1 Kings 1 Devotional: God Picks the Next King

Verses to read

• “most certainly as I swore to you by Yahweh, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place;’ I will most certainly do this today.”

  1 Kings 1:30

• “Also the king said, ‘Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne today, my eyes even seeing it.’”

  1 Kings 1:48

Why did Adonijah try to become king?

Adonijah was one of David's oldest sons. He was handsome and had many followers. He saw that his father was dying and decided he should be the boss. He did not ask God what to do. He did not ask his father, King David, either.

Adonijah threw a big party and told everyone he was the new king. He thought he could take the throne by acting fast. This reminds us that sometimes people try to do things their own way instead of waiting for God’s timing.

How did God protect the promise?

God had already chosen Solomon to be the next king. A prophet named Nathan knew this. A prophet is a person who speaks messages from God. Nathan went to Solomon's mother, Bathsheba, and told her they needed to talk to the king.

They told King David about Adonijah’s secret party. David remembered his promise to God and to Bathsheba. Even though David was tired, he took action right away. He sent his helpers to put Solomon on a mule and announce him as the real king.

What happens when God chooses a leader?

When Solomon was named king, the people were very happy. They played flutes and shouted so loudly that the ground shook. When Adonijah heard the noise, he got very scared. He realized that his plan had failed because it was not what God wanted.

This shows us that no human plan can stop what God has decided. Solomon did not have to fight for the throne. God moved the hearts of the right people to make sure the right king was chosen at the right time.

What does this mean for us today?

We can learn that God is faithful. A long time ago, God told David that his family would always lead. By making Solomon king, God was keeping that promise. Eventually, Jesus would be born from this same family line.

When we feel worried that things are going wrong, we can look at 1 Kings 1. It reminds us that God is watching over His plans. We do not need to push our way to the front. We can trust God to put us exactly where He wants us to be.

Common questions

Who was Adonijah in the Bible?

Adonijah was the fourth son of King David. He tried to become king because he was the oldest living son, but God had chosen his younger brother Solomon instead.

Why was King David so cold in 1 Kings 1?

King David was very old and his body could no longer stay warm on its own. The Bible mentions this to show that his time as king was coming to an end.

What is the main lesson of 1 Kings 1?

The main lesson is that God is faithful to His word. Even when people plot and plan for themselves, God ensures His chosen leaders and plans succeed.

Who helped Solomon become king?

Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, helped by telling King David about Adonijah's plan. Zodok the priest and Benaiah the soldier also helped crown him.