September 1
2 Samuel 16:1-4
Please read also 2 Samuel 9:1-13 and 19:24-40. When David was forced to leave Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion, Ziba came offering gifts and a bad report of Mephibosheth’s disloyalty to the king. In Chapter 19 we get a completely different account from Mephibosheth. David wasn’t sure who to believe and acted accordingly. Which story do you believe? Was Ziba being honest in his report of Mephibosheth’s disloyalty, or was he acting deceitfully in an effort to better his standing with King David. I rather think the latter is the case, and that Mephibosheth’s version of the incident was the accurate account.
Lessons:
1. Who was to gain the most from this incident? Ziba went from being a servant to Mephibosheth to being a land owner in Israel. He gained much more than did the crippled son of Jonathan. That fact alone makes Ziba’s actions suspect. Ziba’s motive was self- centered and wicked; something we can see clearly after the fact.
2. God’s people must be loving, trusting and truthful in all of their dealings with others, with both believers and unbelievers. However, we must at the same time be sensible and cautious in those dealings, especially when those situations result in the advancement of one at the cost of another.
3. As a follower of Christ, the Christian must avoid lending a sympathetic ear to one’s negative remarks of another. An alternative could be a response such as, “I’m so sorry to hear that, but I’m sure you know that there could be a misunderstanding or extenuating circumstances we don’t know about. Let’s keep this to ourselves and pray earnestly that God will intervene.”
September 2
2 Samuel 16:5-14
Have you ever heard it said, “Blood runs thick?” It is sometimes difficult to be unbiased when family is in the equation. Shimei obviously had a very strong disliking of David, thinking that some of Saul’s descendants should have been be king in Israel rather than son of Jesse, of the Tribe of Judah.
Abishai’s opinion was simple when he said, “Why should this dead dog curse my the Lord the king?” All David had to do was to agree, and Ahishai would have severed that Benjamite’s head. David’s resolve was to allow the Lord to handle Shimei. We will see later that this vile man will eventually pay for his disrespectful attitude toward Israel’s true king.
Lessons:
1. “Blood does run thick,” as the saying goes, and this must be remembered when dealing with individuals in difficult situations when family members may be involved.
2. The admonition of Scripture is, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) With some, this is definitely a challenge, but one which the Lord will help His own to achieve.
3. David’s resolve in dealing with Shimei provides an example worthy to emulate in our lives when needed.
September 3
2 Samuel 16:15-23
“…the counsel of Ahithophel.”
Ahithophel had served as a counsellor to David, but his loyalties were not with David. When Absalom sent for him, Ahithophel came and served him just as he had David, offering counsel that would solidify Absalom’s claim to David’s throne.
Notice carefully the last thing that is said in Chapter 16: “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled in those days, was as if a man enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.” They key words there are “as if.” Was Ahithophel’s counsel effective? Yes! Was his counsel such as would advance the cause and case of the ruling king? Yes! Was his counsel from God? Not necessarily! That is an important observation.
Lessons:
1. All “wise” counsel is not necessarily godly counsel.
2. God’s people need spiritual discernment to be able to determine what is “wise” counsel that at the same time is “godly” counsel. See Psalms 1:1-3.
September 4
2 Samuel 17
Ahithophel’s counsel to Absalom was sound and would have achieved the results that David’s rebellious son desired, but Absalom’s wise father had made preparations earlier that would thwart the advice of Ahithophel. When David sent Hushai back into Jerusalem to feign allegiance to Absalom, it gave him a loyal servant in Absalom’s court. This proved to be a real advantage to David, for if Ahithophel’s counsel had been followed, it would have certainly caused David great grief, and perhaps the loss of many innocent lives.
When Ahithophel’s counsel was rejected for that of Hushai, he knew that his life was greatly endangered. Rather than face the consequences of his disloyalty to David, he committed suicide. To have been a man of supposed wisdom, Ahithophel made some foolish mistakes that cost him dearly.
Lessons:
1. Please read carefully again Psalms 1:1-3. The wise man seeks godly counsel. What greater counsel could be sought than that which comes from “the law of the LORD?”
2. The man that seeks such counsel from the Lord will be “like a tree planted by the rivers of water….” His life will be sound and secure in his relationship with God and His Word. Ahithophel failed in this important area.
