29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. -1 Kings 4:29-30 From the perspective of the author of 1 Kings, Solomon’s strength was found in his wisdom. Despite his vast riches and power as leader of Israel, the focus remained on Solomon’s understanding rather than... Read more
11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so... Read more
2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires…” -1 Kings 2:2-3 When David gave the kingdom to his son Solomon, he left him with bold words. Three key commands were presented that are worthy of our attention: “Be strong”: Successful leadership requires strength. This includes physical, spiritual, and mental toughness that will help a leader endure times of challenge and... Read more
29 The king then took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.” -1 Kings 1:29-30 David had lived a successful life. A military leader and later king, God had led him on an incredible... Read more
But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” -2 Samuel 24:24 As king, David could have selected any location to present an offering to the Lord. The location he chose belonged to another man who said David could have it for free. Sounds good, doesn’t it? But not to David. He declared, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord... Read more
These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs: 2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.” -2 Samuel 23:1-2 Last words reveal a lot about a person. In David’s case, we know what they were. As expected, they speak of the Lord. Perhaps unexpected,... Read more
47 “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior! 48 He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me, 49 who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. 50 Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. -2 Samuel 22:47-50 The entire chapter of 2 Samuel 22 is a song of... Read more
15 Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted. 16 And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David. 17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “Never again... Read more
23 Joab was over Israel’s entire army; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; 24 Adoniram was in charge of forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; 25 Sheva was secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 26 and Ira the Jairite was David’s priest. -2 Samuel 20:23-26 David’s leadership was shared leadership. Rather than reigning as a power-seeking tyrant, history and Scripture records his team of closest advisers. They include Benaiah, leader of certain lands. Adoniram directed forced labor or... Read more
34 But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? 35 I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will cross over the... Read more
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Holy Writ
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