Title: The Rise of King Solomon
1:1-3 – Ummm… awkward. I guess there are different ways to keep warm
1:5-10 – Adonijah is promoting himself.
Q: What are some things people do to promote themselves?
-notice the insecurity that arises from putting yourself in a position you know you are just taking for yourself
-The thing is, what Adonijah wanted was not bad. 1 Tim 3:1 – to desire a position of influence is not bad.
What the world wants from a leader vs. What God looks for
| World | God |
| Power | Humility |
| Good looks | Faithfulness |
| Money | Wisdom |
| Personality | Dependent on God |
| Ability to control others | Desire to serve |
1:11-27 – Nathan and Bathsheba work together to make sure David’s wishes are carried out
1:28-40 – Solomon is crowned king. One thing to note: Solomon himself hasn’t said a word yet. He’s not doing anything to promote himself or get what is rightfully his.
1:41-49 – Adonijah’s party is crashed. Oops!
-All of his ‘followers’ desert him and he’s left alone
1:50-53 – Solomon shows great tolerance
2:1-10 – David’s bitterness reveals itself in the end.
2:13-46 – SUMMARIZE Adonijah tries to take power again – Solomon kills him this time. Also executes Joab and Shimei, things that his father David failed to do.
3:1-5 – some disturbing signs…
3:6-15
What does this passage teach about God?
He is a giving God
Q: To whom does God give things in this passage? What does He give to each?
- To Solomon
- Wise and discerning heart
- Riches and honor
- Unique status among the kings to follow (twice mentioned)
- Prolonged days (conditional)
- To David
- Lovingkindness (mentioned twice)
- Son on the throne
- To Israel
- Chose them as His people
- Made them great and numerous (implied)
The bible is all about God’s generous gifts to man (Gospel- Eph 2:8-9)
How should we respond? Humility!
Realize how unworthy you are of His gifts
Realize how small you are in comparison to this great and powerful God
Thank and praise Him for it!
See Solomon’s humility
- Q: How does Solomon demonstrate humility in this passage?
- Acknowledges inadequacy (v. 7-8)
- Asks for help (v. 9)
- Seeks to serve God
- “Your servant” (v. 7-8)
- Wants a discerning heart “to judge your people to discern good and evil” (v. 9)
- Credits God for past success and expresses gratitude (v. 6-9)
- Antitheses
- Won’t admit wrong or inadequacy
- Will admit inadequacy but won’t ask for help
- Striving for own glory (Luke 14:8-11; Ex: I heard this parable and realized that I was that man!)
- Ingratitude; “I deserve this position”; taking credit (glory) for God’s gifts
- Q: What fruit will humility bear in our lives?
- Q: How can we become more humble people?