King Solomon

I'm starting a new Bible Study series in my Sunday School class on King Solomon, using the 1 Kings 1-11 text. It will be interesting to have this great king of Israel "come to life", as we learn about who he is and how he lived and reigned. It may help us to better understand where he was at in his life as he wrote Song of Songs, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. As I start the series, I am struck by the glimpse into his background and family life in the first chapter. While David was a great king and a man after God's own heart, he was not such a great role model in the home. Having many wives and concubines was a bad example to his sons, and we see that Solomon ended up following in the footsteps of his father. We also see the resulting political struggles, with Adonijah trying to become king, taking advantage of King David's illness in old age; in a similar manner as Absalom's earlier failed attempt. He purposely left Solomon out, along with all the others who supported Solomon as God's choice for the next king. Adonijah would've killed Solomon and his mother Bathsheba, if he had been successful in claiming the throne. In this passage, we are reminded of all the dysfunction in this family: Adonijah likely being the eldest son still alive, because of the death of Amnon after the rape of Tamar, the death of Absalom, David's adultery with Bathsheba, etc. Verse 6 even says that David never stepped in to question the actions of Adonijah. I do wonder how much of an effect David's neglect as a father had upon Solomon. For one, it did hurt his family relationships and put his life in danger. However, it is reassuring to see that God is ultimately in control; and that he truly is the one who establishes authority. He has a Plan, and He worked it out throughout Solomon's life.