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May 29

Finishing Well: Trusting God Through Power, Age, and Injustice


The transition from David to Solomon in 1 Kings 1-2 is one of the most pivotal leadership shifts in biblical history. David, now old and frail, must secure God’s promise by installing Solomon as king amidst political intrigue and rebellion. Alongside this narrative, Psalms 37, 71, and 94 echo the spiritual lessons needed for such times. These are lessons of patient trust, perseverance in old age, and confidence in God’s justice. These texts together guide us to consider how we face life’s transitions, whether in leadership, aging, or responding to evil, with hearts grounded in God’s sovereignty and goodness.


The Book of 1 Kings

The book of 1 Kings opens with a unified, God-centered kingdom, but ends with a nation divided, weakened, and steeped in idolatry. The cause of Israel’s decline may seem clear. They turned away from God’s commands. Yet the same dangers that led to their downfall, such as greed, jealousy, the pursuit of power, broken commitments, and shallow devotion, still threaten us today. As we reflect on these sobering moments in Israel’s history, we’re invited to examine our own hearts in light of their story.


1 Kings 1 – God’s Sovereign Choice in the Midst of Political Intrigue

The opening chapter of 1 Kings marks a pivotal transition in Israel’s history from the reign of David to that of Solomon. David, now elderly and frail, can no longer even keep warm (v. 1-4), a physical sign that the time has come for new leadership. Into this uncertain moment steps Adonijah, David’s fourth son and the eldest surviving heir after the deaths of Amnon, Daniel, and Absalom. While many assumed he would naturally succeed David, God, and David, had other plans.


Adonijah acts swiftly and presumptuously, declaring himself king without David’s knowledge (v. 5). His actions are politically calculated. He secures chariots, troops, and the support of powerful figures like Joab and Abiathar the priest. Yet, he pointedly excludes Solomon and David’s loyal advisors from the celebration (v. 9-10), knowing Solomon had been chosen as David’s successor (v. 17). Adonijah’s ambition reveals his pride, and ultimately, his self-exalting plans fall apart, as they stand in opposition to God’s will and David’s direction.


In contrast to Adonijah’s bold and unauthorized grab for power, the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba act decisively yet respectfully to uphold God’s promise that Solomon would succeed David (2 Samuel 7:12-13; 1 Chronicles 22:9-10). Bathsheba, as Solomon’s mother and a figure of influence within the royal household, has a deep personal and political stake in ensuring the rightful succession. At Nathan’s prompting, she approaches the aging king to remind him of his oath, while Nathan strategically follows to confirm and reinforce her appeal (v. 11–27).

Their intervention is carefully planned and diplomatically executed, standing in sharp contrast to Adonijah’s self-promotion.


Nathan exemplifies both faith and decisive action. He does not remain passive in the face of injustice, but moves quickly to preserve God’s revealed will. Bathsheba’s concerns are not unfounded; in the ancient Near East, transitions of power were often marked by purges of rival claimants, as seen in other royal courts like Assyria. Given the past violence among David’s sons (2 Samuel 13–15), she has every reason to fear for both her life and Solomon’s if Adonijah succeeds. Their actions not only uphold justice but also prevent potential bloodshed, reinforcing the importance of godly wisdom and courageous intervention in times of crisis..


David, once reminded, acts decisively despite his weakness. He commands that Solomon be anointed king immediately, with the public support of the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, leader of the royal guard (v. 28-40). Their anointing of Solomon at Gihon signals divine blessing and political legitimacy.


When King David arranged for Solomon’s anointing, every detail of the ceremony was rich with symbolism and intention. Instead of dispatching a majestic warhorse to carry Solomon, David ordered that he ride on his own mule (v. 33), a significant choice. In the ancient Near East, mules and donkeys were associated with royalty and wealth (Judges 10:4; 2 Samuel 13:29; Zechariah 9:9). This gesture publicly signaled Solomon as David’s chosen heir. The imagery also foreshadows Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:7), underscoring the continuity of God’s royal purposes through David’s line.


