There is quite a discrepancy between the two versions of how Solomon became king. In I Kings we read of Adonijah’s expectation that he would succeed his father, with the confidence that his father would not say anything against Adonijah’s actions (I Kings 1:5-6). He moved his plan forward by hosting a large celebration and sacrificial feast, with all his brothers except Solomon in attendance (I Kings 1:7-10). In response, Nathan and Bathsheba interceded to make sure that from his deathbed David appointed Solomon to succeed him (I Kings 1:11-40).

We have seen how, as the Chronicler recounted the history of Israel, he decided to leave out some of the messiness of the story of David. That happens again here. There is no hint that David was on his deathbed as he gave instructions to Solomon (I Chronicles 22:6-16) and to the leaders of Israel (I Chronicles 22:17-19), nor is there any indication about a succession crisis. Indeed, a few chapters from now the Chronicler will let us see an apparently still hale and hearty David giving a major speech before the whole assembly of Israel, publicly naming Solomon as his successor and commissioning him to build the temple (I Chronicles 29:1-4).

David told Solomon that his heart had been set on building a temple for the Lord, but could not do so because he had been a man of war, having shed much blood on the earth (22:7-8). Thus it would be his son Solomon (in Hebrew, Sh’lomo) who would do so, because he was a man of peace (shalom). David recounted to Solomon that the Lord had told him, “a son shall be born to you; he shall be a man of peace. I will give him peace from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days” (22:9).

When our enemies are attacking, we look for a David, a warrior ready to fight: but we long for the days of battle to be succeeded by years of peace, led by someone whose name means peace, who will establish peace for the kingdom and for all the people of the kingdom. Solomon would make a good start in this direction; but as we shall see, this promising beginning was not sustained.

* * * * *

Like the Chronicler we want to spin the story, O God, when the facts are not pretty: teach us to tell the truth even when it is not to our advantage to do so. And establish us in peace, in the life of the Prince of Peace: we need for you to do it, Lord, for it is clear that our strength is not enough.

If you find these studies helpful, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Thanks!