Adonijah made assumptions and acted on them–throwing himself a party and declaring himself a king. He was seeking his own interest, the throne (and later, a bride). He seems impatient, his father David is not even dead yet. This activity, without his father’s knowledge or consent, seems disrespectful.
David, however, names Solomon as his successor.
Before his death, David speaks to Solomon. The New Living Translation titles this segment “David’s Final Instructions to Solomon” in 1 Kings 2. This is an intimate moment between father and son, one king to another, last words spoken.
As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon:
2 “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. 3 Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. 4 If you do this, then the Lord will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’ 1 Kings 2:1-4, NLT.
Sam wrote about being ready, last days. And I recently heard a talk about telling (someone) what they mean to you before the funeral, before it’s too late. David has a message for his son. His words are empowering and pointing to purpose.
When my mom was dying from cancer, she grieved over lost health, lost opportunity, and her message to me was to never take health for granted. My dad just turned 78, and his actions and examples also send powerful messages of what’s important to him.
I think of what I want to convey to an older generation. To my mom, it was whispered in her ear that last day when she had lost her voice–that intimate moment, last words to her. To my dad, I want to speak life. But David’s example is an important reminder too: the opportunity to effect a next generation. What do my words and actions convey to those in my influence?
Lord, your word tells us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Establish the work of our hands for us.
Courtney (66b00ks365)
Sixty-six books in a year 