I Kings 1 – 2 and Psalm 37, 71, and 94 and Men in Bllack 3

I Kings 1 – 2 and Psalm 37, 71, and 94

I Kings 1 – 2 detail how Solomon came to have the kingdom firmly in his grip. While David was still alive, but very weak, David’s second son, Adonijah, decided that he should be king. He gather together a bunch of chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him, probably with the intention to make himself appear important. Several members of David’s staff sided with him; a number of others supported Solomon, whom David had said would be his successor.

Supporters of Adonijah were Joab son of Zeruiah, Abiathar the priest and possibly, Adonijah’s brothers. Supporters of Solomon were Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei and David’s personal bodyguard.

Nathan the prophet persuaded Bathsheba (mother of Solomon) to contact David and let him know what is happening. While Bathsheba was talking with David, Nathan came in and confirmed this. David acted swiftly and called Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada and arranged a public anointing of Solomon in Jerusalem, including having Solomon go to the ceremony on David’s own mule. This celebration interrupted a party Adonijah was holding and , when they found out what was happening, his guests left in a panic.

After Solomon’s anointing, David gave him some final instructions that Solomon took to heart, most important of which was “Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways, . Keep the decrees, commands, regulations and laws written in the law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.”

David also used this conversation to take care of some people who had not treated him well. Solomon responded to these requests very cleverly.

Of the three Psalms we read today, I was most struck by the “life” advice given in Psalm 37:3-7, which says, “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”

Tomorrow, it’s Psalm 119:1 – 88.

Men in Black 3

Today, I got to see Men in Black 3. It is a great movie – lots of excitement, horrible aliens, and insight into the back story of the Men in Black series. If you get a chance, please see it.

Until next time…