The anointing itself was carried out by both the prophet Nathan and the priest Zadok (v. 34), a notable departure from earlier patterns where prophets alone performed such anointings (1 Samuel 16:1). As the first example of hereditary succession in Israel’s monarchy, this joint act provided both divine sanction and communal recognition of Solomon’s right to rule. In the broader context of the ancient Near East, priests often played significant political roles; however, this was unique in Israel, where both prophets and priests affirmed a king’s legitimacy, thereby highlighting the spiritual and civic dimensions of kingship.


The sacred anointing oil used for the ceremony further underscored the holiness of the moment (v. 39). This oil, prescribed in Exodus 30:22-33, was reserved for consecrating priests, kings, and holy objects. It was likely stored in the sacred tent David had set up for the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 6:17), distinct from Moses’ original tabernacle at Gibeon. The anointing signified that Solomon, like those before him, was set apart for divine service. Yet even as Solomon receives these promises, the ultimate fulfillment would come in Christ, the true “Anointed One”—the Messiah, the Son of David (Matthew 1:17).


As Solomon is publicly anointed king, the people erupt in joyous celebration, their loud rejoicing echoing throughout the city (v. 41-49). The noise is so great that it interrupts Adonijah’s unauthorized feast, striking fear into him and his guests. The sudden shift in fortune causes Adonijah’s followers to scatter in panic, abandoning their cause. Realizing the danger he now faces, Adonijah flees to the altar and grabs hold of its horns, a traditional appeal for sanctuary (v. 50).


According to Exodus 21:13-14, the altar could offer asylum, though typically only for those guilty of unintentional offenses. Adonijah’s act was not accidental but a deliberate attempt to seize the throne. Still, his flight to the altar reflects the belief that sacred space could serve as a last resort for seeking mercy or declaring one’s innocence. In ancient cultures, including Israel and its surrounding nations, the altar was symbolically tied to divine authority and justice, and was sometimes used for taking solemn oaths, as seen in legal codes such as Hammurabi’s.


Solomon responds with both justice and restraint. Aware of the political and spiritual weight of the moment, he grants Adonijah a conditional pardon (v. 51-53). If Adonijah proves himself loyal, he will live, but his future now rests entirely on his conduct. Solomon begins his reign by upholding righteousness tempered with mercy, demonstrating the wisdom for which he would soon become famous.


This chapter reminds us that God’s sovereignty is at work even in the midst of political maneuvering and human ambition. Though Adonijah exerts human will, it is Gods promise and David’s obedient response that establish Solomon’s throne. The story also demonstrates that God often works through faithful individuals, such as Nathan and Bathsheba, who act wisely to fulfill His purposes. God’s promises stand, even when human circumstances seem uncertain.


When we are tempted to take matters into our own hands, this chapter reminds us to seek God’s timing and guidance. Ambition unchecked by submission to God can lead to destruction. On the other hand, when we faithfully work behind the scenes, as Nathan or Bathsheba did, God can use us to bring about His will. We are also reminded that leadership transitions, whether in churches, families, or communities, require humility, wisdom, and trust in God’s sovereignty.


Are you trusting in your own plans, like Adonijah, or are you seeking to walk in God’s will like Solomon, Nathan, and Bathsheba? Do you respect God’s timing, even when it seems slow? This chapter invites you to surrender personal ambition to God’s purpose and to trust that His promises will prevail, even when others try to manipulate the outcome.


1 Kings 2 – David’s Final Instructions and Solomon’s Establishing of the Kingdom

As David nears death, he gives Solomon a solemn charge, one that blends spiritual obedience with political wisdom (v. 1-9). David urges Solomon to be strong and courageous, echoing the exhortation Joshua once received (Joshua 1:7). He commands him to walk in God’s ways, to keep His statutes, and to be faithful to the covenant (v. 2-3). This is not merely advice for a king but the foundation of successful godly leadership. Faithfulness to God’s Word secures the continuation of David’s line, just as God promised.


David then addresses lingering threats from his reign. He reminds Solomon of Joab’s bloodshed, killing Abner and Amasa, and instructs him to act wisely and not let Joab’s gray head go down in peace (v. 5-6). Similarly, David mentions Shimei, who had cursed him during Absalom’s rebellion. Though David swore not to kill him, he entrusts Solomon to judge his actions wisely (v. 8-9). These instructions reveal David’s concern for national stability and justice after a reign marked by internal conflict.


