1 Kings 1:1 "Now King David was old, advanced in years; and they put covers on him, but he could not get warm."

David at 70 years physically felt more than those years - but his mind was alert to the end, and was able to deal with the conspiracy to put Adonijah on the throne instead of Solomon (1 Kings 1:1-2 ). Adonijah was a second Absalom. He was taken up in vanity with his own good looks. He was spoilt by his father who failed to correct him (1 Kings 1:6 ).

This resulted, as Matthew Henry puts it: "In his father's eyes he had been a jewel, but was now a thorn ... he had not displeased him at any time. It is not said that he never displeased his father. Those who honor their sons more than God, as those do who keep them not under good discipline, thereby forfeit the honor they might expect from their sons."

1 Kings 1:5 "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: ..."

Joab and Abiathar the priest were enticed to join his attempt to seize the throne (1 Kings 1:7 ). Even experienced men can be deceived into supporting rebellious actions. Nathan the prophet knew that by his not being invited to Adonijah's feast (1 Kings 1:9-10 ), nor Solomon, that they were marked for death. Not eating with them Adonijah was not by custom obliged to protect them. Nathan acted swiftly through Bathsheba, to foil the plot (1 Kings 1:11-12 ). David reassured Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:8-31 ), arranges for the coronation of Solomon (1 Kings 1:33-34 ), which was duly carried out (1 Kings 1:39-40 ).

"This would put Adonijah who had only taken preliminary steps, in the position of having to overthrow Solomon if he wished to be king." Ryrie

God had promised that Solomon would be Israel's next king - so the choice of him was both that of David and of God.

1 Chronicles 22:9 "Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days."

Adonijah - his promises, plans, or purposes - his fear at being caught at plotting to take the throne, caused him to flee to the altar (1 Kings 1:50 ). Better if he had submitted to God and his will before - this would have changed him. Solomon, on the condition that Adonijah prove himself worthy, let him go (1 Kings 1:52 ). God's promises, plans, or purposes cannot fail. All that the enemy plots and does will not stop the ultimate reign of Christ Jesus the Lord.

The charge of dying David, to Solomon, was:

1 Kings 2:2-3 "... be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. ³ "And keep the charge of the Lord your God: ..."

It takes real manliness and courage to stand loyal to God and His Word. The king's lifestyle as a representative of God, the true theocracy, must be that of:

	Walking in the Lord's ways
	Observe the Lord's commandments
	Perform what the Lord says
	Witness to what the Lord testifies

God's representative is qualified to be so by commandment observance.

1 Kings 2:4 "that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,' He said, 'you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'"

Only by continued and successive obedience to God and honouring of God, would David's descendants remain on the throne and his dynasty continue. God's personal promise to David that his ancestral line would go on, is fulfilled in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 1:3-4 "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; ⁴ And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"

Keeping God's Word and living in a way that honours him is how to ensure His promised blessing and prosperity.

David's practical advice given to Solomon was for the public safety - dealing with those who were a grave risk to the peace of the state was regrettably necessary. Practical advice was given to Timothy as to his actions towards false teachers in 1 Timothy 6:3-5. From such withdraw yourself.

Interesting to note that David's death is described in two verses. But such was the great value of the atoning death of Jesus, David's greater Son - it occupies 16 chapters. David's death released his own spirit into glory - Christ's death redeemed a multitude that cannot be numbered, into glory. Believers enjoy the Lord's presence with them here - death means to be present with the Lord forever.

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Is Adonijah an example of one given over to self-will and self-centredness, and are these bad traits partly because of his father's lack of discipline? (1 Kings 1:1-6 ).
2. Why do you think experienced and godly men join in supporting rebellious actions? (1 Kings 1:7 ).
3. Do you agree with Nathan the prophet's swift action through Bathsheba? (1 Kings 1:11-12 ).
4. Do you believe that what God had promised, influenced Nathan, Bathsheba and David? (1 Chronicles 22:9 ). In rebellious times do you stand on the promises?
5. Do you believe there was a better time for Adonijah to flee to the altar? (1 Kings 1:50 ).
6. What is there in the charge of David to Solomon that needs to be heeded by leadership today? (1 Kings 2:1-3 ).
7. Are there conditions to be met to ensure receiving promised blessing and prosperity? (1 Kings 2:4 ).
8. Do you accept there dealing with those who are disturbers of the peace is regrettably necessary? (1 Kings 2:5-9 ).
9. What practical advice did Paul give Timothy regarding false teachers? (1 Timothy 6:3-5 ).
10. Should leaders make all the preparations possible for the successful carrying on of their work by other leaders? (1 Kings 2:10-11 ).
11. What does the picturesque phrase "rested with his fathers" describe for you? (1 Kings 2:10-12 ).