Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 5

Read: 1 Kings 4

Solomon, as a wise king, established structure. Wisdom dictates that one person cannot do everything. Thus, Solomon set officials over the various departments in his kingdom. Solomon chose to adopt several of David’s officials as his own, because David had exercised sound judgment during his reign. Zadok and Abiathar were priests under both Solomon and David (v 4, 2 Sam. 20:25). Benaiah remained leader of the army (v 4, 2 Sam 23:20-23). Solomon’s choice of officials displayed respect for his father and adherence to the fifth commandment: “Honour your mother and your father, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Ex 20:12).

Next, we read of Solomon’s great riches (v 21-28). The Lord has fulfilled his promised to multiply Solomon’s wealth and honour (3:13). Solomon also recognized that the riches in Israel must be properly managed. He set up a system whereby one official was responsible for each month of the year (v 7, 27). Each official had a region he managed. When it was a region’s appointed month, they were required to provide resources for the king. This system limited the unfair distribution of wealth that is common when one region alone provides for a monarch (and thereby struggles to grow their own economy), while another (namely the region in which the monarch resides) benefits economically from him.

We see two insights into Solomon’s character in this chapter. The first insight is into Solomon’s heart. In 1 Kings 3 we saw Solomon’s willingness to compromise with a spouse. Here we see his willingness to blur the lines of the laws for kings (see Deut 17:16, which prohibits a king from amassing horses). The way a person sets up the practical aspects of their life reflects the true nature of their heart before God. Second, we are reminded of Solomon’s exceptional wisdom, which far surpassed that of his contemporaries. Solomon’s wisdom drew many pilgrims, keeping Israel in the international spotlight.

Prayer and Journaling

1.  God loves structure and order. This is displayed by His choice to include detailed lists of kings’ official leadership structures in Scripture. Ask God how you can grow in managing the life He has given you. Ask God to speak to you about any changes you need to make in organizing/managing the following areas:

1.   Your schedule

2.   Your relationships

3.   Your finances and physical belongings

2.   Ask God for grace to grow in managing your life under His direction. If you are naturally disorganized, pray for empowerment to take responsibility over the things in your care. If you are naturally over-organized, pray for the ability to release control and trust God. Pray that God’s people would be a light to the world through how they steward their lives and resources.

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 4

Read: 1 Kings 3

Now that Solomon has firmly established his reign over Israel, we can observe how he conducts himself as king. First, he chooses Pharaoh’s daughter to be his wife. It is likely that, by outward affirmation if not inward belief, she converted from the Egyptian faith to Judaism prior to marriage. If this were not the case, Solomon would be breaking the Law by marrying her (Deut. 7:2-4). At the time, Solomon was abiding by the Law as fully as possible (v 3). Further, Egyptian gods are noticeably absent from the list of foreign gods Solomon eventually worshipped (1 Kings 11:5-6). However, this marriage was a case of following the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. By accepting a foreign wife, Solomon began to blur the lines of morality – both for himself and the subjects who followed him. The human heart is wicked and deceitful. Our broken nature will default to going as close to the line as possible without crossing over. Brothers and sisters, this is not true obedience. A truly obedient heart eagerly seeks to fulfill God’s commands out of love for Him, not simply to meet a minimum behavioural threshold.

Despite this indicator of a straying heart, the Scriptures tell us that Solomon “loved the Lord.” He sacrifices one thousand burnt offerings – a truly extravagant display of love! When we lavish our love upon God, He loves to respond to us! In this case, God appears to Solomon in a dream. God tells Solomon, “Ask what you wish me to give you” (v 5). Solomon displays humility in his response. He admits that he is ill-equipped to lead a nation and asks God for an understanding heart to judge and the ability to discern between good and evil (v 9). This humble prayer pleases God greatly. He chooses not only to grant Solomon wisdom as requested, but also riches and honour. Matthew 7:11 reflects this sentiment: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Chapter 3 closes with a display of Solomon’s wise judgement. God’s gift is clearly at work here! In this familiar story, two women of harlotry bring a child before Solomon, each claiming she is the mother. Solomon wisely appeals to a property law (Ex 21:35). While it was not his intention to literally cut the child in half, Solomon uses this ruling as a test to reveal the real mother. The result of the case is far-reaching. “When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice” (v 28).

