1 Kings Chapters 1 & 2, Psalms 37, 71 & 94
We now begin our study in 1 Kings. Here is our time line up to this time
Biblical Chronological Timeline: Genesis to 1 Kings (Approximate traditional dates; pre-monarchy dates are more debated)
Primeval History (Genesis 1–11)
Creation: God creates the universe, earth, and humanity (Adam & Eve) in Eden.
The Fall: Adam and Eve disobey God; sin and death enter the world.
Cain & Abel: First murder.
Noah & the Flood: Global flood due to human wickedness; Noah’s ark preserves life.
Tower of Babel: Languages confused; nations scattered.
Patriarchal Period (Genesis 12–50)
c. 2000–1800 BC — Abraham: Called from Ur to Canaan. God makes covenant (land, descendants, blessing).
Ishmael born.
Isaac born as promised son.
Near-sacrifice of Isaac.
Isaac: Marries Rebekah; fathers Esau and Jacob.
Jacob (Israel):
Obtains birthright and blessing.
Marries Leah & Rachel; fathers 12 sons (tribes of Israel).
Name changed to Israel after wrestling with God.
Joseph: Sold into Egypt, rises to power, saves family during famine → Israelites settle in Goshen (c. 1700 BC).
Exodus & Wilderness (Exodus–Deuteronomy)
c. 1700–1446 BC — Israelites enslaved in Egypt.
c. 1446 BC — Moses leads the Exodus:
Burning bush calling.
Ten Plagues and Passover.
Red Sea crossing.
Mt. Sinai: Ten Commandments and the Law given. Golden Calf.
40 Years in Wilderness:
Spies’ unbelief.
Various rebellions and judgments.
Bronze serpent.
c. 1406 BC — Moses dies; Joshua takes leadership.
Conquest & Judges (Joshua–Judges)
Joshua (c. 1406–1375 BC):
Crosses Jordan.
Conquest of Jericho, Ai, southern & northern Canaan.
Land allotted to the 12 tribes.
Period of the Judges (c. 1375–1050 BC):
Repeated cycles of sin, oppression, deliverance.
Major judges: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah & Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson.
Ruth (during this era).
United Monarchy (1 Samuel – 1 Kings 11)
Samuel (c. 1050 BC): Last judge/prophet. Anoints Saul.
Saul (c. 1050–1010 BC): First king.
Early successes against Philistines.
Disobedience leads to rejection.
David defeats Goliath; Saul pursues David.
Saul and Jonathan die at Mt. Gilboa.
David (c. 1010–970 BC):
King first over Judah, then united Israel.
Captures Jerusalem.
Brings Ark to Jerusalem.
Victories over enemies.
Sin with Bathsheba; Absalom’s rebellion.
Prepares materials for the Temple.
Solomon (c. 970–931 BC):
Succeeds David after court intrigue (1 Kings 1–2).
Prays for wisdom; judges wisely.
Builds and dedicates the First Temple (c. 966–959 BC).
Greatest wealth, trade, and international influence.
Marries foreign wives; turns to idolatry in old age.
Dies (1 Kings 11); kingdom begins to fracture.
Vital Statistics and Blueprint Of 1 Kings
1 Kings is part of the Bible's Historical Books (in the Old Testament). Originally, 1 and 2 Kings formed a single book in Hebrew tradition, later divided in the Greek Septuagint due to length.
Vital Statistics
Author: Unknown. Jewish tradition attributes it (along with 2 Kings) possibly to the prophet Jeremiah, but the text is anonymous. It draws from earlier sources like the "Book of the Acts of Solomon," the "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel," and the "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah."
Date of Writing: Likely composed during or shortly after the Babylonian exile, between ~560–540 BC (final events reference ~561 BC).
Audience: Primarily the exiled people of Judah/Israel, serving as a theological explanation for why the kingdoms fell and a call to covenant faithfulness.
Setting: Covers events from ~971 BC (end of David’s reign) to ~853 BC (reign of Jehoshaphat and Ahab). It spans the united monarchy under Solomon and the early divided kingdoms of Israel (north) and Judah (south).
Key People: David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel, Asa, Jehoshaphat.
Key Themes:
Covenant obedience and the consequences of idolatry/apostasy.
God’s sovereignty and faithfulness despite human failure.
The role of prophets (especially Elijah) confronting kings.
True worship centered on the Temple vs. false worship (e.g., golden calves, Baal).
The Davidic line and hope for a future faithful king.
Purpose: To show how the kings' failure to obey God's law (especially Deuteronomy's standards) led to division and eventual exile, while highlighting God's patience and judgment.
