ESOCS Devotional 20 September 2021
TEXT: 1 KINGS 2:1-18
MEMORY VERSE: “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8).
Bathsheba said to King Solomon her son, “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “Do not refuse me.” The king replied, “Make it, my mother; I will not refuse you.” So she said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given in marriage to your brother Adonijah” (1 Kings 2:20-21 NIV).
It is only the mind of a person filled with wisdom that easily see the plot in Adonijah’s request through Bathsheba. It was like dynamite.
The request appeared innocent and devoid of deceit; but it was full of tricks. Solomon understood the implications immediately; that the desire to marry Abishag was part of his brother’s ongoing attempt to take over the kingdom Israel from him. In those days of royal harem, taking possession of a king’s concubine was a declaration of one’s right to the throne. As a result, since Abishag was considered part of King David’s harem, her marriage to Adonijah would have strengthened the usurper’s claim to the throne. Therefore, Adonijah’s desire was a big threat to the establishment of Solomon’s rule and kingdom. As a result, the only way out was to kill him that same day.
Several lessons could be deduced to serve as caution to others. First, it is clear that a struggle for power can cause people to turn to deceit, violence, and lawlessness, especially where the will of God is not respected. Secondly, God is the one who ultimately appoints rulers; not people. Thirdly, there are consequences for sin; and in his own case, his desire cost him his life
We are counselled to submit to God’s will, and to live contentedly with the status God has given us in life.
- Endeavour to be contented and to seek God’s will at all time.
- Father, give me the spirit to seek your will at all time.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Nehemiah 4:15-End; Matthew 10:34-41; 1 Corinthians 6:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 20 September 2021
