Today’s passage: 1 Kings 1:28-53
Helpful thoughts:
- David’s instructions provided the following important things:
- David and Saul had both been anointed by the prophet and priest, Samuel. Solomon would be called king by the same, Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest.
- David was using his authority to make Solomon his coregent. Had David died, there could have been a legitimate fight for the throne. With these acts, Solomon would already be king when David died.
- Blowing the horn was the way to call the people for a public assembly. This would be done in public and known among the nation. Adonijah would not be able to argue against it’s authenticity.
- In Exodus 21:12-14, a provision is made for a safe place if someone is being pursued at the altar (Though if there is genuine guilt worthy of the death penalty, they could be removed). It’s almost like touching “base” or being in the safety zone during a game of tag…
- It’s rather remarkable that Adonijah was willing to bend the rules to make himself king, but knew just what to do in order to protect himself and expected Solomon to abide by the rules for his own safety.
- Solomon’s first act as king was to show mercy. Adonijah’s followers had already deserted him in verse 49. At the moment, he posed no threat.
Questions to consider:
- Why did Solomon become king? Ultimately, who chose him for this task? What did he do in this passage to try to secure it for himself? How genuine would the celebrating have been at Adonijah’s party? How would Adonijah have felt right at verse 49?
- Do you think that Adonijah was truly repentant considering he attempted to use the horns of the altar to protect himself? Why do we tend to make provision for ourselves yet hold others to a high standard in how they affect us?
- How did Christ answer this problem in our hearts? Did he protect himself or give himself up because of our problem? In what way was Solomon’s act of mercy more Christ-like? How might you show someone this kind of Christ-like love today?