Blueprint / Structural Outline
Here is a common high-level outline of 1 Kings:
The Rise and Establishment of Solomon (Chapters 1–2)
David’s final days and succession struggles.
Adonijah’s failed coup.
Solomon consolidates power and eliminates threats (e.g., Adonijah, Joab, Shimei).
Solomon’s Glorious Reign (Chapters 3–11)
Solomon asks for wisdom at Gibeon.
His wise rule, administration, and prosperity.
Building and dedication of the Temple (the spiritual high point).
Solomon’s wealth, fame (Queen of Sheba), and international influence.
His eventual downfall through foreign wives and idolatry.
The Division of the Kingdom (Chapter 12)
Rehoboam’s harsh policies lead to rebellion.
The kingdom splits: Israel (10 northern tribes, capital Samaria) under Jeroboam and Judah (2 southern tribes, capital Jerusalem) under Rehoboam.
The Early Divided Kingdom and Prophetic Ministry (Chapters 13–22)
Alternating accounts of kings in Israel and Judah, evaluated by their faithfulness to God.
Focus on evil kings in Israel (e.g., Jeroboam’s idolatry, Ahab and Jezebel’s promotion of Baal worship).
Dramatic prophetic confrontations, especially Elijah vs. Ahab/Jezebel (e.g., Mount Carmel, drought, fire from heaven).
Ends with the death of Ahab and Jehoshaphat’s reign in Judah.
Key Verse: A strong candidate is 1 Kings 8:27 (Temple dedication prayer) or the recurring evaluation formula: Kings are judged by whether they “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” or walked in the sins of Jeroboam.
Overall Message: Even the wisest and richest king (Solomon) failed when he turned from wholehearted devotion to God. The book warns that leadership and national blessing depend on covenant loyalty, while pointing forward to the need for a perfect King (fulfilled in Jesus in the New Testament).
This book pairs naturally with 2 Kings, which continues the story through the fall of Israel (722 BC) and Judah (586 BC). Let me know if you'd like chapter-by-chapter details, key lessons, comparisons with 2 Chronicles, or visuals!
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your Word that never fails. As we open the pages of 1 Kings today, we stand in awe of Your sovereign hand over the affairs of kings and kingdoms. Even in the final days of King David’s life, You were faithfully working out Your perfect plan.
Lord, we ask for the spirit of wisdom and discernment as we study these chapters. Help us see clearly the contrast between selfish ambition and humble obedience. Teach us from Adonijah’s presumption and from Solomon’s dependence on Your promise. Give us eyes to understand the importance of honoring our word, walking in integrity, and being courageous in leadership.
Father, just as David charged Solomon to be strong and to walk faithfully in Your ways, we ask that You strengthen us. Help us to keep Your statutes and commandments with whole hearts. Reveal to us any areas where we have allowed compromise or where we need to exercise godly courage and justice.
Holy Spirit, illuminate these ancient stories so they speak powerfully into our lives today. Show us how to trust Your promises even when circumstances look uncertain. Teach us the weight of leadership, the cost of faithfulness, and the blessing of obedience.
We commit this study to You. May our hearts be teachable, our minds sharp, and our lives transformed as a result.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our perfect King, we pray.
Amen.
Looking Back
1 Chronicles 29 recounts the final chapter of King David’s life. In a moving scene of generosity and worship, David presents his own lavish personal offerings of gold, silver, and precious materials for the construction of the Temple. The leaders of Israel follow his example with willing and joyful hearts, giving abundantly. David then offers a beautiful prayer of praise, acknowledging that everything belongs to God and that all their offerings come from God’s own hand. He humbly prays for his son Solomon, asking the Lord to give him a loyal heart, wisdom, and the strength to build the Temple. The chapter closes with Solomon’s public anointing as king, the people’s great rejoicing, and the peaceful death of David after a long and prosperous reign.
1 Kings 1–2 picks up immediately after David’s death, describing the dramatic struggle for the throne and Solomon’s rise to power as the new king of Israel.
Scripture NKJV
I Kings 1
Adonijah Presumes to Be King
1 Now King David was old, advanced in years; and they put covers on him, but he could not get warm. 2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman, a virgin, be sought for our lord the king, and let her stand before the king, and let her care for him; and let her lie in your bosom, that our lord the king may be warm.” 3 So they sought for a lovely young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very lovely; and she cared for the king, and served him; but the king did not know her.
5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 (And his father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, “Why have you done so?” He was also very good-looking. His mother had borne him after Absalom.) 7 Then he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they followed and helped Adonijah. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David were not with Adonijah.
