1 Kings 1:32-48 “Decisive Leadership”
David had given his word to Bathsheba that their son Solomon would be his successor to the throne. Solomon was loved by God as seen in a word from Nathan the prophet at his birth (2 Samuel 12:24-25). Being reminded of this, David was decisive calling key people to appoint, anoint and proclaim Solomon as king. Adonijah had taken advantage of David’s age and weakness to assert himself. This appealed to several key people including Joab, commander of David’s army, and some spiritual leaders. However, because of the loyalty of key people to David and his decisive action in appointing, anointing, and proclaiming Solomon as king, the public had a clear understanding of David’s heart and God’s will. The ground swell of celebration in Solomon being made king made certain his future reign as king. Though David was weak physically, his decisive leadership insured God’s will in this key moment of Israel’s history.