September 5
2 Samuel 18:1-4
In our last couple of devotional studies, we examined David’s disloyal counsellor, Ahithophel. What a difference can be seen in the soldiers that were numbered and sent forth by David to confront Absalom’s forces. David declared, “I will surely go forth with you myself also.” Those faithful soldiers of David would not hear of such a thing. “Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us….” What loyal men of war were serving under David their king!
Leaders need loyal helpers in their leadership tasks. This is true in every field, in every area where leadership is needed. The Lord needs faithful followers, faithful servants that are more concerned with their Lord than they are their own welfare. The Church needs faithful members, souls that are dedicated to their Lord, His cause and His Church. These soldiers that had joined David outside of Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion serve as godly examples for all in the body of Christ. Be loyal and faithful to the Lord Jesus!
Lessons:
1. Do you remember Jonathan’s loyalty to David during Saul’s jealous rage? He was a loyal friend, one who accepted the Lord’s call on David’s life as Israel’s future king. Let us be such as was Jonathan to our “David,” our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. In all of our service for Christ, in everything thing we do for Him and His cause, we must have the mindset of those loyal servants of David. Our Lord’s honor and glory must ever be supreme in our hearts. Read the following passage: Colossians 3:12-24
September 6
2 Samuel 18:4-18
Absalom’s actions were sinful, completely contrary to the will of God. His actions were cruel, without any feeling for his father, King David. This revolt against God’s anointed king of Israel was a costly one, costing the lives of many in Israel. In spite of all this, David gave orders that Absalom was not to be hurt in the conflict. Joab, who was over all of David’s military, ignored this order and slew the king’s rebellious son.
Absalom obviously had great potential. He position as the king’s son along with his natural abilities would have made him a great asset to the kingdom and to his father. Unfortunately, this is not the reality that transpired, and the story of Absalom is a sad one indeed.
Lessons:
1. Motives and actions are ever weighed by the Lord, and sin never goes unnoticed or unchecked. This is certainly true in the case of Absalom.
2. Joab’s actions may have seemed loyal to his king, but his slaying of Absalom was a direct breaking of an order given by David. How David would have dealt with Absalom is uncertain, but it is certain that he did not want his son slain. This is one of many actions that will someday come back to haunt David’s ruling general. The child’s song says, “Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe, Doing exactly as the Lord commands, and doing it happily….” This is certainly a lesson all of God’s children must learn.
September 7
2 Samuel 18:19-33
The love of godly parents for their children is a special love. When David cried, “…would God I had died for thee,” it was expressing the heart-felt emotion of many a parent. Most parents would quickly affirm, “I would die for you without hesitance.” That is exactly how David felt. There was, however, more for David to consider here than just his love for Absalom. There was the kingdom of Israel over which God had anointed him as king. It was his responsibility to insure that God’s people were led in the right direction, and that their kingdom was just as God had demanded it be. David was in charge of the wellbeing of the people of Israel by God’s appointment, and he could not allow anyone to jeopardize this, even his own son. For this reason, David had sent his armies to defeat Absalom’s troops, and to end this conspiracy, but it did not keep him from mourning the death of that rebellious son.
Lessons:
1. “…love their children” is the command given in Scripture, and believers are certainly under that obligation. Even when a child is less than idea in actions and attitudes, that child is to be loved, cared for and prayed for.
2. Wayward children are a great grief to godly parents. The death of
Absalom just added more grief to David’s already broken heart. Perhaps this can give us just a small glimpse at the grieving heart of God over His wayward creation.
September 8
2 Samuel 19:1-7
Scripture declares that “Faithful are the wounds of a friend….” (Proverbs 27:6) Joab’s counsel to David was accurate. It was correct in that the people that had gone to battle to protect his kingdom needed to be consoled and congratulated by their king. However, Joab’s counsel was given in a fashion not befitting that of a soldier to his superior.
Joab is an interesting study. He was over the entire military of Israel, a man of tremendous power. In fact, he was so powerful that he was difficult for David to handle. As David’s nephew (his mother being Zeruiah, David’s sister), he had a family connection to the king that made him unique from others in David’s military. (See 1 Chronicles 2:13-16) At one time, David said, “And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me….” (2 Samuel 3:39) We will see later David charging Solomon concerning Joab, a charge that will remove Joab from being a threat to Solomon’s kingship.
Lessons:
1. Those in positions of leadership face continual challenges to their position and responsibility. Passages of Scripture such as this help in preparing leaders for the challenges ahead.