After David’s death and burial in Jerusalem (v. 10), Solomon’s reign begins in full. However, Adonijah, though previously spared, attempts a subtle and politically charged move to claim power. He approaches Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, who, as queen mother, held significant influence in the royal court, and asks her to intercede on his behalf so he can marry Abishag, the young woman who had served David in his final days (v. 13-18).


At first glance, the request may appear harmless, but Solomon sees through its implications. In the ancient Near East, marriage to a former king’s concubine was often a strategic act of claiming royal authority. Royal marriages were more than personal relationships. They were powerful political tools that established alliances and legitimized succession. By seeking Abishag, Adonijah was not merely asking for a wife; he was symbolically positioning himself as a legitimate heir to David, since a new king customarily inherited his predecessor’s harem. Even if Abishag’s status as an official concubine was unclear, the request still carried strong political overtones.


Bathsheba’s role in this episode is nuanced. Whether she was deceived by Adonijah’s scheme or subtly trusted Solomon to see through it is uncertain. As queen mother, her influence was real, yet not absolute, and her position as an advocate for her son or others depended greatly on the personalities involved. Her compliance with Adonijah’s request may have been a calculated move to expose his intentions.


Solomon, discerning the underlying ambition, interprets the request as a renewed threat to the throne and acts decisively. Though some may view his response as harsh, especially since it breaks a perceived promise to his mother, it demonstrates his commitment to secure the kingdom from internal rivals. He orders Adonijah’s execution (v. 19-25), thus eliminating a dangerous contender and reinforcing the seriousness of loyalty to the crown. This act, though severe, underscores the high stakes of royal succession and Solomon’s resolve to rule without compromise.


Solomon then deals with the unfaithful priest Abiathar, removing him from office and banishing him (v. 26-27). This fulfills the prophetic word against Eli’s household (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Joab, fearing retribution, clings to the altar for sanctuary, but Solomon has him struck down at the altar, declaring that justice must be done for the blood Joab had shed (v. 28-34). Finally, Shimei is given a conditional pardon. He must stay in Jerusalem. But when he later leaves to retrieve runaway servants, Solomon fulfills David’s warning and has him executed (v. 36-46).


The chapter closes with the kingdom firmly established in Solomon’s hand. While the early part of the chapter emphasizes the call to walk with God, the latter part reveals Solomon’s wisdom in removing dangerous threats to the throne and bringing justice where David had shown restraint. In the ancient Near East, succession was often marked by violence and instability. Eliminating rivals was a common way to secure a new king’s rule. Yet, Israel’s monarchy was also to reflect justice, righteousness, and faithfulness to God’s law. Solomon’s actions blend both political necessity and theological purpose, fulfilling God’s Word, establishing righteous leadership, and correcting the failures of the past.


God’s promises do not override human responsibility. Solomon is called to be faithful to the covenant, and that faithfulness involves hard decisions. Justice is not merely personal revenge. It upholds the moral order God desires. God fulfills His Word (as seen with Abiathar and the prophecy against Eli), and He expects leaders to walk in holiness and wisdom.


Leadership often involves hard choices, but those choices must be guided by God’s truth and justice. Solomon is a model of early wisdom, listening to his father’s counsel, executing justice decisively, and discerning between appearances and underlying motives. We are also called to examine our lives for compromise, as Adonijah’s subtle rebellion shows how unrepentant ambition can disguise itself. God calls us to be vigilant and obedient in all areas of life.


Psalm 37 – Trusting the Lord in the Face of Evil

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, attributed to David, that encourages the righteous to trust in God’s justice and timing despite the apparent success of the wicked. Structured as an acrostic poem in Hebrew (each stanza beginning with successive letters of the alphabet), the psalm reads like a series of proverbs or meditations designed to offer counsel to the faithful during seasons of discouragement. David, reflecting as an older man (v. 25), speaks with the wisdom of experience and the confidence that comes with long-term faith.


