Christian Living

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Keep the Charge

I Kings 2:1-4, David after the deception of yet another one of his sons Adonijah, to steal the throne of kingship from under him appointed Solomon King of Israel and Judah.

David was one king that held closely to God’s covenant relationship with Israel. Most of the other kings had rejected the covenant obligations. David is about to die and he gave his son some parting advice to keep God’s commandments for there lies your only hope of prosperity and peace. On the other hand if he did not keep the commandments he would risk divine judgment.

Loyalty to God’s covenant was an ancient requirement in Israel. It stemmed from Abraham but found national expression at the time of Exodus after Israel was delivered from Egypt. The people and leaders stood at Mt. Sinai and entered into a solemn covenant with God. Israel was to be God’s own people, set apart from the nation, obedient to his commandments and loyal to Him. They were forbidden to enter into covenants with other nations or other gods. Adherence to the covenant with God would result in blessings and departing from it would result in cursing and judgment.

David’s son Adonijah had no intention of keeping God’s covenant. He deceived his daddy and sought out the people behind his back just as Absalom had done. He turned the people’s hearts to himself to try and up seat David. It is not that he probably wasn’t going to be king because he was next in line. But because of greed of power he did as his brother had done before him. These were two boys that had the same mother and father, a corrupt seed.

Adonijah was very selective in his choosing the people that would help him overthrow his father so he could reign as King. He exalted himself and said that “I will be King”. He prepared chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run before him. Now there was no reason for his actions, his father had not displeased him at any time. He as his brother Absalom conferred with Joab, the priest Abiathar, and enlisted their help. Unwise counsel leads us to do things against God and each other also. He was certain that the people he did not enlist help from like Zadok, the priest, Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and the mighty men which belonged to David or his brother Solomon would be with him in his quest for power. Being very sure of himself he prepared and had a party.

But David had a charge to keep and being warned of yet another treacherous son’s betrayal he appointed Solomon as King of Israel. He kept the charge given him by God to keep the throne covered under the covenant made between them. David died afterwards but with the peace of God knowing he had kept the charge of God.

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