2. The chain of leadership must be respected, and one who is minded to challenge leadership must be Scriptural in such challenges and in the way they are presented.
September 9
2 Samuel 19:8-15
“So the king returned….”
As can be imagined, this time was an important one for the kingdom of Israel. Many had accepted Absalom as their king. Now Absalom’s rebellion and been defeated and he had been slain by Joab. David’s call to the elders of Judah through Zadok and Abiathar was timely and necessary. His message was clear. It was time to reinstate him as Israel’s king, and for him to return to the capital city.
Please note Verse 13. In this order, David was replacing Joab as captain of Israel’s military with Amasa. We saw earlier that David had difficulties with Joab and his brothers. His difficulties would not be ended with this order, for Joab wouldn’t allow it to happen, as we will see later. A strong and highly respected military leader can be a great blessing, and a great curse.
Lessons:
1. David’s rightful place by Divine decree was in Jerusalem sitting upon the throne of the Kingdom of Israel. David is an illustration of the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose rightful place is sitting upon the throne of the hearts of His people. Many things can take His place as Lord and King of our lives, but like the call that was issued to the elders of Israel, there is ever a call to allow Him that place of supremacy in our hearts.
2. Absalom is an illustration of the coming antichrist, who through
deception and satanic power will rule the world. Like Absalom, the
antichrist’s rule will be brought to an abrupt end, and the Lord Jesus will be crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
September 10
2 Samuel 19:16-43
David’s character was so different than other kings that ruled in that day. Most kings would have ordered the deaths of any that had opposed them or that had been instrumental in forcing them to flee their thrones. Shimei had cursed David as he departed Jerusalem, and Abishai felt he should “be put to death for this.” Had David given that order, none would have questioned his authority or justification in the death of he that had so mistreated the king. Rather than giving such an order, David’s response was “shall there by any man put to death this day in Israel?” David pardoned Shimei of his transgressions.
We looked earlier at the dilemma David faced with Mephibosheth and Ziba. David forgave them both and ordered that the land given to Mephibosheth earlier be divided between the two men.
Lessons:
1. David was gracious and forgiving of those that had wronged him in Absalom’s rebellion. One of the commands given to followers of the Lord Jesus is that of having forgiving hearts. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
2. David serves as an illustration of the grace of our Lord Jesus, Who
forgives us our trespasses when we seek that forgiveness.
September 11
2 Samuel 20:1-12
David had given orders that Amasa was promoted as captain of all the military in Joab’s stead because of Joab’s slaying of Absalom. Although David’s nephews, and fiercely loyal to him as king, David had acknowledged that Joab and his brothers were somewhat beyond his control. See 2 Samuel 3:29 where David said this very thing; “…these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me….” Their popularity and influence with Israel’s military actually made them a threat to David regardless of their loyalty to him as their king. This was proven in the case of Joab’s slaying of Absalom and in his slaying of Amasa whom David had promoted in his stead. Without David’s consent, Joab reassumed the position of captain of the hosts of Israel after the slaying of Amasa.
Lessons:
1. People of influence and natural leadership ability can be a great
blessing to the Lord’s work in the world, but they can also be a
great hindrance and curse. Joab was just such an individual.
2. Amasa trusted Joab when he should have been cautious and alert to his devious plan. While God’s children should not be doubting of the sincerity and genuineness of all around them, they must be “as wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Otherwise they will find themselves being taken advantage of, or of being used as an instrument of harm to the Lord’s work.
September 12
2 Samuel 20:13-26
Sheba sought to arouse another rebellion against David after the incident with Absalom, and he was successful in his effort. This issue had to be addressed immediately, for the state of the nation was in disarray. David was their anointed king, chosen by God, and this had to be reaffirmed among the people.
You will recall that Joab had been replaced by Amasa by David’s orders, but Joab had killed Amasa and reassumed the position of captain of the hosts of Israel. (See Verse 23) Although he was loyal to David, he had proven to be a threat to David’s throne due to his power with the military. Later, we will see how David instructed Solomon to deal with this problem.
When Sheba fled to the city of Abel, Joab and his army besieged the city, and would have done battle against all within had it not been for the intervention of a “wise woman.” Due to her counsel, the people executed Sheba and the city and David’s kingdom were spared.
Lessons:
1. There will ever be challenges faced by God’s ordained programs and plans. Wisdom will dictate when these challenges must be faced, and how they will be faced in order to maintain order and fulfill God’s will.
