming glory for yourself, it might be more helpful to approach the one who makes these decisions. And David honored his word.
v41 This is almost humorous. Adonijah missed the whole event because he was busy claiming what wasn't his--playing the part of the king, while the true king was being celebrated.
Can you imagine the sinking feeling? I'd be afraid for my life.
v47 This is startling imagery. The great King David, noble and mighty even in his old age, bowing to his son, the new King of Israel, from his bed chambers.
v49-50 How could he have gotten this so very, very wrong?
v52 Already proving himself merciful.
v2 This reminds me of a scene from a movie. The father is telling his son that he's the "man of the house" now. Except here, he's responsible for an entire kingdom.
v5 Joab's sins are laid out. His court-martial is imminent. David's advises Solomon about who can be trusted.
v13-17 Adonijah shows his true colors. Cowardly using the king's mother to manipulate Solomon.
v28-35 Joab's life has a sad ending. So much of his life was spent in loyal service to King David, making wise choices. But at the end he went down the wrong path. This is a reminder to remain vigilent. Even in old age, we can't get comfortable and arrogant. We have to continually seek the Lord's guidance, because one bad decision can ruin a lifetime of good choices.
v36-46 Solomon put Shimei's fate in his own hands. He stepped outside of Solomon's boundary, and he paid for it with his life.
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So, what do you think so far? Did the Lord put anything in particular on your heart while reading this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
And come back next time for I Kings 3-4
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