Prayer and Journaling

1.  What is the heart behind your obedience? Are there any areas where you are outwardly obeying God, but inwardly toeing the line? Is the position of your heart one that joyfully obeys or one that desires to go as far as possible without being caught? Confess as necessary. Ask God to grow your desire to follow Him (Philippians 2:13).

2.  Solomon offered an extravagant sacrifice (v 4) out of his love for Yahweh. He recognized that whatever we have is merely on loan from our Creator. Solomon gave his possessions back to God, because he knew God is worthy of everything we have and everything we are. While most people do not have the resources available to kings, we are all required to give whatever we have wholeheartedly to Jesus. What would living a life of extravagant, loving sacrifice look like for you? Ask God to show you how you can present yourself completely as a love offering to Him.

3.   True obedience comes from knowing God intimately, walking with Him closely and loving Him deeply. Ask God to speak to you about who He is today. Journal what He reveals to you. Does this affect how you feel about obedience?

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 3

Read: 1 Kings 2

1 Kings 2 tells us how Solomon consolidated his power as king. The chapter begins with David on his deathbed. As is often the case with people facing long-term illness, David knows his death is drawing near. He calls Solomon and bestows a final fatherly charge: serve God and lead your kingdom. David exhorts Solomon to obey the Law in everything he does. Further, he gives Solomon practical advice on leading his kingdom, in particular how to deal with political threats. After guiding his beloved son, David passes away and is buried in Jerusalem.

The rest of chapter 2 unfolds with Solomon fulfilling the second half of his father’s charge. First, Solomon deals with his rebellious half-brother, Adonijah. The story begins when Adonijah requests Abishag the Shunammite as a wife. Adonijah approaches Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, as a way of avoiding a direct request to the king. Solomon puts Adonijah to death for this request. This decision seems odd from a modern, Western perspective. However, Abishag was considered part of King David’s harem, even though she remained a virgin. Marrying her would be a symbolic attempt to lay claim to the throne (for other examples of marriage as a royal claim, see 2 Samuel 3:6-7, 12:7-8, and 16:20-24). This request proved that Adonijah was unrepentant and disloyal. If Solomon did not punish him, Adonijah would continue to rebel and attempt to take the throne.

Second, Solomon removes Abiathar from the priesthood for siding with Adonijah in the rebellion. Solomon says, “... you deserve to die [for your rebellion], but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord God before my father David, and because you were afflicted in everything with which my father was afflicted.” Solomon shows mercy for Abiathar’s former service, while acknowledging that punishment is necessary for his recent actions. Third, Solomon orders that Joab be put to death for murdering Abner and Amasa (v 5). Finally, Solomon punishes Shimei for cursing David at Mahanaim (v 8). David had promised not to kill Shimei for this curse, so Solomon devises a clever scheme. He forbids Shimei from ever leaving Jerusalem. Three years later, Solomon knows immediately when Shimei goes to Gath, indicating that Solomon was keeping close watch on him. For breaking the terms of his house arrest, Shimei is put to death.

Solomon has now defeated these threats to his reign and “the kingdom is firmly in his hands” (v 46). Defeating his opponents will give Solomon the liberty to diligently lead his kingdom instead of constantly vying for power. It will free his time, energy, and resources to be used for governing, rather than fighting.

Prayer and Journaling

1.  This chapter shows that rebellion carries serious consequences. Ask God to search your heart. Are there any situations where you are rebelling (outwardly – through action, or inwardly – through thoughts and motives) against your family, employer or other leaders?

2.   If Solomon had ignored the disloyal people around him, he might have had to spend a great deal of his reign quashing rebellions. This would limit him from doing beneficial things for the kingdom.  Is there a situation in your life that you are avoiding dealing with? Ask God to show you any good things this is keeping you from. Also, ask Him how He would like you to deal with the situation.