2. Through the counsel of one “wise woman” of Abel, the city was spared and David’s kingdom reunited. Sound wisdom is the call for today, and sound wisdom can be found in God’s Word and through God’s guidance. See James 1:6.
September 13
2 Samuel 21:1-14
Read these verses carefully. The resolution to the “famine” faced in Israel was a difficult one. It was heart breaking for the families involved. This is a reminder of how harsh the law was, and the supreme price that could be demanded for violating its principles. Saul, in his capacity as king of Israel, had broken a covenant made with the Gibeonites, and the resolution for this action was a costly one for some of Saul’s descendants.
Lessons:
1. Sin is revealed in Scripture as transgression and disobedience to God’s revealed will. Sin is costly!
2. The law was demanding and condemning. Grace is forgiving and merciful. Thank God for His Amazing Grace! Amen!
September 14
2 Samuel 21:15-22
As a young man, David had slain the Philistine champion, Goliath. Now in David’s latter years, the “sons of the giant” were seeking revenge for the loss of their father. The four listed in this chapter were all slain by David’s soldiers that served him faithfully, beginning with his nephew, Abishai.
When David “waxed faint” from his advancing age, his faithful soldiers determined that he would no longer go out into the field of battle with his army. They cherished his leadership as their king and did not want to jeopardize the “light of Israel” in battle. What love and devotion to their king!
1. God’s people will ever face enemies in this life, but “greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) We must not face these enemies in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. See Ephesians 6:10-20.
2. May the Lord help us to be faithful soldiers in the army of our Captain. See 2 Timothy 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 1 Timothy 1:18)
September 15
2 Samuel 22
David was a unique king. He was a shepherd when Samuel anointed him to be king of Israel. As a shepherd, he had been a young man of prayer and meditation, a man of faith. That character followed him throughout his days. He is responsible for many of the Psalms in our Bible; songs of praise and adoration, hymns of prayer and supplication and testimonies of God’s goodness and mercy. This chapter records one of David’s songs, a song of deliverance. Compare this chapter to Psalms 18.
Lesson:
1. God’s people can find themselves in any situation, any reputable profession or position in life, and still maintain their relationship with the Lord. David certainly serves as an example of that reality.
2. David saw his life as in the hands of his God. In times of difficulty, he sought God’s guidance and deliverance. In times of plenty, he lifted his songs of praise to God. We can learn much from David’s successes and failures, and from his devotion to God throughout his days.
September 16
2 Samuel 23:1-7
The heading of this chapter declares that these were the last words of David. Note that he is called here, “the sweet psalmist of Israel.” Some have questioned whether there ever was a king of Israel named David, implying that he was merely a mythical or legendary character of ancient Israel. In 1993, archeologists working near the border of Syria found a fragment of basalt with the inscription mentioning “the house of David.” On that fragment, dating back to about 900 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, a king by the name of Hazael, boasts of having defeated two kings; one Omri, king of the northern Kingdom of Israel, and the other an unnamed king of Judea “of the house of David.” Of course, Bible believers know that King David ruled after the death of Saul, and was succeeded by his son, Solomon.
In these last words, David acknowledged that God spoke to and through him, and that God’s Word “was in my tongue.” He refers to God as “the Rock of Israel,” a title for the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. He also made reference to God’s covenant with him, which we call the Davidic Covenant, a promise from God concerning the Messiah coming through David’s family line.
Lessons:
1. Children of God must never allow the infidels and unbelievers in this world cause them to doubt or question God’s Holy Word.
2. In time, all of God’s Word will be proven beyond question to be just that, holy words from God sent to reveal Himself and His will to humanity.
September 17
2 Samuel 23:8-39
In these verses is provided a list of King David’s most trusted, and highest ranking officers in his army along with the exploits of some of those soldiers. These soldiers were fiercely loyal to their king and to their country. May the Lord ever bless our great land with such loyal servants in our military!
Lessons:
1. Just as David needed a strong military to conduct his business as Israel’s king, our Lord needs a powerful spiritual military to conduct His business on this earth.
2. David’s “mighty men” received recognition for their acts of valor and selfless service to their king and country. The faithful in the Lord’s army will one day be given recognition for their faithful service to the Savior and to His Church.
