Bible Pathways - April 21, 2005
April 21
Read I Kings 1 -- 2:25
In Today's
David's son, Adonijah, revolts; Joab defects; Abiathar defects; King David charges Solomon to be obedient to God's Word
As we grow old, all of us want to remain useful; but increasing age continues to diminish our strength and narrow our options. Now King David was old and stricken in years (I Kings 1:1). Just like anyone else, the beloved king became physically feeble. But his spiritual insight had grown even stronger. Spiritual alertness is maintained as we continue to take in and share God's Word with others.
David said nothing to Solomon about amassing wealth or enlarging his kingdom. Instead, he stressed the true values of living in obedience to the Supreme King of
God had commanded that Israel's king must not cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD has said to you, You shall hereafter return no more that way (Deuteronomy 17:16). Sadly, we read that Solomon's first years as king were occupied in accumulating 40,000 horses for himself (see I Kings 4:26).
God had also commanded all the kings to intimately know His Word: He shall write him a copy of this Law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may . . . do (follow) them (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). The division and eventual destruction of the
Word Studies:
1:2 cherish = be of service as his nurse; 1:6 not displeased = never corrected; 2:6 hoar = gray; 2:17 say thee nay = refuse to grant your request.
Christ Revealed:
By the oil used to anoint Solomon (I Kings 1:39). Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) mean "The Anointed One." Oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, was poured out upon those chosen by God for special service. Jesus is God's Anointed One who declared: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me (Luke 4:18). We also have been anointed as His chosen vessels (II Corinthians 1:21).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BP Staff: Mary Kay Wagner · Country:
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 5:17