Like the Book of Samuel, Kings was originally one entire text that eventually was split into two separate works. The books of Kings picks up the story with David and describe the ascension of Solomon to the throne and completes the history to the exile of Judah. It covers nearly three hundred years of history and will describe the rise of Solomon, the split of northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms, the fall of Israel to the Assyrians and finally the fall of Judah to the Babylonians.
Throughout the books a general theme of commitment (or lack thereof) to the covenant with God is that which defines good from bad kings.The kings are viewed through the Deuteronomic lens, do they adhere to the covenant, if so they are blessed and if not they are cursed. But it is not just the kings, the kings just represent the behavior of the people, if the kings behave, than the people are behaving. The authors tell us who does right in the eyes of the Lord, and who does not.
So how does Solomon become king, after all he is pretty far down the line. We are told in 1 Kings 1 that Adonijah is now in line, after the death of Amnon and Absalom and he takes it upon himself to name himself king. David is old, possibly senile but definitely weak. David's servants arrange for a young virgin to be brought in to serve him, hoping this will offer the image of a young vibrant king, but it does not seem to work. So Adonijah begins his campaign to look royal and manuevers to gain support of key members of David's inner circle including Joab.
Of course on key playing, Nathan the prophet is not involved in this process. Nathan speaks to Bethsheba and they put their own plan into motion. Bethsheba goes into David and claims that David promised to make Solomon his heir. A careful reading of Samuel shows that no such promise took place. On the heels of Bethsheba's audience with David, Nathan comes with the same claim. David, fooled or not, then puts his own actions in play. He officially sanctions a public ceremony to announce Solomon as king, even while Adonijah is celebrating his own "coronation." When word comes to Adonijah, his supporters are fearful for they have just participate in treason. Adonijah, himself, now fears for his own life. Solomon will decide his fate, based upon the kind of man Adonijah is.
Much happens in 1 Kings 2 to lay the foundations of Solomon's rule and the history of Israel. David speaks to Solomon and informs him of the covenant that God has made with the David and his house. Solomon only needs to follow in the ways of the Lord and he will be blessed. David also informs Solomon to take care of Joab and deal with Joab according to his sins. He also instructs Solomon to deal wisely with those who supported David in recovering the throne.
First, Solomon must deal with Adonijah. Recall that the jury has been out on Adonijah so when he comes to Bathsheba and requests the concubine, he shows his cards. A concubine, or harem, is seen as the power and property of the king. In asking for Abishag, Adonijah is in essence asking for the throne. To give up Abishag, Solomon might look weak and subservient to his older brother. Adonijah has made his claim, so Solomon makes his move and has him killed.
Next up are those who supported Adonijah, Abiathar the priest, Joab and Shimei. Abiathar is exiled, the final link to Eli is now broken and the line of Zadok takes over the priesthood. Shimei is put under house arrest and when he breaks the house arrest he is put to death. Joab sees the writing on the wall, and goes to the tent of the Ark, thinking he can find some sort of sanctuary. However, he cannot escape his death.
Solomon has consolidated his power and now his story can begin.
Psalm 55
The psalmist speaks from a very unique perspective in this poem. Most poems speak of one who has been afflicted by enemies, or those who are wicked. In this psalm, we hear of one who has been hurt by a friend, a "companion." The psalmist seeks to be vindicated, and judgment to rain down upon the treacherous friend.
As always, the psalmist trust in God to redeem and save.
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