1 Kings 1-3: Passing the Torch to Solomon

Thoughts

Kings 1

David is now old and weak. He cannot keep warm, so his attendants bring Abishag, a young woman, to care for him and keep him warm. She might have become a concubine. 

Adonijah, David’s son (born from Haggith/ comes after Absalom), decides he is king without David’s blessing. He gathers chariots, horsemen, and fifty men to run before him (similar to Absalom). 

Adonijah hosts a feast, inviting Joab (David’s military commander) and Abiathar the priest, but he does not invite Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, Solomon, or David’s mighty men.

Nathan warns Bathsheba (Solomon’s mother) about Adonijah’s plot.He advises her to remind David of his oath that Solomon would be king after him. Bathsheba goes to tell David, and then Nathan comes in after to reiterate what she said.

David reaffirms that Solomon will be king. He orders Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada to anoint Solomon. Solomon rides on David’s own mule.

• Fun piece of info: mules were seen as royal as they could not be bred by anyone who was Jewish due to Leviticus 19:19 so they had to be imported in.

They anoint Solomon at Gihon, and the people rejoice so loudly that the ground shakes. When Adonijah and his guests hear the news, they scatter in fear.

Adonijah flees to the altar and grabs its horns, seeking protection. Solomon spares his life, saying Adonijah must prove himself worthy and loyal. 

Kings 2

David, now near death, tells Solomon to:

• Be strong and show himself a man by walking faithfully with God and keeping His laws 
• Remember God’s promise: if David’s descendants obey the Lord, there will never fail to be a man on Israel’s throne.

David also gives counsel on friends/enemies 

• Deal wisely with Joab – give justice. 
• Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, who supported David during Absalom’s rebellion.
• Bring justice on Shimei son of Gera, who cursed David but was temporarily spared.

David then dies and is buried in the City of David. Solomon becomes king securely.

Adonijah approaches Bathsheba and asks to marry Abishag (the young woman who cared for David in his old age). Solomon orders Adonijah to be put to death

Solomon removes Abiathar as a priest (fulfilling God’s word against Eli’s house that his family would be removed from priesthood). He spares his life because he carried the Ark of the Covenant for David.

Fleeing to the altar (as Adonijah did), Joab is executed by Benaiah for his murders.

Solomon places Shimei under house arrest in Jerusalem. At first, Shimei obeys, but later leaves the city. Solomon has him executed.

Kings 3

Solomon makes an alliance with Pharaoh and marries his daughter. He brings her to the City of David until his palace and the temple are built.

The people still offer sacrifices at high places, since the temple isn’t yet built. Solomon himself goes to Gibeon (the most important high place) to offer 1,000 burnt offerings (!)

At Gibeon, the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream and says: “Ask what I shall give you.”

He asks for an understanding heart to govern wisely and distinguish between right and wrong. God is pleased 

God grants:

• Wisdom and discernment beyond anyone before or after him.
• Plus riches and honor, so no equal among kings.
• And long life if Solomon walks in God’s ways.

Two prostitutes come before Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the same baby. One baby had died in their sleep, and each woman claimed the living one. Solomon calls for a sword and suggests they cut the baby in half, so both mothers get equal share. Solomon gives the baby to the true mother.

Questions

Whatever happened to David’s second son Kileab? He would’ve been in line for throne after Amnon.

How did the earth split due to people rejoicing?

Did Joab blackmail David about Uriah?

Wouldn’t the wisest man of all time know it is wise to always follow God? I know knowing doesn’t mean doing….which almost makes his end story worse.

Application

Most people remember the story of Solomon asking God for wisdom when he could have asked for anything in the world. However, his story is so much more than that. We are in the chapters setting up for his reign which will be filled with both ups and downs. Chapter 3 already hints at his downfall, in multiple marriages and reliance on high places. Wisdom also needs faithfulness. Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” It shows why we need Christ, “greater than Solomon” (Matt. 12:42), who perfectly lived out the wisdom of God.