Thur.’s Devo - Getting His House In Order

Solomon was finally the king, but there were some loose ends that needed to be tied. Much like Asaph’s prayer, justice needed to be carried out. The first loose end was Adonijah. He was the next in line for the kingdom though he was overlooked for Solomon. David’s choice to give Solomon the kingdom had to be part of his making things right with Bathsheba. It was also God’s justice for her.
Adonijah tried to use Bathsheba to gain a foothold to the throne. He asked Bathsheba if she would ask Solomon for Abishag’s hand in marriage. It sounded innocent to Bathsheba but when she asked Solomon, he saw right through the plot. If you remember, Abishag was the beautiful young girl they found to sleep beside David and keep him warm at night. He married her but never had sex with her. This maneuver cost Adonijah his life.
The next loose end Solomon had was Abiathar, the priest who had plotted with Adonijah. He was stripped of his priestly office and sent home.
The third loose end was Joab who had also sided with Adonijah. When he heard of what happened to Abiathar, he went and took hold of the horns of the altar begging for mercy. David had him killed right there by the altar. Joab finally paid for the murders of Abner and Amasa.
The last loose end was Shimei. He was the man who had cursed David when he was fleeing from Absalom. He put him on house arrest and could never leave Jerusalem. If he did, he would be killed. Three years later, two of his slaves ran away and he ran after them to another city to brought them home. Solomon was told about it and now had a right to kill him.
Now, Solomon’s kingdom was secure and he had a huge celebration and sacrificed so many offerings to the Lord it got his attention. He came down and visited Solomon in a dream to ask him what he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead the people and discernment to know what was good and bad. God was pleased with his request and promised him wealth and fame.
Lord, we pray with Solomon for wisdom to know how to lead those you put under us and discernment to know what is good and what is evil.