Anchor My Faith

The Rise of Solomon: God Establishes a Kingdom of Wisdom and Peace

Author: Stephen Weller
1,398 words, 7 minutes read time.

Section 1: 1 Kings 1:1–27 – Adonijah’s Attempt to Take the Throne

Overview:
As King David grows old and weak, his son Adonijah exalts himself and declares that he will be king. He gathers support from key leaders, including Joab and Abiathar the priest, and prepares a royal feast to solidify his claim. However, he does not invite Solomon, whom God had chosen. Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba recognize the threat and act quickly to inform David, reminding him of his promise that Solomon would reign. This moment reveals the tension between human ambition and God’s sovereign plan.

Theological Themes:

• God’s sovereignty over leadership and succession.
• The danger of self-exaltation and ambition.
• Faithful intervention to uphold God’s will.

Key Verse:
1 Kings 1:5 – “Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What was wrong with Adonijah’s attempt to become king?
   Answer: He acted out of self-promotion without seeking God’s will, opposing God’s chosen plan for Solomon.
2. How did Nathan and Bathsheba respond to this crisis?
   Answer: They acted wisely and courageously to ensure that God’s will was fulfilled through Solomon.
3. What does this passage teach about leadership and ambition?
   Answer: True leadership comes from God’s calling, not human striving or self-exaltation.

Section 2: 1 Kings 1:28–53 – Solomon Anointed King

Overview:
David responds decisively, affirming Solomon as his chosen successor. He commands that Solomon be placed on the royal mule, anointed by Zadok the priest, and publicly declared king. The people rejoice with great celebration, and Solomon’s reign is established. Adonijah’s followers scatter in fear, and Adonijah himself seeks mercy. Solomon spares his life conditionally, showing both justice and grace. God’s chosen king is now firmly established on the throne.

Theological Themes:

• God’s plan prevails over human schemes.
• Legitimate authority is established by God.
• Mercy extended even to those who opposed God’s will.

Key Verse:
1 Kings 1:39 – “Then Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, ‘Long live King Solomon!’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How was Solomon’s kingship confirmed?
   Answer: Through David’s command, priestly anointing, and public recognition by the people.
2. What does Solomon’s treatment of Adonijah reveal about his leadership?
   Answer: He shows mercy, but also expects righteousness, demonstrating balanced leadership.
3. What does this section teach about God’s authority?
   Answer: God’s purposes cannot be overthrown; His chosen leader will be established.

Section 3: 1 Kings 2:1–12 – David’s Charge to Solomon

Overview:
As David nears death, he gives Solomon final instructions. He urges him to walk in God’s ways, keep His commandments, and live faithfully so that his kingdom may prosper. David also gives instructions regarding unresolved matters of justice, including dealing with Joab and Shimei. Solomon’s success is tied not merely to political strength but to obedience to God. After David’s death, Solomon is firmly established as king.

Theological Themes:

• Obedience to God as the foundation of leadership.
• The importance of faithfulness to God’s Word.
• Justice and righteousness in governance.

Key Verse:
1 Kings 2:3 – “And keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes… that you may prosper in all that you do.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What was David’s primary instruction to Solomon?
   Answer: To walk in obedience to God and keep His commandments.
2. Why is obedience more important than political power?
   Answer: Because true success and stability come from God’s favor, not human strength.
3. What does this passage teach about leadership?
   Answer: Leadership must be rooted in faithfulness to God and guided by His Word.

Section 4: 1 Kings 2:13–46 – Solomon Establishes His Kingdom

Overview:
After David’s death, Adonijah makes another attempt at power by requesting Abishag as his wife, a move interpreted as a claim to the throne. Solomon responds decisively, ordering Adonijah’s execution. He also removes Abiathar from the priesthood, executes Joab for his past crimes, and later judges Shimei for disobedience. Through these actions, Solomon secures the kingdom and removes threats to God’s established order. His reign begins with justice and stability.

Theological Themes:

• The necessity of justice in establishing righteousness.
• God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises (removal of Eli’s line).
• The seriousness of rebellion against God’s appointed authority.

Key Verse:
1 Kings 2:46 – “So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did Solomon act firmly against Adonijah and others?
   Answer: To remove threats to the kingdom and uphold God’s established authority.
2. How does this passage reflect God’s justice?
   Answer: It shows that wrongdoing is eventually judged and that God’s purposes are fulfilled.
3. What can we learn about leadership from Solomon’s actions?
   Answer: Leaders must uphold justice and protect what God has entrusted to them.

Section 5: 1 Kings 3:1–15 – Solomon Asks for Wisdom

Overview:
Solomon begins his reign by forming alliances and worshiping God. In a dream at Gibeon, God invites him to ask for anything. Rather than wealth or power, Solomon asks for wisdom to govern God’s people. God is pleased with his request and grants him unparalleled wisdom, along with riches and honor. Solomon’s heart for wise leadership reflects humility and dependence on God, setting the tone for his reign.

Theological Themes:

• The value of wisdom over wealth and power.
• God’s generosity in answering righteous requests.
• Leadership rooted in humility and dependence on God.

Key Verse:
1 Kings 3:9 – “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did Solomon ask for wisdom instead of wealth or power?
   Answer: He recognized his need to lead God’s people well and depended on God’s guidance.
2. How did God respond to Solomon’s request?
   Answer: He granted wisdom and also added riches and honor as a blessing.
3. What does this teach us about prayer?
   Answer: God delights in requests that align with His purposes and often gives beyond what we ask.

Section 6: 1 Kings 3:16–28 – Solomon’s Wisdom Demonstrated

Overview:
Two women come before Solomon, both claiming to be the mother of the same child. With no witnesses, Solomon proposes dividing the child in two. The true mother immediately offers to give up her claim to save the child’s life, revealing her identity. Solomon awards the child to her, displaying remarkable wisdom. The people of Israel recognize that God’s wisdom is in him, strengthening his authority as king.

Theological Themes:

• God-given wisdom revealed through discernment.
• True love and sacrifice as evidence of truth.
• God’s wisdom as a source of righteous judgment.

Key Verse:
1 Kings 3:28 – “And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What made Solomon’s judgment so wise?
   Answer: He revealed the truth by appealing to the mother’s love rather than relying on evidence alone.
2. What does this story teach about true love?
   Answer: True love is selfless and willing to sacrifice for the good of others.
3. How did this event affect Solomon’s reputation?
   Answer: It confirmed that God’s wisdom was in him, strengthening his leadership.

Section 7: 1 Kings 4:1–34 – Solomon’s Kingdom of Peace and Wisdom

Overview:
Solomon organizes his government with officials, priests, and administrators, establishing order and efficiency. Israel experiences peace and prosperity, with people living securely from Dan to Beersheba. Solomon’s wisdom becomes renowned, and he speaks proverbs, composes songs, and teaches about nature. People from all nations come to hear his wisdom. His reign reflects a golden age of blessing, peace, and divine favor.

Theological Themes:

• God’s blessing resulting in peace and prosperity.
• Wisdom as a gift that benefits an entire nation.
• God’s promises fulfilled in Israel’s stability and influence.

Key Verse:
1 Kings 4:29 – “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What characterized Solomon’s reign during this time?
   Answer: Peace, prosperity, wise leadership, and national stability.
2. How did Solomon’s wisdom impact other nations?
   Answer: It drew people from around the world, spreading God’s reputation.
3. What does this chapter reveal about God’s blessing?
   Answer: When leadership aligns with God’s wisdom, it brings peace, order, and flourishing.