1 Kings 1 Commentary
The Book of Kings opens with David well advanced in years. We are interested in the succession story because of God’s promise in 2 Samuel 7. Who is this son who should build the LORD’s house?
We have a clue in the book of Samuel when the scripture tells us that the LORD loved Solomon. Is he the chosen one? It must have been an open secret that Solomon would succeed his father David as Israel’s next king.
But Adonijah had other plans. Without the knowledge of his father, David, he installed himself as king over the nation, with the help of Joab and Abiathar. However, with the help of the prophet Nathan, Solomon became king.
The work of Nathan reveals something interesting about prophets. Yes, they dispatched God’s word, but they also dispatched wisdom in a real world of management.
So we have the son on the throne. We have high expectations. We expect him to build the house of the LORD. We also expect his kingdom to last forever and ever. And should he remain faithful, the favor of the LORD shall remain on him. We shall wait patiently to see what becomes of this son.
We have taken note of key differences between David and Solomon and their coronations. David’s rise was marked by a notable presence of the LORD. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and worked wonders under the anointing of the LORD. His predecessor, Saul, had similar experiences under the direct influence of the Spirit of the LORD. Solomon’s anointing goes rather quietly. But we are not worried, as the LORD had promised to be with the son as He was with the father.
The saint today may read the scriptures and come to the LORD expecting the ‘Peter experiences’. Get the encouragement from this rather quiet power transition. The LORD had promised to be with you to the very end of the age. You are anointed and flow in the same anointing as the apostle Paul.
Benaiah’s statement is profound. “Amen! May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it.” Humans can declare, anoint, and install, but the all-important decision comes from Heaven.
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