June 7 – Adonijah’s not so humble request

June 7
1 Kings 2:1-3:2
Acts 5:1-42
Psalm 125:1-5
Proverbs 16:25

1 Kings 2:3 – King David give his most important advice to Solomon. Be a man (1 Kings 2:2). But most importantly – obey the LORD thy God. David’s charge to Solomon here uses language from Psalm 119. Ways (6x in Ps119), Statutes (22x in Ps119), Commandments (22x in Ps119), Judgments (22x in Ps119), Testimonies (23x in Ps119), Law (25x in Ps119). 120 times in Psalm 119 he uses the 6 words to refer to the requirements of God. Why?

That thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest. Prosperity is the dominant desire of America for the last hundred plus years. One of the more interesting characters is Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich (1937), one of the 10 best selling self-help books of all time. We need to follow the LORD and we can prosper – without having to buy any other books!

1 Kings 2:5 – Joab, a man that has stood out in the passages. David has not forgotten his deeds unto Abner and Amasa. Because Joab was loyal to David, David must deal tactfully with Joab, so David lets Solomon tend to the problem. We see David has a good memory of his friends (Barzillai) and his enemies (Shimei).

1 Kings 2:17 – Such a simple request – that cost him his life (1 Kings 2:25). Because Adonijah was the consort of the great King David.

1 Kings 2:39-40 – While not exactly applicable, the principle of Deuteronomy 23:15 applies.

1 Kings 3:1 – Leviticus 18:3 warned against the doings of the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 17:16 warned about causing the people to return to Egypt.

Acts 5:5 – God has the power to bring the dead to life, and to take the living to death. Not all signs (Acts 5:12) were positive situations for rejoicing.

Acts 5:21 – John on the Isle of Patmos records the last words of Jesus to us: I have set before thee an open door. The door was opened so that they could go, stand and preach!

Acts 5:33 – The same God who broke up Adonijah’s war party with intense fear, allowed Gamaliel to be the tool to spare His servants and to further their ministry.

Psalm 125:1 – The promise of I Kings 2:3 has just been expanded to all that trust in the LORD. This promise applies to you – IF you trust and obey!

Proverbs 16:25 – Does God want you to follow your heart? No, He just wants you to follow Him!