1 Kings 1

Bible Passage:  1 Kings 1

The Book of Samuel has many stories that are worthwhile for our scrutiny. Moreover there are many practical lessons that we can learn from. Now we have arrived at the doorstep of the Book of Kings. Similarly, the Book of Kings is a recording of the events that shaped Israel and it focuses on the descendents of David and the kings of the divided Israel.

David the protagonist of the Book of Samuel, is now very old and his son Solomon will be the next king in his place. Interestingly, Solomon is the second son of Bathsheba (the first son, who was born through adultery was killed by God) and he is one that the Lord delights in. Why does the Lord God delight in Solomon? We will find out more in the subsequent chapters.

However, the ascension of Solomon to the throne was not plain sailing as Adonijah, the fourth son of king David had other plans. He thought that he was the chosen one and probably he could be the next in line to be the king.

The first born Amnon was murdered by Absalom his brother. The 2^nd son of David Kileab could have been killed together with Amnon, although this was not clearly stated in the Bible or nothing was mentioned about him. The third son of David was Absalom and we know his fate. Adonijah, the forth son assumed that since king David did not name his successor in public, that he will be the next in line. However the Lord God had already told David that Solomon would be the next king. I wonder if it was king David being so old that he has forgotten to name his successor?

Whatever the reasons or assumptions, we have to be watchful of the sin of Adonijah. Adonijah was a man hungry for the power and riches of the king and without asking his father David, proclaimed himself as the king. Like Absalom, he was punished fatally for his lust. It is not uncommon to read family disputes regarding inheritance on the papers.

Men tend to be guided by his lust for power and wealth that he could easily forgo family ties or even endanger the lives of his family to achieve his goals. Unfortunately, such incident occurred twice in king David’s house. Even king David in a moment of folly, allowed his lust for the flesh to overtake him and thus committed a grave sin with Bathsheba.

Lastly, as Christians and children of God, we need to know on whose side we stand. Do we stand on the side of men or on the side of God? Abiathar the high priest served God and was on the side of God when he followed David. He went through hardships together with king David. When king David was old, Abiathar made the foolish mistake of joining Adonijah. As a priest, did he not know that it was God who appoints the king just as how Saul and David were appointed to be king over Israel? Why did he not inquire from God?

Adonijah, like Absalom were men of very good looks and probably had many admirers and people who supported them. Did Abiathar look at Adonijah as a man that could be the next king? Did he like prophet Samuel made the same mistake of choosing basing on worldly credentials and outward appearance as criteria of a leader?

In this end times, the knowledge and beauty of the world is increasing at an alarming rate such that it becomes very difficult to discern what is true and what is false. It becomes difficult to stand on God’s side if we base our judgment on the external and do not put our discernment with faith. There are many things that are packaged to be very beautiful or intellectual but internally it is damaging to our faith.

In these past years, we know from the papers that some churches have grown very fast and these churches have pastors that outwardly are very charismatic and energetic. It is unfortunate that many people are bought into the beautifully packaged gospel they sell to them. More recently, I read news that reported this renowned Theoretical Physicist who wrote a very famous book has now written a new book that debunks his previous book.

Now he says that science is beginning to ‘prove’ that God does not exists. Having read his book prior to this new release, he ‘once’ believed that there is a God but now with this new book, it would probably destroy or shaken the faith of Christians or monotheistic believers who read science. As Christians from the true church, are we shaken in our faith by such books or reports from famous intellects or theologians? Are we determined to stand on God’s side?

As a concluding verse,

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”

(Phil 4:8)