I Kings 2
This chapter recounts how Solomon made his rule secure, after all the intrigue and controversy surrounding who would be David's successor.
Solomon dealt wisely with these people, and gave them every chance he could to make right the wrongs they had done.
His executioner was a military man, who he made his General over his army. So Solomon never killed any other man, there was no blood on his hands personally.
All he did was to ensure that justice had been done against these rebellious and scheming adversaries.
David had wanted to build God a magnificent Temple, instead of the tent of the Tabernacle, and God was pleased with his desire to honor Him this way.
But David was a man of war, who had killed many in battle, and God determined that a man of peace would build His Temple. Solomon was this man of peace.
O my Father, You are so good. You have planned out all our days, before even one of them has come to pass. You knew that Solomon would do this in Your honor, and You told David so before it came to pass.
O Father, I realize that everything that happens in this World always comes only to pass away, for the new to replace. Whether that means generations of people, or epochs of climate. But through it all, You are in control; and the Sun, Moon, and Stars, and the seasons and day and night will not cease until You have determined the end of Time as we know it on this Earth.
In the meantime, while we are here now, help us, Father, to seek Your face, to learn Your ways, and to love You and one another, as You have designed it all to work. Teach us how You want us to "occupy" until Jesus' Return.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