September 18
2 Samuel 24:1-17
David ordered a census to be taken of the children of Israel, in spite of Joab’s protest. The census was taken, and the Lord was displeased; so much so that He judged the people for David’s actions as their king. What was so wrong with David taking a census of the people? While he may have had a prideful purpose behind the census, the real problem was that he by-passed the law of God. See 1 Chronicles 21:1 with Exodus 30:12-15. This was the way in which the people were to be “numbered.”
Does this raise questions in your mind as to why the people had to suffer for David’s violation of God’s law? Please go back and read 2 Samuel 24:1. “And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel….” We are not told why this “anger” was stirred, but God worked through David, allowing Satan to tempt him into numbering the people outside the demands of His law. Through this process, the Lord accomplished several things, as we will see in the latter part of this chapter.
Lessons:
1. The Lord chastens His own. It is as simple as that. Not so much to inflict punishment, but to bring His own back to the place where they can enjoy their lives to the full and experience fully the blessing of God. See Hebrews 12:5-13.
2. Our Lord has all wisdom and all power. Therefore, in His dealings with His own, He can accomplish many things all at the same time for many. He did so in David’s time, and He does so today.
September 19
2 Samuel 24:18-25
Please read with this portion 1 Chronicles 21:18-30. This threshing floor would be the place chosen by God to build His Temple.
Lessons:
1. The Temple, which was planned and prepared for by David, but built under Solomon’s leadership, became the center of religious Israel. Its importance in God’s dealings with His own and in His sovereign plan for the future cannot be overstated. Today that site is still the epicenter of so much controversy in our world, and will
continue to be so until the Second Coming of our Lord.
2. The location chosen for the Temple, and the means through which God revealed that location, is important. The location is in the City of Jerusalem. The location was chosen during a time of Divine judgment upon Israel brought on by their disobedience to Him. Therefore, the location of the Temple had to do with sin and its remedy.
3. Prior to His death on the Cross, Jesus cleansed the Temple (For the second time), revealing His displeasure with the condition of religious Israel. When He died on Calvary, the veil in the Temple was rent from top to bottom, opening up the way into the Holy of Holies, signifying that salvation would then be possible through His death, burial and resurrection, and not through the offerings and sacrifices of the Temple.
September 20
1 Kings 1:1-40
Because of David’s advanced age and limited strength, Adonijah seized the opportunity to declare himself king. He was assisted in this by Abiathar the priest and Joab, the captain of Israel’s military. This was not God’s plan. Through Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, the plot was made known to David and he ordered the crowning and recognizing of Solomon as his successor.
Lessons:
1. Adonijah sought the power of being Israel’s king. The desire for
power is not necessarily in itself an evil thing, but it certainly can
be very evil, and lead to many evil actions and deeds. Nathan was
God’s prophet, and it was God’s will that he warn Bathsheba and
David of the danger of allowing Adonijah to continue his quest to
replace David as Israel’s king. That danger was only intensified
by Abiathar and Joab’s backing Adonijah’s desire for power.
2. God’s will was that Solomon become Israel’s king, and the power
that he would receive as David’s successor would be for Israel’s
greater good. As stated earlier, the desire for power is not in itself
necessarily evil, especially when that desire is motivated by what
God would consider the greater good. For that reason, Solomon
was God’s choice to replace David as Israel’s king.
September 21
1 Kings 1:41-53
Adonijah’s plot was spoiled and all of those that had supported him fled. He sought pardon from Solomon and an assurance that he would not be slain. Solomon agreed, but this will not be the last we will see of Adonijah.
Lessons:
1. Adonijah, like Solomon, was a son of David. He had the support of Joab, captain of the hosts of Israel, and the support of Abiathar the priest. With the support of the military and the priests, why would Adonijah not have made as good a king as Solomon? What would have been wrong with his succeeding his father on the throne? One answer will suffice. He was not God’s choice to be Israel’s king.
2. The reasoning of Joab and Abiathar in supporting Adonijah was most likely based on what they deemed as logical, and in the best interest of Israel. David was growing more feeble every day. They surely felt the kingdom needed a strong leader, and Adonijah seemed to fill that need. But they sought not the Lord, and their actions were at best most questionable. When decisions need to be made, or options or sides need to be chosen, God’s people must prayerfully seek God’s face for His direction, regardless of how sound and reasonable a course of action may seem.
