Week 10 - Day 2

July 1, 2008
Day 2/ Week 10
A New King

Today's Treasure: 1 Kings 1: 32 – 34

"King David said,… 'Take your lord's servant with you and set Solomon my son on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. There have Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout "Long live King Solomon!" ' "

Read 1 Kings 1: 28 – 53. What did David promise Bathsheba?

A: He would make Solomon king after him. Note the intimacy between David and Bathsheba. David was sure to address her directly to make his oath to her.

What words did Bathsheba say to David as she "bowed low with her face to the ground"?

A: "May my lord King David live forever"
David purposely called the following three men to escort Solomon to his rightful place of authority. What were their roles or positions?
A: Zadok was the Priest
Nathan was the Prophet and Benaiah was the commander of the Kerethites and Pelethites army
In what order did David direct Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah to perform the following tasks:
A: Set Solomon on my mule and take him to Gihon, Have Zadok and Nathan anoint Solomon king over Israel, Blow the trumpet and shout, "Long live King Solomon!", Seat Solomon on David's throne

How did the people react to the sound of the trumpet announcing the anointing of Solomon?

A: They played flutes and rejoiced greatly

Describe David's response to the news of Solomon's anointing

A: He bowed in worship on his bed and said, "Praise be to the Lord the God of Israel who has allowed my eyes to see a successor on my throne today"

Why do you think Adonijah took hold of the horns of the altar of sacrifice when he realized Solomon had been anointed king of Israel?

A: In fear of Solomon. Maybe he felt he would be sacrificed for his behavior. He was seeking protection from Solomon.
It is important to remember Bathsheba is facing a difficult situation. She is placed in the position of mourning the loss of her husband while celebrating the anointing of her son. She must have felt so pulled between the two.

Have you ever been torn between two people as Bathsheba probably was?

A: I often feel torn between Brian and my boys. I know I should not allow myself to do this, but it is difficult. Brian enjoys it when I put specific time aside for the two of us. My boys demand most of my time and attention. So, it is a struggle for me to find enough time to please all of them. Unfortunately, Brian's needs are often put to the side because I feel an overwhelming responsibility to take care of the boys. I know it is not the right thing to do, but it is very difficult for me to not offer immediate attention to the boys.  

Look Back at 1 Kings 1: 9. What was happening at the En Rogel spring?

A: Adonijah was sacrificing there and proclaiming himself king
David chose the Gihon spring as the location for the anointing of Solomon. The name "Gihon" comes from the Hebrew word meaning "a bursting forth". The Gihon spring was located directly east of the city, and the ancient Hebrews believed that God's glory and authority came from the east.

Beth points out that Solomon is a symbol of God's mercy through second chances. Remember that Solomon was the child born to David and Bathsheba after they lost their first child. He was born to them as a renewal from the guilt they carried from their sin. Solomon was God's choice for the throne over Israel. He was not the oldest child of David. He was not the best looking, as Absalom was described. Do you remember when a young shepherd boy was not exactly the one others would have chosen to be king?

Do you have difficulty accepting yourself as God's good choice?

A: Sometimes I do. It is difficult to feel worthy of such a privilege. I do realize, however, how much God loves me and all He sacrificed to prove it!!!