3.  Pray for government today. Pray that God would empower our leaders (locally, provincially and nationally) to focus on governing instead of vying for political power. Pray that God would give them wisdom, insight and creativity in their positions. Pray that many of our leaders would choose to submit themselves as tools to advance God’s kingdom in our nation.

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 2

Read: 1 Kings 1

David has ruled Israel for forty years, leading them through war and rebellion. Under his rule, Israel moved from a group of semi-autonomous tribes to a unified nation with a single king and capital city (Jerusalem). David has modelled for his subjects how to live a life “after God’s own heart.” Whenever he fell into sin, David repented, turning wholeheartedly back to a relationship with God. Now, this beloved king is sick. He is nearing his last days and the entire nation is holding its breath: what will happen next?

Adonijah, one of David’s sons, sees an opportunity to act. He gathers chariots, horsemen and supporters in a daring act to set himself up as the next king of Israel. They must act quickly and secretly. Those loyal to David cannot know what is afoot or Adonijah’s plans will be thwarted.

However, such events can never remain a secret. Nathan, a prophet loyal to David, hears about the rebellion. He quickly approaches Bathsheba to share the news. Adonijah must be stopped. Bathsheba’s life is in danger, as it that of her son, Solomon. She flees to the sickly David and presents her case. While Bathsheba is explaining the events to David, Nathan enters and confirms her story. People are already saying “Love live King Adonijah,” even though David has not bestowed this title. In his last official act as king, David must stop the rebellion and install Solomon as the rightful king.

While Adonijah is feasting with his followers, he hears a commotion in the distance. Jonathon, son of Abiathar the priest, gives the news to Adonijah. Solomon has been crowned king. As a symbol of authority Solomon is already sitting on the royal throne. The dinner guests are terrified. If they are caught supporting Adonijah, their lives may be at stake. Their apparent loyalty is proven false as they flee, valuing their own safety more than their support of Adonijah. Adonijah now has only one choice: fall before Solomon and plead for forgiveness. Solomon wisely declares that Adonijah’s judgment will be determined when his true worth is revealed.

Prayer and Journaling

1.  1 Kings 1:6 tells us that David did not question Adonijah’s actions leading up to the rebellion. While we cannot say for sure, this verse hints that the rebellion could have been stopped pre-emptively if David kept a closer watch over those in his responsibility. Ask God if there is anyone in your sphere of influence who is showing signs of unrepentant sin. Pray for God to bring this person to repentance. Ask Him if there is anything He would like you to do in this situation. Perhaps He wants you to lovingly but firmly approach this person or maybe He wants you to commit to interceding over the situation.

2.   Solomon displayed great wisdom by delaying his verdict on Adonijah (v 52). Rather than reacting to Adonijah in a time of heightened emotions, Solomon waited to determine how best to deal with Adonijah’s rebellion. Have you ever faced negative consequences because you acted rashly? Ask God to show you how to make decisions wisely instead of rashly.

3.   Pray for unity in the Church today. Ask the Lord to be merciful towards those who struggle with rebellion and to bring them to repentance. 

Foundations: 1 Kings - Day 1

Foundations:  The Book of 1 Kings

24 Day Devotional

1 Kings traces the history of Israel from the end of David’s reign, to Solomon’s

splendour and eventual downfall, through the division of the kingdom, to the

end of King Ahab’s reign. This book weaves together the righteousness of God

and the folly of man teaching us much about how God controls both nature and

history and how He is willing to forgive the repentant.

1 Kings 9:4-5 (ESV)

“…if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of

heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and

keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over

Israel forever…”

---

Introduction

Originally one book, 1 and 2 Kings follow Israel from Solomon’s reign through the exile of the Northern and Southern kingdoms.  A key theme in 1 Kings is the importance of leadership. As we read about the kings we see a direct correlation between the state of a king and the state of the nation. Sinful kings set the tone for the nation to rebel against Yahweh and follow false gods. Righteous kings lead the nation to repent and obey Him.

