United Kingdom
Leadership of Israel passes from David to Solomon. Solomon is given some final instructions by his father, David. Much of it involves closing out unsettled issues with people who have wronged David or others. Solomon does as David asked. Adonijah is a half-brother of Solomon and a rival for the throne. He would have been allowed to live had he not challenged Solomon’s authority. In that culture, marrying a widow of a king signified he was also assuming the authority of the king. Solomon saw through Adonijah’s attempt to undermine God’s selection of a king for Israel. David gives Solomon a wonderful gift by passing his authority to him. We could learn from David’s example. Who will follow us in leading our families, churches and communities? How are you preparing them?