September 22
1 Kings 2:1-4
David’s counsel to Solomon is worthy of note. He told his son that if he would, “keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statues, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses” that he would prosper in all that he would endeavor to do. He emphasized this to Solomon more than any other advice concerning reigning as king. Sadly, we will learn that Solomon, in later years, would ignore this counsel, the results of which we will see were devastating to himself and to Israel.
Lessons:
1. In every walk of life, in every endeavor God’s children seek to accomplish, their relationship with Him and His Word is that which is of the utmost importance. To neglect this is to invite failure and disappointment.
2. “…shew thyself a man….” David, in charging Solomon, was encouraging his son to show himself to be a man of God, a man of integrity and honesty, and a man that God could bless and use. May the Lord help us to be men and women that God can bless and use.
September 23
1 Kings 2:5-9
David was fully aware that there would be challenges to Solomon’s throne, and that those challenges had to be faced sooner than later. The names mentioned in these verses are familiar, and some of these individuals had been a problem to David. He knew that the young king would face even greater issues from these men. Along with those who might present a problem, there was the sons of Barzillai, the Gileadite, that had come to David during the rebellion of Absalom. David instructed Solomon to show them kindness in return for their kindness to him.
Lessons:
1. You will notice in David’s instructions, Solomon was to deal with each potential troublemaker in his kingdom with the appropriate measure. Joab was to be dealt with harshly; “let not his hoar head to down to the grave in peace.” On the other hand, Shimei was to be held accountable for his actions, but was not to be executed without good cause. God’s people will ever face challenges in their lives, whether it be challenges to their leadership, or simply challenges to their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Wisdom dictates how each potential challenge is to be faced, and only God can grant that wisdom through His Word and through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
2. Those whose lives are a blessing to us should be treated accordingly, with love and appreciation for their kindnesses to us.
September 24
1 Kings 2:10-12
“So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.”
James asked the question, “For what is your life? It. Is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanished away.” So it was with David. It has ever been the same with all, with great men and with men who have known little or no greatness at all. David was allotted a certain time to live his life, and then he “slept with his fathers.” Moses wrote, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalms 90:10
Lessons:
1. While not dwelling on morbid topics, we must remind ourselves
occasionally that our lives are brief at best, and that our lives
are best lived when they are dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. David was certainly not a perfect man. There has only lived one
perfect man, and that man is Jesus Christ. It can be said of
David, however, that he was a man that loved the Lord and sought
to honor Him in his life; “a man after God’s own heart.” Therefore
we can learn from David’s successes and from his mistakes. May
the Lord help us to do so!
September 25
1 Kings 2:13-46
“And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.”
Our Lord deserves to have His kingdom in our hearts fully established.
This requires that our hearts be completely submissive to Him, and that nothing in our hearts takes His place of supremacy. In order for that to happen, the Holy Spirit, through the ministry of the Word of God, points out those things in our lives that are detrimental to that worthy goal, and these things must be “mortified.” (See Romans 8:13 with Colossians 3:1-7)
With this in mind, note that Solomon is a good illustration of Christ reigning aa king in our lives, and the Holy Spirit can be seen in Solomon’s captain, Beniah. Beniah was sent to insure that Solomon’s throne was not threatened in any way, just as the Holy Spirit so works in our lives to insure Christ’s has His rightful place. Reread this passage and see if you can see these illustrations of our own spiritual journey.
Lessons:
1. There will ever be things in our lives that, if allowed to do so, will
take Jesus’ rightful place as Lord supreme in our hearts. The Holy
Spirit, through the Word of God, will point these things out that
need to be laid aside. (See Hebrews 12:1-2)
2. Abiathar had been a loyal subject of David, and a priest that was
greatly used in David’s kingdom. His lack of judgment in the case
of Adonijah rendered him ineffective and unusable in the Lord’s
work in Solomon’s kingdom, and for this reason he was set aside by order of the king. Paul wrote the following; “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27) What a reminder to us all!
September 26
1 Kings 3:1-15
In 1 Samuel 6:17 we read that David brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem and placed it in a tent (called a tabernacle) that he had prepared for that sacred piece of furniture that had been absent from the Tabernacle for many years. The confusion that had been caused by the sin of Eli and his sons continued to effect Israel, and would do so until the Temple was built in Jerusalem. We see this in the fact that the people were still offering sacrifices in the “high places.” The word “only” conveys a negative thought, for the high places were often associated with the worship of false gods. The Tabernacle (minus the Ark) had been taken to Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39-40) and erected at a “high place” there where burnt offerings and sacrifices were made. This would continue until the Temple was erected in Jerusalem. God graciously allowed the offerings at the high place in Gibeon, but this was not His perfect plan or will, and the “high places” did present to Israel a stumbling block leading them into idolatrous practices condemned by God.
