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1 Kings 1:38-40,  So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon mount King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.  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!”  And all the people went up after him, playing pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.

Today, we begin the book of 1 Kings, which functions kind of like a sequel to 2 Samuel.  There isn’t conclusive evidence as to who actually wrote 1, 2 Kings.  Tradition credits Jeremiah as the author but there is little indication that is true.  What we do know is that the book was written before the Jews went into exile by someone very familiar with Deuteronomy, as well as other historical texts related to the monarchy.  Thus, it could have been any of the prophets.  The general theme seems to be that Israel’s well-being is intricately related to their obedience to the covenant and their ability to listen to God’s prophets.

What’s the gist of chapter one?  David’s history of poor/permissive parenting is continuing to cause problems.  King David is now very old and sick.  He’s weak.  Thus, one of his sons, Abdonijah, decides to take control of the throne.  Abdonijah doesn’t ask for his father’s permission or his blessing; he manipulates the situation to ensure that he gets to be king.  His arrogance is a bit appalling but seems in line with David’s other sons.  Abdonijah recruits powerful people to support him.  This whole scene creates a serious issue.  David had promised Bathsheba that their son, Solomon, would be king.  The way things were going, it wouldn’t be long before Abdonijah had Solomon killed to ensure that he would have no rivals for the throne.

Both Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet step in to inform King David.  They have to move quickly.  David summons equally powerful men to support Solomon.  Then, they place Solomon on David’s own mule as a sign that he is the next king.  Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint Solomon as king and he is placed on David’s throne. 

Keep in mind that the previous kings were not chosen this way.  With both Saul and David, the prophet Samuel communicated God’s choice for king.  With Solomon, things are different.  This is to signal the beginning of the Davidic dynasty, which will eventually culminate with Jesus Christ.  God has kept his promise to David. 

Let’s pray…Lord, we thank you because you are a God who keeps his promises.  We are incredibly grateful for how you have intervened throughout human history so that we could be reconciled to you through Jesus Christ.  You are so very good.  In Your Name, Amen.