As King David’s days wind down he finds himself unable to keep warm. He is also faced with how to (along with Bathsheba) ensure there would be a smooth transition of kingship to his son Solomon. Major palace intrigue!
The way of kings is very flawed and fraught with imperfection and trouble. It seems to be in mankind’s heart to have others rule over us rather than the One Who created us. Pretty sad.
We complete the book of 2 Samuel and take in the first chapters of 1 Kings 1-4 so we can observe the unfolding of the third link in the united Kingdom.
Saul had no heart, David a whole heart, and Solomon had half a heart. Moving forward there will be a split kingdom and to two sets of kings – one dynasty over the northern kingdom of Israel, the other over the southern kingdom of Judah. Which tribe is David’s lineage? Who is the lion from the tribe of Judah?
“I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:1-5
Imagine the regrets David experienced as a father.
Onward and upward! Next we engage the Psalms in all of their heart-glory, returning to 1 Kings when we have completed all 150 Psalms!
Hope you are enjoying the structure and encouragement.
These are words of life – and worth the pursuit!
Dave & Burnadette