BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

The book of Kings opens with David on his deathbed, offering final words of advice to his son, Solomon. At first, David’s speech sounds similar to the final words of Moses, Joshua, and Samuel: Stay faithful to Yahweh and to his torah.

Then David spends his final, final breaths urging Solomon to murder all his enemies. What? The famous king’s reign proves to be a mix of wisdom and violence-fueled folly right up to the end. After this strange, ominous speech, David dies.

Soon after David’s death, violence tears through his family again. What happens echoes David’s story—a beautiful woman taken to lie with the king, a handsome prince who wants the throne, and priests and soldiers waiting in the wings.

Adonijah grasps for power by plotting to marry his father’s concubine. When King Solomon learns about his half-brother’s scheme, he sends his hitman, Benaiah, to bring Adonijah’s insurrection to a bloody end. Then, Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter, forming an alliance with Israel’s ancient enemy to shore up his own power. The king’s first steps are carrying him down a foolish path.

When Yahweh appears to Solomon in a dream, Solomon asks for wisdom to govern Israel well. Is the new king getting on the right track? Watch the video to preview the reign of Solomon and his successors in the book of Kings.

Reflection Questions

• What parallels do you notice between the opening chapters of 2 Samuel and the opening chapters of 1 Kings? Thinking about how the story might unfold, what expectations do these hyperlinks create for you?
• Meditate on Solomon’s request for wisdom. What hyperlinks to Genesis 1-3 do you notice? How does this help you understand Solomon’s prayer?