David Makes Solomon King

King David, flawed though he may have been, was a man after God’s own heart. And so, naturally, he would like to have his successor, his son, likewise follow after Yahweh. What we see in these first couple chapters of Kings, and in particular this passage, is two very different brothers.
Let’s look at Adonijah. Earlier in chapter 1 (vv. 5-10) we see Adonijah, the rightful next born heir, declare “I will be king” (1:5), he then sacrifices animals (notice there is no affirmation that these sacrifices were made “unto the Lord”), and gathers together his friends and allies to presumably celebrate his self-proclaimed ascent to the throne.
Now consider Solomon… no selfish declaration of his kingship (even though David had likely told him he would be heir), no sacrifices for show, and instead of gathering the military leaders and those who David had warned against, Solomon stands with the priests and the prophets.
Adonijah would soon be put to death. This is not something the horns of the altar would defend against. And Solomon would be gifted immeasurable wisdom.
The Lord established Solomon’s throne where Adonijah sought to establish himself.
The question I often ponder: am I desiring, pursuing or resting on my own achievements, or I am handing the reins to the eternal King?
When we let go and trust in the word of the Lord, like David and Solomon, we find peace and sometimes even a reward.
Final note: look who David called upon to make sure he was doing the wise thing… his wife, his priest, and his prophet (who represented the mouthpiece of God). Before he died, David said, in the midst of his people, “blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.” It wasn’t his legacy, it was simply the Lord upholding his end of the covenant.
- Eileen Dowd

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ How does King David ensure that Solomon’s coronation is recognized as legitimate and sanctioned by God?
+ Contrast Adonijah’s reaction to Solomon’s coronation with how his supporters reacted. What does this reveal about his leadership?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ In what areas of your life are you tempted to say "I will be king" (like Adonijah) by taking matters into your own hands rather than waiting on God's timing?
+ Solomon offered Adonijah mercy based on whether he would "show himself a worthy man." How can you extend grace and mercy to someone in your life while still maintaining healthy, wise boundaries?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
O Lord, King of Kings, without you, I am dust in the wind. Would you reveal to me where I try to make much of myself and help me instead to glorify you? Show me where I need to let go. Father, I thank you for the people in my life who can give me wisdom when I’m unsure – people I know hear from you and pray for me. I pray for those people right now: God help me to speak the truth in love to them. And finally, thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, who is the perfect King – the one who can sit at the right hand of the Father, and invites us to sit at His feet. It’s in His name that I pray, amen.

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
yourself:
+ Talk today’s message over with someone who is discipling you, and someone you are discipling.
+ Ask your friend or loved one to help you see what throne you might be trying to establish in your own life. Have them hold you accountable.