Solomon did “love the Lord,” and was said to possess great wisdom, but from the beginning of his reign he did show unsound judgment that would eventually mar his kingdom and bring division to the nation of Israel. His “affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt” was an act that was common among royalty, but had been forbidden by God. (Deuteronomy 17:14-17; Exodus 34:11-16; Ezra 9:10-14) As we will see later, this lack of judgment will result in Solomon introducing idolatry in the land that will cause great spiritual devastation and eventually incur Divine judgment.
God is gracious, kind and merciful. We see this clearly in these verses for God is seen hearing Solomon’s prayer, and granting his requests in spite of his shortcomings. He appeared to Solomon through a dream, saying to the young king, “Ask what I shall give thee.” At the close of Solomon’s prayer, the Lord said, “Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither has asked riches for thyself, nor has asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words….”
Lessons:
1. God is gracious. None are worthy of the least of His favors, but
He continues to bestow blessings upon the undeserving.
2. God’s people should seek God’s blessings through complete obedience to Him and complete surrender to His will for their lives. Partial obedience and surrender only leads to greater spiritual ills in the believer’s life, as in the case of Solomon.
September 27
1 Kings 3:16-28
“…they saw that the wisdom of God was with him….”
This is a well-known portion of Scripture recounting an event in young Solomon’s life that bespoke the wisdom he had been given from God. The Lord had promised Solomon this wisdom (See 2 Chronicles 1:7-12). The Scripture in our devotional reading today attests to the fact that God had truly answered his prayer. Unfortunately, Solomon showed greater wisdom in his younger years than he did in his latter.
Lessons:
1. To do God’s work and to accomplish His will, His strength and
His infinite wisdom are greatly needed. In this world of wickedness
and ignorance of spiritual truths, God’s people must have that
wisdom that only their Lord can provide. Ever more grant us Your
holy wisdom and understanding.
2. In Solomon’s day, infant life was a blessing and was cherished by
mothers who were blessed to give birth. The mother who sought
to have the living child spared was obviously the child’s mother, for his life was more important to her than anything else. How tragic it is in our world today that infant life is valued so little. Thank God for Christian moms that love and cherish their children.
September 28
1 Kings 4:1-19
Solomon’s reign could not have been successful without the strength and wisdom that came from God. It was also important to have those around him that would aid him in the exercise of his official duties as Israel’s king. The passage we read today gave a glimpse of those faithful servants in his kingdom that insured Solomon’s success as Israel’s king.
Lessons:
1. The Lord’s work through His Church requires the faithful service of
His saints. While some of Solomon’s officers and servants held greater responsibility than others, all were needed and used in their particular areas of duty. So it is in the Church of Christ.
2. See Paul’s words recorded in Romans 12:1-8. May the Lord help us all to do our part in the Lord’s work!
September 29
1 Kings 4:20-34
Solomon’s kingdom was so greatly blessed by God. It wasn’t a perfect kingdom, and Solomon was not a perfect king, but God blessed Israel immensely in those days. Please read the description given in our passage for today, and think about that day when the Perfect King of Kings shall reign on this earth. Solomon’s days were blessed, but that future day will see blessings upon humanity that have never been known.
Lessons:
1. Beloved, our world is troubled today, and seems to be worsening every day. Keep your eyes upon the Lord and your faith in Him, for the day will someday come that promises made concerning His kingdom reign on this earth will know complete fulfillment.
2. If an earthly king and kingdom can know such Divine blessings, just think of what that future day will be when the Lord sets up His kingdom on earth.
September 30
1 Kings 5:1 - 6:38
David was not permitted to build the Temple, but he was permitted to make preparations for its construction. Solomon’s Temple was an amazing structure in that day, but the truly amazing thing about the Temple was that God agreed to bless it with His presence. It would be there He would meet with His people. The Temple, all of its articles of furniture and its sacrifices and offerings all pointed ahead to the Lord Jesus Christ through Whom God would meet with His people, meet their needs and grant them His eternal salvation. Thank God for the One Who was “greater than the Temple.” (Matthew 12:6)
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