So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established. So Solomon satThe phrase "So Solomon sat" signifies the beginning of Solomon's reign as king. The Hebrew root for "sat" is "יָשַׁב" (yashab), which can mean to dwell, remain, or sit. This word implies not just a physical sitting but an assumption of authority and responsibility. Solomon's sitting on the throne marks the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would succeed him. It is a moment of divine continuity and fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises. on the throne The "throne" symbolizes royal authority and governance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the throne was not just a seat but a symbol of power, justice, and leadership. The Hebrew word for throne is "כִּסֵּא" (kisse), which conveys the idea of a seat of honor and judgment. Solomon's ascension to the throne represents the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, a central theme in the biblical narrative that underscores God's sovereign plan for Israel. of his father David This phrase highlights the dynastic succession from David to Solomon. David, a man after God's own heart, was chosen by God to establish a lasting dynasty. The reference to "his father David" not only establishes Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne but also connects Solomon's reign to the promises made to David. It underscores the importance of lineage and God's covenantal faithfulness, as seen in 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David that his throne will be established forever. and his kingdom The term "kingdom" refers to the realm over which Solomon would rule. The Hebrew word "מַמְלָכָה" (mamlakah) denotes a dominion or reign. Solomon's kingdom was not just a political entity but a theocratic kingdom under God's ultimate authority. This phrase sets the stage for Solomon's reign, which would be marked by peace, prosperity, and the building of the Temple, reflecting God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. was firmly established The phrase "was firmly established" indicates the secure and stable foundation of Solomon's rule. The Hebrew root "כּוּן" (kun) means to be firm, stable, or established. This stability was a result of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises. It suggests that Solomon's reign was not only politically secure but also divinely ordained. The establishment of Solomon's kingdom is a testament to God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Israel's history. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marks a period of peace and prosperity for Israel. 2. DavidThe second king of Israel, David is a central figure in the Bible, known for his heart for God, his psalms, and his military conquests. He is Solomon's father and predecessor on the throne. 3. The Throne of DavidSymbolizes the Davidic dynasty and God's covenant with David, promising that his descendants would rule Israel. 4. The Kingdom of IsraelUnder Solomon, the kingdom reaches its zenith in terms of wealth, influence, and territorial expansion. 5. Establishment of the KingdomThis event marks the transition of power from David to Solomon, signifying stability and divine favor. Teaching Points Divine Appointment and SuccessionSolomon's ascension to the throne was not just a political event but a fulfillment of God's promise to David. It reminds us of the importance of divine timing and appointment in leadership. The Importance of a Firm FoundationThe phrase "firmly established" indicates stability and security. In our lives, we should seek to establish our endeavors on a firm foundation of faith and obedience to God. Wisdom in LeadershipSolomon's reign is marked by wisdom, a gift from God. As believers, we should seek God's wisdom in our decisions and leadership roles. Legacy and ContinuityDavid's legacy continued through Solomon, emphasizing the impact of our actions and faithfulness on future generations. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe establishment of Solomon's kingdom is a testament to God's faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's establishment as king reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to David? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our personal and spiritual lives are "firmly established" like Solomon's kingdom? 3. How does Solomon's wisdom, as seen in his writings, influence our understanding of godly leadership today? 4. What lessons can we learn from the transition of power from David to Solomon about preparing the next generation for leadership? 5. How does the fulfillment of God's promises in Solomon's reign encourage us in our own walk of faith? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage would endure and that his kingdom would be established forever, is fulfilled in Solomon's reign. 1 Chronicles 28-29David's preparation for Solomon's reign and the building of the Temple, highlighting the continuity of God's plan through David's lineage. Proverbs 1:1Solomon's wisdom, as seen in the Proverbs, is a testament to his God-given ability to lead and establish his kingdom. Matthew 1:1-17The genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back to David and Solomon, showing the fulfillment of God's promises through the Davidic line. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics David, Established, Firmly, Greatly, Kingdom, Rule, Safe, Sat, Seat, Seated, Solomon, Strong, ThroneDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:12 5581 throne 5701 heir 5953 stability 1 Kings 2:1-12 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 2:10-12 5366 king 7240 Jerusalem, history 1 Kings 2:12-25 5119 Solomon, life of Library The Horns of the Altar WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father... 11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is … St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge? Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them? Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed? Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence … Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39 And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and … Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch. The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, … E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters … George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Kings The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 2:12 NIV1 Kings 2:12 NLT1 Kings 2:12 ESV1 Kings 2:12 NASB1 Kings 2:12 KJV
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