Tag: 1 Kings

1 Kings 4

On By pastorjonathanIn Devotional, discipleshipLeave a comment

Chapter 4 of 1 Kings contains the account of how Solomon organized and ruled the kingdom of Israel. Sometimes it is easy to get bogged down in a list of names, but names are an important indicator that these events really took place. This story seems like it’s getting better and better to be Solomon and some might be tempted to think that the editor of 1 Kings took a little liscence in painting the story, but the names assure us that these are real historical events.

A few things jump out at me as I read this text.

1. It apperars from how Solomon organized his leaders that he was possibly receiving advice from his Egyptian father-in-law. David and Saul had been kings focused on war and no real organization had been developed. Solomon is now administering a peaceful kingdom and has a chance to streamline the leadership and make things more effective.

2. The sons of Nathan. Some commentators are quick to acknowledge the rewarding of power and position here to the prophet Nathan’s sons. Yet, Narhan the prophet is not the only Nathan with access to the royal court. Indeed, Solomon had a brother named Nathan and given the proximity to the royal court it is likely that these two sons of Nathan were actially Solomons nephews (2 Samuel 5:14).

3. All the realestate (or almost all as opinions vary) promised to Abraham’s descendents is governed by Solomon (compare Genesis 15:18 & Joshua 1:4 with 1 Kings 4:21).

Things are looking good for Solomon. The empire he rules is wealthy, the land is at peace, and people from around the known world are seeking his wisdom. All this because Solomon is following his father’s advice and seeking God.

The story doesn’t end there…

1 Kings 3

On By pastorjonathanIn Devotional, discipleshipLeave a comment

Chapter 3 begins with Solomon’s marriage to Pharoh’s daughter. This is most likely to strengthen ties between the two countries and encourage trade across the known world.

Solomon will later get into trouble later for marrying foreign wives. But a distiction mist be made here. Israelites were only forbiden to marry women from the land of Canaan (Exodus 34:16, Deuteronomy 7:3). They were free to marry foreign women given that the women would renounce the gods of their nation and worship God alone (this is the case with Rahab and Ruth who are both foreign women who married Israelites and are the direct ancestors of Solomon). Later when Solomon is married to women who do lead him towards idol worship, there is a distinction made between the Pharoh’s daughter and the other women (1 Kings 11:1-2).

At this point Solomon is honoring the pact he made with his father and seeking the blessing of God. He offers sacrifices and has a dream where God offers Him basically anything. Solomon humbly asks for wisdom. The great thing about asking for wisdom is that true wisdom ultimately comes from walking with God.

God answers Solomon’s request and gives him riches, fame, and peace as well. This is kind of similar to what Jesus said in the New Testament, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and then all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Solomon is off to a good start. His wisdom is confirmed as he arbitrates matters between two women.

Application: are you seeking God? Sometimes we are tempted to ask, beg and plead for small and temporary things. We imagine we have life figured out if we can just get that promotion, more money, etc. Stop and take time to really meet with God today. It’s okay to mention that you have needs, but seek to know Him. Ask Him what you really need.

What are your thoughts on chapter 3?

Last words and First steps (1 Kings 2)

On By pastorjonathanIn Devotional, discipleship1 Comment

The first part of chapter two holds the last words of David. His statements to Solomon can be broken up into 2 parts. First he is told to trust God, second he is told to clean house of those likely to cause a rebellion.

There is little doubt that these words or thoughts were new to Solomon. How great it is that David now only needs to remind Solomon of what he must already know. David has no new words to offer here, only reminders of lessons that have already been taught.

Application: Don’t wait till your deathbed to let your children (or those who count on you) know what is really important. Live it, speak it and let them know what’s important now. May your last words merely be reminders of wisdom that was already taught. Don’t wait to share the most important things in life.

Through the rest of the chapter Solomon consolidates his power. His brother makes a subtle attempt to regain power by asking to mary David’s nurse. Though David never slept with her, she would have been considered part of the former kings harem. According to some Ancient Near Eastern customs, taking a former kings harem would be a show of legitimate power.

Bathsheba isn’t aware that she is being used by Adonijah but Solomon sees right through the plan and has him killed. Solomon then removes Abithar the priest from his position of power and thus fulfills Gods promise that Eki’s line would be removed from the priesthood (2:27).

Application: God keeps his promises, but he uses people. God’s word never fails. It may take time before we see the end of a matter, but we can rest assured that God already sees the end from the beginning.

Finish Well sometimes requires a team effort (1 Kings 1)

On By pastorjonathanIn Devotional, Family, leadershipLeave a comment

It’s not how you begin the game, it’s how you finish that counts. The L.A. Lakers proved that Tuesday night in game 3 of the finals. After an terrible start, they came back on a scoring rampage in the second quarter. At one point it looked like it was going to be a blow out, but it was still early in the game. The Celtics came back and at times in the 4th quarter it was a 1 point ball game. However the Lakers rallied at the end to hold their lead and win.

I think we get a similar picture of the life of David. David was hated by Saul. Then upon Sauls death he managed to unite an empire. Yet when he was supposed to be at war he was home sleeping with the wife of one of his soldiers. That among otherthings caused family problems and disputes among Davids children that often ended in bloodshed. At one point obe of his own sons marched on Jerusalem to depose him as king. Now at the end of David’s life another one of his sons is seeking to ignore his father’s wishes and make himself king.

By the kindness of God, David has some close friends and allies who will help make sure that his wishes are honored and that he doesn’t blow it in the final chapter of his life. Here is the deal, I wonder if David would have missed it if he weren’t surrounded by such a caring crew of individuals? Even near the end, they weren’t willing to see David lose a grasp on his kingdom. They stuck around long enough to make sure that his final act as king was to hand the mantle of leadership off properly.

You see David really could have blown it at this point. He could have remained ignorant. He could have forgotten to make the appointment of Solomon official. He could have done slot of things wrong, but he didn’t. David’s success in handing of the mantle of leadership rested in the hands of his greatest friends who were available to spur him on in his hour of need.

Application: Its not how you begin, it’s how you finish. David finished well, because he had great friends and allies who wanted to see him do the right thing.

Two Questions:

1. Who are you helping to finish well? Who are you investing in? Who can call on you when they need you?

2. Who will help you to finish well? Who knows you inside and out? Who will keep you accountable?

What did you get from 1 Kings 1.