1 Kings 2:22-25 A Wise and Decisive Leader

 ”And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, “Now why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also—for he is my older brother—for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.” Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life! Now therefore, as the Lord lives, who has confirmed me and set me on the throne of David my father, and who has established a house for me, as He promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today!” So King Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he struck him down, and he died.“ ‭‭

I Kings‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬-‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

a. Ask for him the kingdom also: Solomon understood the situation perfectly. He knew that this was Adonijah’s attempt to declare or build a claim to the throne of Israel.

b. As the LORD lives, who has confirmed me and set me on the throne of David my father: Solomon was zealous to give justice to Adonijah because he knew that God gave him the throne of Israel.

c. Adonijah shall be put to death today: Solomon simply acted according to the “terms of parole” granted to Adonijah in 1 Kings 1:52: If he proves himself a worthy man, not one hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die. Adonijah made a wicked, treasonous request and is executed because of it.

i. We wonder why Adonijah – after hearing the warning Solomon made in 1 Kings 1:52- would make such an outrageous request. Perhaps he felt that Solomon was too young, too inexperienced, or too timid to do the right thing. He soon found out that Solomon was a wise and decisive leader. (Guzik)

A Wise and Decisive Leader

King Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule Israel and God gave it to him. 

God raises up kings and rulers for His purposes and the Bible is full of examples both good and bad.

”And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.“

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.“ ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.“

‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I believe with everything going on in our country that the Lord is trying to get our attention, please pray for a revival.

Blessings 

Romans13:1-2