9 And Adonijah sacrificed sheep and oxen and fattened cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En Rogel; he also invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants. 10 But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or Solomon his brother.
11 So Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king, and David our lord does not know it? 12 Come, please, let me now give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go immediately to King David and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord, O king, swear to your maidservant, saying, “Assuredly your son Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne“? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ 14 Then, while you are still talking there with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.”
15 So Bathsheba went into the chamber to the king. (Now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.) 16 And Bathsheba bowed and did homage to the king. Then the king said, “What is your wish?”
17 Then she said to him, “My lord, you swore by the Lord your God to your maidservant, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 So now, look! Adonijah has become king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know about it. 19 He has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army; but Solomon your servant he has not invited. 20 And as for you, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be counted as offenders.”
22 And just then, while she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23 So they told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed down before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, “My lord, O king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down today, and has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons, and the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest; and look! They are eating and drinking before him; and they say, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But he has not invited me—me your servant—nor Zadok the priest, nor Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, nor your servant Solomon. 27 Has this thing been done by my lord the king, and you have not told your servant who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”
David Proclaims Solomon King
28 Then King David answered and said, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. 29 And the king took an oath and said, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from every distress, 30 just as I swore to you by the Lord God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ so I certainly will do this day.”
31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and paid homage to the king, and said, “Let my lord King David live forever!”
32 And King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33 The king also said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord, and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and take him down to Gihon. 34 There let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel; and blow the horn, and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then you shall come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, and he shall be king in my place. For I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah.”
36 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king and said, “Amen! May the Lord God of my lord the king say so too. 37 As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”
38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon. 39 Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him; and the people played the flutes and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth seemed to split with their sound.
41 Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the horn, he said, “Why is the city in such a noisy uproar?” 42 While he was still speaking, there came Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest. And Adonijah said to him, “Come in, for you are a prominent man, and bring good news.”
43 Then Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, “No! Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites; and they have made him ride on the king’s mule. 45 So Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon; and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Also Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom. 47 And moreover the king’s servants have gone to bless our lord King David, saying, ‘May God make the name of Solomon better than your name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ Then the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 Also the king said thus, ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne this day, while my eyes see it!’ ”
49 So all the guests who were with Adonijah were afraid, and arose, and each one went his way.
50 Now Adonijah was afraid of Solomon; so he arose, and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 And it was told Solomon, saying, “Indeed Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon; for look, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’ ”
52 Then Solomon said, “If he proves himself a worthy man, not one hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent them to bring him down from the altar. And he came and fell down before King Solomon; and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”
I Kings 2
David’s Instructions to Solomon
1 Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 2 “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. 3 And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; 4 that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
5 “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he shed the blood of war in peacetime, and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his waist, and on his sandals that were on his feet. 6 Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace.
7 “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.
8 “And see, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.”
Death of David
10 So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David. 11 The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. 12 Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.
Solomon Executes Adonijah
13 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. So she said, “Do you come peaceably?”
And he said, “Peaceably.” 14 Moreover he said, “I have something to say to you.”
And she said, “Say it.”
15 Then he said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over, and has become my brother’s; for it was his from the Lord. 16 Now I ask one petition of you; do not deny me.”
And she said to him, “Say it.”
17 Then he said, “Please speak to King Solomon, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.”
18 So Bathsheba said, “Very well, I will speak for you to the king.”
19 Bathsheba therefore went to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her and bowed down to her, and sat down on his throne and had a throne set for the king’s mother; so she sat at his right hand. 20 Then she said, “I desire one small petition of you; do not refuse me.”
And the king said to her, “Ask it, my mother, for I will not refuse you.”
21 So she said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.”
22 And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, “Now why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also—for he is my older brother—for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.” 23 Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life! 24 Now therefore, as the Lord lives, who has confirmed me and set me on the throne of David my father, and who has established a house for me, as He promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today!”
25 So King Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he struck him down, and he died.
Abiathar Exiled, Joab Executed
26 And to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth, to your own fields, for you are deserving of death; but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord God before my father David, and because you were afflicted every time my father was afflicted.” 27 So Solomon removed Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, that he might fulfill the word of the Lord which He spoke concerning the house of Eli at Shiloh.
28 Then news came to Joab, for Joab had defected to Adonijah, though he had not defected to Absalom. So Joab fled to the tabernacle of the Lord, and took hold of the horns of the altar. 29 And King Solomon was told, “Joab has fled to the tabernacle of the Lord; there he is, by the altar.” Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” 30 So Benaiah went to the tabernacle of the Lord, and said to him, “Thus says the king, ‘Come out!’ ”
And he said, “No, but I will die here.” And Benaiah brought back word to the king, saying, “Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.”
