Who's Next?

Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon.  And they blew the horn, and all the people said, "Long live King Solomon!"

--1 Kings 1:39  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on June 5, 2013 of Psalm 105:12-22; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 1 Kings 1.

The first book of Kings opens with the declaration that "King David was old, advanced in years".  David reigned for forty years over the united kingdom of Israel and Judah.  The scripture gives the impression that he may have pretty much been confined to his bed and it is unlikely at any rate that he had much of anything to do with the day to day tasks of administration, activities that would have fallen to the likes of Joab, the commander, Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, and Nathan, the prophet.  Adonijah, who now would have been the oldest of David's surviving sons, took the opportunity of his father's infirmity and absence from office to exalt himself as king.  He amassed some chariots and horsemen and a small force of men in preparation for assuming the throne.  At this point our author provides a very interesting parenthetical comment that hints at the notion that Adonijah may have been spoiled, never disciplined by his father.  So he may have thought he could get away with anything he wanted.  He managed to get Joab and Abiathar to go along with him, but excluded Nathan, Zadok, and Solomon, David's son by Bathsheeba, from his plans.  Nathan and Bathsheeba went to the king, who knew nothing of Adonijah's scheme.  Apparently David had promised Bathsheeba that their son Solomon would succeed him as king over all of Israel and Judah, so David ordered that it would be so.  Zadok and Nathan were to take Solomon, riding on David's own mule so all the people would know the king himself had chosen his successor, and go to Gihon, there to anoint Solomon as king.  After this was accomplished, the trumpets sounded and the people recognized Solomon as their rightful ruler.  Adonijah was foiled in his attempt to take the crown and, fearing Solomon, swore allegiance to the new king.

With a little help, David came to the realization that he could no longer do his job adequately.  Before someone else not of his choosing could take over, he set events in motion to have his preferred successor take over for him, with his overt blessings.  We need to show similar wisdom.  We should not hold onto the reins so tightly after we get to the point we can no longer control them.  We should train and appoint someone to take over for us, lest the choice be taken from us.  Solomon assumed the throne with God's and his father's permission and blessings.  We must pray to our Father for His blessings over our chosen successor.  May God honor our prayer.  Amen.

Lord God, there comes a time when we can no longer fill the role we play in life.  Please give us the wisdom to know when to start grooming someone to learn our job, and then bless them to take over for us.  We ask that You bless them also, that they may be even more successful than we could ever be.  Please, Father, grant our plea.  In the dear name of our Savior Jesus we pray.  Amen.