As the book of 1 Kings opens, King David is an old man. His time as king is nearing its end. His body is weak and unable to hold warmth, so his attendants found a beautiful young woman to take care of the king. David’s weak condition led to several things.

First, it led to David’s son declaring himself king. Adonijah had never been disciplined. He was allowed to do whatever he wanted. Although he was next in line to the throne (as the oldest surviving son), he had not been ordained to serve as king—yet he crowned himself anyway. David’s chief general and his priest both supported Prince Adonijah’s declaration.

Second, it led to the prophet Nathan’s fortuitous intervention. Nathan went to Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, and told her that Adonijah was trying to usurp the throne without the king’s knowledge. He urged Bathsheba to go to King David, tell him what his son was doing, and remind him of his promise: Solomon would sit on the throne after him. As Bathsheba was talking with the king, Nathan came in and verified what Bathsheba had said. Nathan knew the Lord’s will through his word—and acted on it.
Application: Father, you are the sovereign Lord who sets everything in motion for your will to be done. Thank you for raising up discerning and faithful people like Nathan who will do your will.
One Word: Be discerning of God’s word