The psalm opens with the exhortation, “Do not fret because of evildoers” (v. 1). David warns against envy toward those who prosper unjustly, reminding readers that they will quickly fade like grass (v. 2). Instead of worrying, believers are called to “trust in the Lord and do good” (v. 3), to “delight yourself in the Lord” (v. 4), and to “commit your way to the Lord” (v. 5). These verses establish a pattern of patient faith and active obedience. Trusting God is not passive; it involves doing good, finding joy in Him, and surrendering control.


In verses 7–11, David emphasizes the importance of waiting patiently for God and refraining from anger and wrath. The meek, not the schemers, will inherit the land (v. 11). This is a truth Jesus later quotes in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5). The psalm repeatedly contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked draw their swords, but they will fall by their own weapons (v. 12-15). Better a little with righteousness than great wealth with injustice (v. 16). God upholds the righteous and knows their days (v. 17-18). Even in famine, the godly are preserved (v. 19).


Verses 23-26 offer personal encouragement. The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord, and though they may stumble, they will not fall headlong, because God holds their hand (v. 24). David testifies that he has never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread (v. 25), a declaration of God’s faithfulness across generations. The righteous are generous and secure a lasting inheritance (v. 26-29).


David continues, urging the reader to turn from evil and do good (v. 27), to wait for the Lord (v. 34), and to observe the upright (v. 37). Though the wicked may appear powerful, they will pass away and leave no legacy (v. 35-36). In contrast, the salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord (v. 39). He is their stronghold in times of trouble, delivering and rescuing them because they take refuge in Him (v. 40).


Theological Truths:

  • God’s justice may be delayed, but it is certain.

  • Righteous living is rooted in trust, delight, and commitment to God.

  • The blessings of the righteous are not always material, but they include provision, stability, and generational faithfulness.

  • The wicked may prosper for a season, but God sees and will act in time.

  • God is not only the judge of the wicked but also the refuge and deliverer of the righteous.


In seasons when the wicked seem to flourish and the faithful suffer, Psalm 37 reorients our perspective. We are reminded not to envy or panic, but to anchor our trust in God, to find joy in His presence, and to keep doing good. The call to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (v. 3) is a summons to stability, integrity, and spiritual perseverance. God’s timeline often stretches longer than we desire, but His justice is perfect and His faithfulness enduring.


Psalm 71 – A Lifetime of Trust in God

Psalm 71 is a deeply personal psalm of trust and petition, likely written by an older believer facing renewed threats or adversities. Although it is unattributed in the Hebrew text, its themes and language strongly resemble David’s prayers elsewhere. It expresses the prayer of someone who has walked with God for many years and now, in old age, seeks continued protection, strength, and a sense of purpose. It is the voice of enduring faith amid both physical frailty and persistent enemies.


The psalm opens with a plea rooted in confidence: “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame” (v. 1). The psalmist asks God to be his rock and fortress (v. 2-3), drawing from language used earlier in David’s life. Despite the advancing years, the threats have not disappeared (v. 4). Yet his hope is grounded in a lifelong relationship with God. “You are my hope, Lord God, my confidence from my youth. I have leaned on You from birth” (v. 5-6). These verses reveal a rich truth. Faith is not merely a response to crisis but a relationship forged over time, from cradle to old age.


As the psalmist ages, his body weakens, but his trust deepens. He pleads not to be abandoned in old age or weakness (v. 9), recognizing that his enemies interpret his vulnerability as a sign that God has forsaken him (v. 11). In contrast to their cruelty, the psalmist turns to prayer and praise. He asks for renewed strength to proclaim God’s power to the next generation (v. 18), testifying to God’s righteousness, greatness, and faithful deliverance across a lifetime (v. 15-17). He recalls past troubles and trusts that, once again, God will revive him and restore his honor (v. 20-21).


The psalm concludes not with self-pity but with determined praise. “I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God… My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—I, whom You have redeemed” (v. 22-23). Even as trouble surrounds him, he clings to the hope that God is not finished with his life. His voice, even in old age, has a purpose: to bear witness to the faithful acts of the Lord.


