1 & 2 Kings – Page 19

1 Kings 4:1-19 – What a System!

Solomon is not going to be a lonely king. He has a lot of officials to help him with the tasks facing him as he moves the people of God forward in history. You may recognize some names from David’s regime. He is also surrounding himself with priests to give him Godly feedback and guidance.

I often wonder why the Bible is full of lists like this. Names representing individuals forever given remembrance. Beyond this mention, will we see these names again? Possibly. I’m just marveling at the extent to which Solomon is surrounding himself. As I understand it, he is also systematizing it a bit more than his father. We see a bit of the Egyptian influence he no doubt has gotten from his Egyptian wife.

1 Kings 3:16-28 – What Wisdom!

Read 1 Kings 3:16-28

A sign with the word WISDOM on it, nailed to a tree or pole

This story has always been particularly memorable to me. How Solomon handles this situation is brilliant. Both women are making a case. But when it comes down to it, Solomon knew how to trigger a “mother’s instinct” to protect. He was blessed with wisdom from on high.

Did you find it interesting that the story line twist includes the fact these women were prostitutes? What does the fact, that prostitutes were used as key players in this example of wisdom, say to you? To me, it says, clearly, that God’s justice is for all.

1 Kings 3:1-15 – What Would You Ask For?

Read 1 Kings 3:1-15

Truth be told, Solomon was feeling a little in over his head. It’s one thing to watch your father, the king, “do his thing.” It’s quite another to actually be king! In our last reading, we saw Solomon following through with what his father had instructed. Solomon’s kingdom is now firmly sealed. Now it was time for Solomon to venture out on his own.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a manual setting out performance expectations or rules for being king. What Solomon knew to be true from watching David was to rely on the LORD and follow the LORD’s leading. “Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local places of worship.”

1 Kings 2:26-46 – Cleaning House

Read 1 Kings 2:26-46

soap in the shape of a heart and a brush nestled together for cleaning

Solomon is doing a great job of finishing up the “to-do” list his father, King David, had given him before he died. I can be a tad obsessed with “to-do lists.” How about you? I’ve even been known to add something to an existing list after it was done, simply to have a task to check off!

It’s always a bit troubling for me to see killing happening, even when it seems to be what the situation calls for. Many times, it’s even what God has destined for these individuals. In particular, the evil of Eli’s sons has not gone unnoticed by God.

1 Kings 2:13-25 – Ask for the Moon

Read 1 Kings 2:13-25

girl looking upward, eyes closed, hands in prayer position

What was he thinking? According to King Solomon, his brother had made a request likened to asking for the kingdom. I don’t get it really. He simply wanted to marry the beautiful young virgin who cared for his father. At least he was asking!

I suppose it was the manner in which he did so. It sounds like Solomon’s sweet spot was his mother. Adonijah knew this, too, so I’m guessing it was common knowledge. Bathsheba has certainly had Solomon’s best interests in mind as our story has unfolded. So what did you think about Adonijah’s actions?