1 Kings 1 Devotional

The Throne Is God's to Give

“I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.””1 Kings 1:30 (BSB)

First Kings opens with an old king who cannot keep warm and a son who decides to take the throne for himself. Adonijah promotes himself, gathers chariots and runners, and throws a feast with the army commander and a priest on his side (1:5-9). For a moment it looks as though the loudest claim will win.

But the throne was never Adonijah's to take. Nathan and Bathsheba remind David of the oath he swore by the LORD, and David keeps it that very day (1:29-30). Solomon is anointed at Gihon, the city rings with joy, and Adonijah's guests scatter in fear (1:49). From his bed David worships, blessing the LORD for letting him see a son seated on his throne (1:48). Even the rival is spared for now and sent home (1:52-53). Jesus taught that self-promotion ends in being brought low, while the humble are lifted up (Luke 14:11). Your place in God's purposes does not have to be grabbed. It is his to give.

To think about: Where are you tempted to push for a place or for recognition, instead of trusting God to give what is his to give?