Returning to the Blog while reading 1 Kings

Shamefacedly, I must admit to reading without you... and at a much slower pace.  But I'm excited to be "back at it," beginning here with 1 Kings.

I use the Life Applications Study Bible, New International Version.  I especially enjoy the explanations and commentaries that add to my reading and understanding.

I understand the author of 1 Kings is unknown.  Possibly it might have been Jeremiah and/or a group of prophets.

"Observe what the LORD your God requires:  Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements . . . " 1 Kings 2:3a

Chapters 1 - 3:

Chapter One describes King David's last days.  David had long before declared Solomon to be his successor on the throne.  However, when his son Adonijah heard that his father was failing, he went through many "motions" to declare himself King.

When this news reached the prophet Nathan and his mother Bathsheba, King David gave specific instructions to counter attack the actions by Adonijah and declare Solomon as king.

When David's time to die was near, he gave Solomon his last instructions to act wisely, love the Lord God, and keep his decrees, laws and requirements.  Solomon followed his father's instructions and in time, the kingdom was "firmly established in Solomon's hands."

While praying, Solomon's request was for wisdom and discernment to be able to govern the people fairly and to be able to distinguish right from wrong.  The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for this instead of long life or wealth... or even death of his enemies.  The LORD then blessed Solomon in ways he had not asked.

Do you remember a first (first recorded) test of discernment and wisdom came from settling a dispute between two women, each of whom had borne a child.  One woman's child died.  She, in turn, substituted her dead child for the other woman's living child in the night, and claimed it as her own.
Solomon's solution was to "divide the child in half and award each mother half the child.

The true mother quickly implored David not to do such a thing and give the child to the other mother.  The other mother agreed to the solution.  David wisely recognize the true mother and awarded her her own child.

Thank you for joining me today.  I will make every effort to add a reading each day.
Your Bible buddy,
SG