This period in history reveals many important characteristics of God. We see His mercy displayed as He patiently gives Israel the opportunity to turn back to Him.  We see His grace as He sends prophets to warn the people of the consequences of disobedience. We see His justice and His holiness as He sends Israel and Judah into exile for their consistent rebellion.  We also see God’s faithfulness as He promises to bring His people back from captivity (Isaiah 44:28-45:1) and, in His perfect timing, delivers on that promise (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).

Prayer and Journaling

1.  Ask God what He wants to do in your life through your time with Him in 1 Kings. Record what He says so you can look back on it when you finish this devotional.

2.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is still a holy God who requires us to submit to Him. He will still discipline those who reject Him. Pray for Canada today. Pray that the Church would arise and lead the nation to repent of our wicked ways and follow Jesus.

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 17

Read: 2 Samuel 24

The book of 2 Samuel ends on a somewhat disappointing note. David’s pride draws him into another act of sin. David commands Joab to take a census of the people. This is an act of pride, showing both that David does not trust the Lord to defend and protect his kingdom, and also that David boasts in the number of those under his command. Verse 1 tells us that the Lord incited David to take the census. 1 Chronicles 21 recounts the same story and says that it was Satan who incited David to this act. And so we conclude that the Lord allowed Satan the authority to tempt David in this way, and David succumbed. Joab knows this is a bad idea and tells David so, but David has his mind made up and sends Joab out to number the people.

It doesn’t take long for David to recognize his sin. Pride is an ugly thing. We have just read the list of David’s wonderful mighty men, and now we see David giving himself the glory for such commitment in his kingdom. God hates when we steal His glory. David is nothing without the Lord. It is Yahweh who called him out of the pastures and into the palace. It is Yahweh brought him out of the desert and into his domain. It is Yahweh who showered him with His presence, with friendship and with sustenance. When we take glory for God’s gifts, God gets angry. David should have known better, and so consequence ensues. He is given three options: 1) three years of famine in Israel, 2) three months on the run from his enemies, or 3) three days of pestilence in Israel. David’s response is so true to form: “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.” Even in the midst of punishment, David trusts in God’s mercy. And so we learn – mercy does not always mean being let off the hook. In fact, sometimes punishment is merciful because what we learn from it far outweighs being let off the hook. Whatever would come, David trusted in God’s mercy and the love God had for His people. And so Israel falls into three days of pestilence and 70,000 men die before David calls out for deliverance and God stays His hand. The mercy of the Lord spares the nation and retains the promise of an everlasting dynasty.

In worship and obedience, David buys the field where the angel of the Lord ceased his destruction and built there an altar to the Lord. Again, a poignant principle is shown to us by David. He offers to buy the field from Araunah, but Araunah kindly offers it for free. David will not take it and says: “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD that cost me nothing.” There is nothing we can do to repay the Lord for the kindness and salvation He has shown us. But a sacrifice without sacrifice is nothing. When we give tithes and offerings faithfully, even though it means we cannot afford something else that we would like to buy, God is pleased. When we take some of our spare time to spend with someone who needs a friend, even though we would like to rest, God is pleased. When we abstain from something we enjoy for a time in order to grow our intimacy with God (fasting), God is pleased. Our sacrificial actions show that we value Him above all else. David models this for us.

And so we end 2 Samuel on the cusp of a change. David is old in age, having written his final psalm. His kingdom is promised to remain forever, but the time is nearing for the kingship to pass to another. Who it will be and what will happen to the nation of Israel is further developed in the books of Kings and Chronicles and through the prophecies of the Major and Minor Prophets. God has chosen a people and a nation. Now He has chosen a kingdom and a family line. One is coming who will reign forever on David’s throne. He has come once and He will come again. We look with joyful expectation to that glorious and terrible day when “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory.” (Matthew 24:29-30) And we will cry: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:6-8). And He will defeat Satan and all who oppose His throne, and then, finally, “the dwelling place of God [will be with] man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4) Amen.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Ask God to show you if and how you have taken personal glory in the gifts He has given to you. Ask Him to reveal pride to you and to give you a repentant heart, like David. Confess this pride to God. Ask Him to show you any consequences that have been in your life because of your pride.

