Another Saturday, perhaps one of the last cool ones we have before the heat of summer sets in. Thank you for joining me to read our next book, 1 Kings. Today we read chapters 1-2.
There are three lessons we will examine from these chapters: discipline, the dangers of sin, and the peace which Jesus offers.
Discipline
The Bible mentions at least eight of David’s many wives. They would move from town to town in battles and on foot and horseback. It was common to be absent for long periods of time.
God designed marriage to be one man and one woman (Gen 2:24). Jesus confirms this in Matthew 19:8. Most civilized countries practice this today. (2)
I love my wife. We have a great relationship that has lasted through 32 years of marriage. But marriage is hard work. A relationship requires commitment and sacrifice from both parties. I could not even imagine why a person would want to maintain multiple households.
David was old and they could not warm him. They bring him this virgin Abishag, and he does not defile her (v1.4), even though she is beautiful. This is one example of his discipline.
Even in that culture, he knew that adultery was a sin against God. Therefore, he restrained himself.
Dangers of sin
We see Adonijah, who is misbehaving, but it says, “his father had never once reprimanded him” (v1:6). When a parent refuses to discipline their children, they grow up with no respect for the rules (see Pro 13:24).
This lack of discipline shows up in how Adonijah attempts to circumvent David’s authority and take the crown away from Solomon. He throws a banquet to celebrate himself. (v1.19)
Sin is the root of his problems. Conceited, he felt his appearance and shrewdness guaranteed his kingship.
This backfires, and David has Solomon anointed. (v1:28-40)
Conscious of his wrongdoing, Adonijah was terrified of Solomon.
I remember when I was young and living with my cousins. Although I can not remember what I had done, I knew when my uncle came home I was going to get the belt.
They lived in a territorial style house with a parapet wall around the roof. I climbed up and hid on the roof for so long I fell asleep.
When I awoke, I could tell it was late, and they were all outside, calling my name and looking for me. Knowing I wasn’t allowed on the roof and had already misbehaved, I realized I was in serious trouble.
Like a six-year-old might do, I cried. My weeping gave away my location. I got the belt, and then some!
Adonijah knew his guilt, and it condemned him.
David instructed Solomon, and all of us, to walk in the way God demands. We must follow His commands, ordinances, and decrees. (v2:2-3).
When we don’t, trouble will follow.
Sin rules Adonijah. Pride had caused him to celebrate the lie of being the king when he was not.
Then lust caused him to ask for Abishag as his wife (v2:21). This results in his death (v2.25).
Peace
God wants His children to have His peace. Peace from the Lord (v2:33) means not fearing retribution.
We all have sinned (Rom 3:23) and deserve that punishment. But Jesus did not come to condemn the world (John 3:17) but to give us His peace (John 14:27).
Unfortunately, we all have trouble maintaining our obedience.
As with Shimei, we can follow the Lord’s commands for a time, but when circumstances arise, we take it upon ourselves to bend those rules. Shimei dies, which is consistent with Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV).
Have you accepted the gift Jesus is offering you?
The knowledge of your wrongdoing haunts you, doesn’t it?
Give that fear to Jesus and ask Him to save you today.
Tomorrow we will read 1 Kings 3-5
(1.) https://www.gotquestions.org/wives-King-David.html
(2.) Kramer, Stephanie, 12/07/2020 https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/12/07/polygamy-is-rare-around-the-world-and-mostly-confined-to-a-few-regio