Theological Truths:

  • God is a faithful refuge across all of life, from birth to old age.

  • Aging does not disqualify a believer from serving God; rather, it gives new urgency and testimony (v. 18).

  • God does not forsake His people even when they feel weak or discarded.

  • The believer’s identity is rooted not in strength or success but in God’s redemption and righteousness.

  • Praise is not dependent on circumstances but grows out of trust in God’s faithful character.


Psalm 71 speaks to all stages of life, but especially to those in later years or seasons of weariness. It challenges us to reflect on our spiritual legacy: Are we still testifying to God’s power, righteousness, and faithfulness? The psalm encourages us not to waste our seasons of weakness or old age in retreat, but to lean into God’s strength and continue bearing witness. Whether we are young or old, this psalm reminds us that a lifetime of trust in God is not in vain. He is the same faithful refuge from the womb to the grave.


Psalm 94 – God of Justice and the Comfort of the Righteous

Psalm 94 is a bold prayer for justice in the face of oppression. It speaks on behalf of the faithful who suffer under corrupt leaders and unjust systems. The psalm opens with a cry: “O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!” (v. 1). This is not a personal plea for revenge but a corporate cry for divine intervention. The psalmist appeals to God as the righteous judge who sees all, confident that He will not allow evil to prevail indefinitely. Verses 2–7 describe the arrogance and cruelty of the wicked. They boast, crush the vulnerable—“the widow and the sojourner they kill, and the fatherless they murder” (v. 6)—and cynically claim, “The Lord does not see” (v. 7).


In verses 8–11, the psalmist rebukes this foolishness. He reminds the wicked, and perhaps the discouraged righteous, that the God who formed the eye and ear surely sees and hears. God knows human thoughts and judges them accordingly (v. 11). The psalm shifts in verses 12–15 toward reassurance: “Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O Lord… to give him rest from days of trouble” (v. 12-13). Here, discipline is not punishment but training in righteousness. Even in the midst of evil, the Lord sustains His people. He will not forsake them (v. 14), and justice will eventually return to the righteous (v. 15).


Verses 16–19 show the psalmist’s personal trust amid communal distress. “When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ Your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up” (v. 18). The comfort of God is not abstract. Rather, it’s described as real and sustaining: “When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul” (v. 19). Despite outward chaos, the psalmist finds inward peace in God’s faithful presence. The final verses (v. 20-23) contrast corrupt earthly authorities with God’s perfect justice. “Can wicked rulers be allied with You?” the psalmist asks, answering with a resounding no. These rulers frame injustice with law, but God will bring them down and wipe them out (v. 23). Justice belongs to God, and His verdicts are sure.


Theological Truths:

  • God is not indifferent to injustice; He is a God of vengeance who will repay evil (v. 1–2, 23).

  • The wicked may prosper for a time, but their end is sure because God sees, hears, and knows all things (v. 7-11).

  • God disciplines and teaches His people for their good, even through hardship (v. 12-13).

  • God is both judge and comforter. His steadfast love supports the righteous in trouble (v. 18-19).

  • Earthly rulers may corrupt justice, but God’s justice will ultimately prevail (v. 20-23).


Psalm 94 speaks to us in times of deep concern over injustice and moments of spiritual exhaustion. When we see injustice flourishing, this psalm invites us to turn not to despair or vengeance, but to prayer and trust in the righteous Judge. It calls believers to remember that God’s timing and justice are perfect, even when delayed. The psalm also affirms that suffering and hardship under oppression can be a training ground for deeper trust. When anxiety rises or the world feels unstable, God’s consolations, including His promises, His presence, and His Word, are a source of peace that transcends circumstances.


Conclusion

As David’s reign ends and Solomon’s begins, we see that enduring faith is not measured by strength or status but by trusting in the Lord’s purposes. Psalm 37 reminds us not to fret over evildoers but to wait patiently for God; Psalm 71 offers the testimony of one who has trusted God from youth to old age; and Psalm 94 affirms that the Lord will not abandon His people in the face of injustice. Whether navigating leadership, aging, or the trials of this broken world, we are called to remain faithful, to finish well, and to trust that God will establish what He has begun.

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