Slices
Prepare
Pray: ‘Lord, as I rest in your presence today, I ask that you reveal your truth to me, and I thank you for delighting in me.’
Bible passage
David makes Solomon king
28 Then King David said, ‘Call in Bathsheba.’ So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him.
29 The king then took an oath: ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.’
31 Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground, prostrating herself before the king, and said, ‘May my lord King David live for ever!’
32 King David said, ‘Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.’ When they came before the king, 33 he said to them: ‘Take your lord’s servants with you and put Solomon my son on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. 34 There shall Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, “Long live King Solomon!” 35 Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.’
36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king, ‘Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. 37 As the Lord was with my lord the king, so may he be with Solomon to make his throne even greater than the throne of my lord King David!’
38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and put Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. 39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 40 And all the people went up after him, playing pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.
41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they were finishing their feast. On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, ‘What’s the meaning of all the noise in the city?’
42 Even as he was speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, ‘Come in. A worthy man like you must be bringing good news.’
43 ‘Not at all!’ Jonathan answered. ‘Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites, and they have put him on the king’s mule, 45 and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon. From there they have gone up cheering, and the city resounds with it. That’s the noise you hear. 46 Moreover, Solomon has taken his seat on the royal throne. 47 Also, the royal officials have come to congratulate our lord King David, saying, “May your God make Solomon’s name more famous than yours and his throne greater than yours!” And the king bowed in worship on his bed 48 and said, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has allowed my eyes to see a successor on my throne today.”’
49 At this, all Adonijah’s guests rose in alarm and dispersed. 50 But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then Solomon was told, ‘Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and is clinging to the horns of the altar. He says, “Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.”’
52 Solomon replied, ‘If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.’ 53 Then King Solomon sent men, and they brought him down from the altar. And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, ‘Go to your home.’
Explore
David fulfils his promise to Bathsheba, proclaiming Solomon as king (vs 28–38), leaving Adonijah feeling vulnerable and fearful. This is not a mild version of sibling rivalry. Adonijah has genuine concerns that his half-brother will end his life (v 51). Amid the coronation celebrations, Solomon has a decision to make. Does he kill his treacherous rival or let him live? Instead of seeking revenge, Solomon gives Adonijah a chance to prove himself (vs 52,53). In doing so, Solomon shows great mercy and promoted peace in the kingdom.
How often do we hear about or participate in arguments where both parties dig their heels in and refuse to listen to each other’s point of view? Resolving stubborn arguments is challenging, often resulting in lingering animosity, with neither party recalling the original issue. We may not threaten another person’s life, but we can significantly change someone’s life by creating barriers when we refuse to resolve conflicts, resulting in rivalry and bitterness that poison both us and those around us. When we choose to give someone a chance, just like Solomon did, God can work miracles and reconcile relationships even when they seem beyond saving.
Respond
Pour your heart out to God about any broken relationship. Pray that God will guide you in showing mercy to others and heal your hurt from those who choose not to listen to you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Numbers 26,27; Acts 22
Pray for Scripture Union
Please uphold Mission Director Richard Shaw in prayer, as he leads the Missions Team. Pray especially that God will guide him as he looks for ways to grow our mission and equip more Faith Guides to effectively reveal Jesus to children and young people.
