In 1 Kings, we read about David passing the throne on to Solomon. We saw that David had to hurry and assemble Nathan, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah at Gihon to annoint Solomon before the people to discredit Adonijah's claim to the throne. Here, at the end of 1 Chronicles, we get a little more detail regarding what went on in that ceremony.
David tells the people of his plans for building the temple for the Lord, and states that it was specifically the Lord who placed both him and Solomon as kings over Israel. It's interesting to note, that with a few exceptions, the kingship did not flow in the usual royal way in Israel. David was not Saul's heir, and Solomon was not David's rightful heir (oldest son). Later, as we read in 2 Samuel, often God appointed new kings that were not even related to the previous king. The kingdom of Israel belonged to the Lord, not David or Solomon or anyone else. Therefore, the role of the king was really to be God's deputy, commissioned to carry out God's will for the nation. God could pick and choose who he wanted without regard for the "royal line." When the kings ceased to be effective deputies, God appointed a new man. David reminds Solomon of this as he commissions him.
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
It's always important to listen to people's "last words." In these verses David breaks down for Solomon some principles to guide him through life. While I don't expect any of us are going to build an awesome temple for the Lord with tons of gold and silver and precious stones, or rule a kingdom, the principles still apply to our lives. My Life Application Study Bible outlines them. They struck a chord with me, so I wanted to share them with all of you too!
1.Get to know God personally. Acknowledge the God of your father. It's not enough that he is the God of your father, or grandfather or mother's neighbor's cousin. YOU acknowledge him and get to know him!
2. Learn God's commands and discover what he wants you to do. Serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind. How do you learn God's commands? Read the Bible! By learning God's commands, you'll have the guiding principles to help you know what he would have you to do with your life.
3. Worship God. Not half-heartedly but with wholehearted devotion. God is certainly worthy of it. David points out many times in these chapters that all he had came from God. An attitude like that certainly encourages devotion to God as well as cheerful giving.
4. Serve God with a willing mind. Be willing to do what God asks of you. Eagerly seek more knowledge of him.
5. Be faithful. Seek God consistently in all areas of your life.
6. Don't become discouraged. Be strong and do the work. It's so easy to get bogged down in the details that we can feel like maybe we should just give up. Don't get or become discouraged! God has great plans!
We see that, initially, Solomon listened. When God said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you," Solomon famously asked for wisdom and knowledge. If God offered you the same thing, what would you ask for? Jesus states in Matthew 6:33:
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
It's all about priorities. Because Solomon had his in line here, God gave him wealth, riches and honor as well. While I don't think that we are necessarily guaranteed the same, I do think that when we put God first, the wisdom he gives us will help us to live rich, rewarding lives. Even if not necessarily from a worldly perspective. I'm challenged to look at my priorities today and see if I'm really seeking God's kingdom first. How about you?