31 Then the king said to him, “Do as he has said, and strike him down and bury him, that you may take away from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood which Joab shed. 32 So the Lord will return his blood on his head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword—Abner the son of Ner, the commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, the commander of the army of Judah—though my father David did not know it. 33 Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab and upon the head of his descendants forever. But upon David and his descendants, upon his house and his throne, there shall be peace forever from the Lord.”
34 So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and struck and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 35 The king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his place over the army, and the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.
Shimei Executed
36 Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there anywhere. 37 For it shall be, on the day you go out and cross the Brook Kidron, know for certain you shall surely die; your blood shall be on your own head.”
38 And Shimei said to the king, “The saying is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
39 Now it happened at the end of three years, that two slaves of Shimei ran away to Achish the son of Maachah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, “Look, your slaves are in Gath!” 40 So Shimei arose, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to seek his slaves. And Shimei went and brought his slaves from Gath. 41 And Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had come back. 42 Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord, and warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and travel anywhere, you shall surely die’? And you said to me, ‘The word I have heard is good.’ 43 Why then have you not kept the oath of the Lord and the commandment that I gave you?” 44 The king said moreover to Shimei, “You know, as your heart acknowledges, all the wickedness that you did to my father David; therefore the Lord will return your wickedness on your own head. 45 But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever.”
46 So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he went out and struck him down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.
Psalms 37
The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked
A Psalm of David.
1 Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct.
15 Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man has Is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, But the Lord upholds the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20 But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away.
21 The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,
But those cursed by Him shall be cut off.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore.
28 For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints;
They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait on the Lord, And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.
Psalms 71
God the Rock of Salvation
1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame.
2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape;
Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5 For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.
6 By You I have been upheld from birth;
You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise shall be continually of You.
7 I have become as a wonder to many, But You are my strong refuge.
8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
Do not forsake me when my strength fails.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
And those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together,
11 Saying, “God has forsaken him;
Pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.”
12 O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!
13 Let them be confounded and consumed Who are adversaries of my life;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor Who seek my hurt.
14 But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.
15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits.
16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
17 O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to everyone who is to come.
19 Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
20 You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side.
22 Also with the lute I will praise You— And Your faithfulness, O my God!
To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You,
And my soul, which You have redeemed.
24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long;
For they are confounded, For they are brought to shame
Who seek my hurt.
Psalms 94
God the Refuge of the Righteous
1 O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs—
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud.
3 Lord, how long will the wicked, How long will the wicked triumph?
4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
5 They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, And afflict Your heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger, And murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, “The Lord does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”
8 Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.
12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord,
And teach out of Your law,
13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,
Until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
15 But judgment will return to righteousness, And all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the Lord had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence.
18 If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.
19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
Have fellowship with You?
21 They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
22 But the Lord has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge.
23 He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The Lord our God shall cut them off.
What These Chapters Mean
1. God’s Sovereignty Over Human Plans Even though Adonijah appeared to have the natural right to the throne (as the oldest son), God had already chosen Solomon (see 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 22:9-10). These chapters show that human schemes and political maneuvering cannot override God’s declared will. God protects His chosen king and brings His plan to pass.
2. The Importance of Obedience and Faithfulness David’s charge to Solomon in chapter 2 is the heart of the message: true success as a king (and as a person) comes from obeying God’s law with a whole heart. Solomon’s early actions demonstrate that a godly leader must combine wisdom, mercy, and justice. He is patient at first but firm when rebellion appears.
3. The Transition of Godly Leadership These two chapters mark the end of David’s reign and the beginning of Solomon’s. They emphasize that leadership is a sacred trust from God, not a personal prize. The messy, dramatic events highlight how fragile earthly kingdoms are and how crucial it is for leaders to prioritize faithfulness to God.
4. Foreshadowing the Need for a Perfect King Solomon starts well — anointed, obedient to his father’s charge, and establishing justice. However, the careful way these chapters show the removal of threats and the importance of loyalty points forward to the ultimate need for a King who will never fail. In the bigger story of the Bible, this points to Jesus, the Son of David, who perfectly fulfills God’s promises.
Key Lessons for Today
Don’t presume upon God’s promises — Adonijah tried to take what wasn’t given to him.
Honor your word and walk in integrity — David’s final instructions and Solomon’s response show the weight of faithfulness.
God works through imperfect people — Even in a royal family full of drama, intrigue, and sin, God is advancing His redemptive plan.
These chapters set the stage for Solomon’s glorious reign in the following chapters, while warning that blessing only lasts as long as obedience continues.
