Day 121: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94

1 Kings begins with more detail about David's last days. I suppose the death of a king is a time when those who crave power do their best to get it. Even though David had already named Solomon to be his successor his half brother Adonijah had designs on the throne. He put together quite a following. I think it's interesting that the writer adds a bit of comment on David's parenting...

Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?”) (1 Kings 1:5-6)

Anyway, with Nathan's and Bathsheba's help David is made aware of the Adonijah's plot and it is headed off.

After taking care of some unfinished business with Adonijah and his followers and with Shimei, 1 Kings chapter 2 closes with these words:

The kingdom was now established in Solomon’s hands. (1 Kings 2:46)

David's last days, and Solomon's first days as king were occupied with dealing with enemies...with evil men. I think these 3 Psalms are very fitting addition to today's reading. They all contain thoughts and advice for coping in an evil world and with evil people. Basically the advice is "Don't worry about it."

Do not fret because of those who are evil
   or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
   like green plants they will soon die away. (Psalm 37:1-2)

Whatever success an evil person has is definitely temporary. Bad things do happen to good people but in the big picture (eternity) righteousness will prevail. God will see to it.

I was young and now I am old,
   yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
   or their children begging bread.
They are always generous and lend freely;
   their children will be a blessing. (Psalm 37:25-26)

We can celebrate our deliverance from sin and evil and suffering already because it is absolutely guaranteed...

I will praise you with the harp
   for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
   Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy
   when I sing praise to you—
   I whom you have delivered. (Psalm 71:22-23)