2.  Do you sacrifice for the Lord? Have you accepted His sacrifice only to go on doing whatever you want, or do you seek to lay down your life for Him out of love and worship for what He has done for you? Ask God to grow a sacrificial heart in you. Listen for a way that you might need to sacrifice your time, money or something else for His kingdom.

3.  Think back over the book of 2 Samuel and how God has been working out his plan of salvation throughout the book. Thank God for this plan that He laid out in scripture. Thank Him for the salvation you have received. Ask God to grow in you a joyful expectation of His second coming.

a.   How can you proclaim the message of salvation to others today?

Foundations: 2 Samuel - Day 16

Read: 2 Samuel 23

King David is nearing the end of his life. 2 Samuel 23:1-7 contains David’s final psalm. In it, the just ruler is compared to the worthless man. One who rules justly with a fear of the Lord is like light and life to his people. But worthless men will be cast away and consumed with fire. He doesn’t know all the details of the afterlife, but David knows that his hope is in the Lord after death just as it has been on earth. And the promise of an eternal throne brings much joy to his heart. He knows that God will cause his desires to prosper. David’s desires were to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, and God’s promise will allow this to be so.

The rest of the chapter lists David’s mighty men – the men who stood faithfully by his side all of his days as king. Of the men, there are three that stand out: Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar and Shammah. These three showed exceptional strength and dedication. Abishai and Benaiah are also noted for their skill and leadership, though they did not attain to the distinction of the three. David was beloved by his people. Men were eager to fight for him and defend his throne. Verses 13-17 even tell of the lengths three men went to in order to get David a drink of water. David was easy to serve. Level-headed, he sought the council of his commanders and ultimately of the Lord. Throughout 2 Samuel we overhear conversations between David and Joab showing a very open and candid relationship between the two. While David was honoured, his men were also able to speak their minds without fear. Unlike Saul, he was not given to fits of rage or outbursts of jealousy.

This list is given to encourage and inspire us. We must recognize the necessity of friendship and teamwork. Even the most skilled person cannot accomplish his task alone. David was a talented leader and a mighty warrior – long before kingship, he had shown his strong abilities while defending his flocks from predators. But the lions and bears were nothing compared to the Philistine armies! He needed warriors who had both skill and devotion. The Bible never ceases to show us reality, and deception is a prime component to the kingships of the Old Testament. And while David experienced much of this at the hand of his children, we are encouraged to read this list of men who stood faithfully by his side. The name of Uriah in verse 39 brings a pang with it: deceived by the king whom he fought for. Again, we are subtly reminded of David’s weaknesses.

As leaders we must acknowledge, praise and encourage those who stand beside us. Encouragement and affirmation bring out the best in those we lead, whether in business, ministry or the home. If those who follow us feel that nothing they do is ever good enough for us, we will lose them. Employees and volunteers will quit or shirk their duties and our children will emotionally detach. But if they feel that their efforts will bring encouragement, recognition and pleasure, they will be inspired.

And for those of us who follow… we are encouraged to love the ones we follow, to love our employers and leaders and parents. Perhaps these men listed didn’t always agree with David’s actions. Certainly some did not feel too fond of David’s reaction on the day they defeated Absalom only to find their king weeping and refusing to acknowledge their victory. And yet they served him. We are not told how many of them died in battle, but they all put their life on the line for their king. Our roles are somewhat different. Most of us are not literally putting our lives on the line for our bosses, but we are called to honour and serve them with all our strength, to work with joy and fervour. If your boss or leader were King David, would your name be listed among his mighty men?

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   David is nearing the end of his life with a sound mind and devoted heart. Spend some time meditating on the theme of finishing well. Are you set on a path to end your life well? If you found out today that you had only a short time left, would you feel prepared?

a.   Ask God to show you any changes you need to make towards a good ending.

b.  Spend some time praying for someone whose lifetime you know will end soon. Pray that they could end life well. Ask God how to pray for them specifically.

2.   Ask God to show you how you can specifically start to encourage people more. Plan to do this today.

3.   Ask God how you can joyfully and fervently serve those who lead you. Plan to do this today.