Psalm 37 – “Don’t Worry About the Wicked”
Simplified Meaning: This is a wise, encouraging psalm that tells God’s people not to get stressed or angry when they see evil people succeeding or getting away with wrong. Instead, trust God, do what is right, and be patient — because in the end, God will take care of the righteous and the wicked will fade away.
Key Verses (Simplified):
“Do not fret because of those who are evil… Trust in the Lord and do good.” (v.1-3)
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (v.4)
“The meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” (v.11)
“I have been young and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken.” (v.25)
Main Message:
Stop comparing yourself to evil people.
Focus on your relationship with God.
Be patient — God sees everything and will bring justice in His timing.
The righteous (those who follow God) will be blessed and protected.
Best For: People who feel discouraged when bad people seem to win.
Psalm 71 – “God, Don’t Abandon Me in Old Age”
Simplified Meaning: This is a heartfelt prayer from someone who is older and facing troubles. They have trusted God their whole life and now ask Him to stay close, protect them, and not leave them in their weakness. It’s full of hope, praise, and dependence on God.
Key Verses (Simplified):
“In You, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.” (v.1)
“You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” (v.5)
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God.” (v.18)
“Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again.” (v.20)
Main Message:
God has been faithful from youth to old age.
It’s okay to honestly ask God for help when you feel weak or attacked.
Even in old age, you can still declare God’s goodness to the next generation.
Best For: Older believers, or anyone going through a difficult season who needs reassurance of God’s lifelong faithfulness.
Psalm 94 – “God Will Judge the Wicked”
Simplified Meaning: This psalm is a strong cry for justice. It asks God to rise up and punish proud, cruel people who oppress the weak, especially the vulnerable (widows, orphans, and foreigners). It affirms that God sees everything and will eventually bring perfect justice.
Key Verses (Simplified):
“O Lord, God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth.” (v.1-2)
“They crush Your people, O Lord, and afflict Your heritage.” (v.5)
“Does He who planted the ear not hear? Does He who formed the eye not see?” (v.9)
“The Lord will not cast off His people; He will not forsake His heritage.” (v.14)
Main Message:
God is not blind or deaf to injustice.
Evil people who hurt the innocent will face God’s judgment.
In the middle of evil, God gives comfort and peace to His people.
Justice may not come immediately, but it is certain.
Best For: People who are troubled by injustice, corruption, or the suffering of innocent people.
Quick Comparison:
Psalm 37: Focuses on personal peace — don’t fret.
Psalm 71: Focuses on personal trust over a lifetime.
Psalm 94: Focuses on God’s justice against evil.
Closing Statement for Today’s Study
As we conclude today’s study of 1 Kings 1–2 and Psalms 37, 71, and 94, we are reminded of a powerful truth: God is sovereign, faithful, and just. In the midst of political intrigue and succession struggles, God established Solomon as king according to His plan. Through the wisdom of the Psalms, He calls us not to fret over the wicked, but to trust Him wholeheartedly — from our youth to our old age — knowing that He sees every injustice and will ultimately make all things right.
May David’s charge to Solomon echo in your heart: “Be strong, and show yourself a man. Walk in God’s ways and keep His commandments.”
Thank you for joining me in today’s study. Let us leave this study declaring our trust in the Lord, refusing anxiety, resting in God’s lifelong faithfulness, and believing that justice belongs to Him. Carry these truths with you: delight in the Lord, wait patiently on Him, and proclaim His goodness in every season of life. I love you.
Final Prayer: Lord, thank You for speaking to us through Your Word today. Strengthen us to live with courage, integrity, and unwavering trust in You. May we walk faithfully like Solomon was called to do, and find our hope in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Special thanks are given to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, for the gift of writing and the privilege of sharing this Bible Study. His guidance and blessings have made this work possible, and it is with a grateful heart that can share my study with you. I hope you find it informational and helpful in your spiritual journey. I am asking that you open your hearts and minds to accept the word of Christ into your hearts and accept His word to transform your life in positive ways. This is the first part of my online Christian Bookstore Fellowship and I do accept donations that will further my mission to have a Bookstore in our community, a place where we can sit down face to face and enjoy this Bible Study over open and honest conversation. I will continue this online Study as well to complete the entire year. Thank you for following The Mustard Seed Christian Bookstore Fellowship & Café online Bible Study.
This Bible study is written with inspiration and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, Scripture from the Holy Bible (NIV), NKJV Life Application Study Bible, analytical support and help in organizing and presentation from Grok AI (which examines multiple sources online) and writing assistance with drafting and editing from Microsoft Co-Pilot.
