He lay on his bed away from the window. He was cold—so very cold. No blanket or fur could warm him. Every bone and muscle in his body ached. Staring into the darkness, he saw the moonlight breaking through the window into his bedchamber—his sanctuary. Bright as fresh winter snow, the light added to his chill. A shiver rumbled through his flesh like the footsteps of a rushing army. Yet the sight of the light still struck him. The whiteness cutting into the room was so cleansing—all color was washed away by it.
At 70, his flesh had become as pale as the light. His red hair had turned white long ago. His legs could hardly support him. During the day he moved slowly and stopped often to rest. He fully accepted the fact that his youth was spent. He held no despair, no discouragement. Like a well-loved book, he had read and reread his life thoroughly. There were some serious failures, but many successes. But the best part of all—David knew God was still with him and his approaching death was a door to an incredible future.
Lately, the king seldom left his private set of rooms. Failing health demanded that he only see the most necessary visitors. The isolation was good. He was shielded from trouble. He could think, write and find solace in solitude. David felt his once-powerful hands tremble in the darkness. He whispered: “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent” (Psalm 71:9, English Standard Version). Now more than ever, David relied on the Eternal—his Rock and Fortress.
This night, sleep escaped him. He looked out the window and thought on the world beyond his safe haven. It was changing rapidly. Even though he was coming to the end of his life, his thoughts took on greater clarity. His mind remained clear, illuminated and scrupulous—his insight grew ever sharp. In the frosty stillness the aged king reflected over the past several months.
Joab Murders Amasa
Sheba’s uprising had been stopped, but the strife in the nation had not. The spark of rebellion seemed ever present in Israel’s heart. It appeared anyone could fan the flames of revolt. The hint of mutiny even whispered through the palace walls. Joab seemed to be at the center of it all. David knew Joab was a threat to unity; Joab’s misguided loyalty was a nagging problem.
At the start of Sheba’s rebellion, David attempted to replace Joab as chief of the armies with Amasa, another nephew. He commissioned Amasa to organize the best Jewish fighters into an army and return to Jerusalem in three days (2 Samuel 20:4). From there they planned to track down and destroy the rebels.
For an unknown reason, Amasa did not show at the expected time. Driven by the need for expediency, David commanded Abishai (his nephew and brother to Joab) to take David’s personal guards and to pursue Sheba (verse 6). Joab was present but obviously not in charge (verse 9). He would blacken that day.
Amasa and his troops finally met with Abishai and David’s men. Together they made a strong force against the enemy. But, as always in the past and in the times of most difficulty, Joab took matters into his own hands. He brutally murdered Amasa in front of all the men. This wanton attack served Joab’s purpose only. He eliminated his competition.
The army was shocked to inaction at the sight of Amasa wallowing in blood. But one of Joab’s men cried out, “He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab” (verse 11). Joab had taken control again. David wondered, What would Joab do next? It was probably only a matter of time till Joab would lead his own insurrection. David sighed in the darkness. Something had to be done about Joab.
His failing health sapped David’s strength. He felt exhausted all the time. The security of the nation had always remained his first priority. He had worked tirelessly for years to refine the workings of the monarchy. The government was well organized. However, David knew the focus of the nation had to be on Israel’s God—not on a king or any man. Worship of the true God was the key to the nation’s survival.
Yet, David knew the Israelites were fickle in their devotion to God. At times they loved their king more than their Maker. Those close to him recognized it was growing more difficult for David to safely shoulder what demands the State made upon him. Rumors were rampant about which son would succeed him. Speculation and false assumption made for confusion within the palace and all the tribal states. While David waited on God—his fourth son laid his own plans.
Adonijah’s Sedition
Haggith’s son reasoned that his father was not only too old to be king but also senile. He watched his father’s health fade quickly. Adonijah knew Israel’s constant desire to be just like the nations around it. All the other kingdoms passed rule from father to oldest son. He planned to claim that right for himself. “I will be king,” declared Adonijah (1 Kings 1:5). Adonijah was a very handsome man, cast in the same mold as his older brother Absalom. Unfortunately, he would share Absalom’s fate.
David had to face a harsh reality. He recognized he had failed miserably as a father to Adonijah. He had never once disciplined Adonijah throughout his life (verse 6). David had overly pampered the boy. He always let Adonijah get his own way. So it was not surprising that Adonijah thought he could have the throne as well.
Not having learned from his brother’s tragic mistake, Adonijah went to work away from his sick father’s view. He began to build his own bodyguards and cabinet—just like Absalom (verse 5, last part). The wily Joab joined forces with him—as did Abiathar the priest (verse 7). Joab’s disloyalty wasn’t surprising, but Abiathar’s defection deeply disturbed David. Deep sorrow blanketed the king in the darkness. Again a son’s seditious coup forced the king and the nation into crossfire.
However, not everyone had revolted. Key leaders remained loyal to David. “But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah” (verse 8). Nathan, Zadok and the best military leaders stayed close to David. They wanted absolutely nothing to do with Adonijah’s claims to the throne. In fact, they began immediately to work against him.
Knowing he had opposition, Adonijah put his plans into immediate action. “And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’s servants: But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not” (verses 9-10). Adonijah planned to have himself crowned king with an official sacrifice. Plans were underway for a sumptuous feast and massive celebration. It was an exact replica of Absalom’s attempted coup. But Adonijah felt confident he would succeed where his brother had failed. After all, he reassured himself, were not Joab and Abiathar on his side?
Nathan’s Perfect Plan
Adonijah’s arrogance put Solomon’s and Bathsheba’s lives in mortal danger, the Prophet Nathan recognized. In addition, since the king was in almost total seclusion he was not aware of the revolt. This man of God knew David would have to be informed. But the news of Adonijah’s defection would hit David very hard. The king’s poor health demanded that he not be overstressed. But the news still had to be brought to him. Nathan wanted to make it as easy as possible for David. Because they had some trying visits in the past, Nathan knew a surprise visit from him would be overtaxing. The kindhearted prophet decided to work through Bathsheba.
Nathan went immediately to the queen’s chambers. The woman was concerned by the prophet’s visit—something serious had to be happening.
Nathan explained to Bathsheba, “Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon. Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign? Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words” (verses 11-14). Nathan knew that the only way to save Solomon and Bathsheba would be for David to abdicate the throne. David would be a hard man to convince. He had great difficulty believing anything negative about his own sons. He would resist.
Essentially Nathan’s plans would disclose the bad news in two parts. Bathsheba’s part would present a wife and mother’s view. David deeply loved Bathsheba—her words would open up David’s mind. Then Nathan’s visit would reveal the plot of the defectors. Nathan’s news would confirm Bathsheba’s concern and unveil the seriousness of the plot against the throne.
David had slept somewhat late that morning. He had lain awake for a long time the night before. Since he really did not have to hurry, he took his time getting out of bed. He hummed a hymn. His clothes had been laid out for him. This he appreciated. The new handmaid Abishag was very attentive in taking care of his needs (verse 4). She helped the king dress, then served him breakfast.
David Abdicates
David was startled by his queen’s unexpected appearance. In a rush, Bathsheba bowed before her husband. She excitedly made her petition to the king (1 Kings 1:15-21). Her heart broke as she saw tension and weariness distort David’s face. His mood became grim. While she spoke, a servant came and announced that Nathan wished to see the king. As his friend the prophet entered the room, Bathsheba bowed and left.
Nathan looked at David directly and said, “My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king’s sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called. Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not showed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?” (verse 24-27). David was upset by this news. He assured Nathan that he never agreed to make Adonijah king. He became almost sick with the realization that another son was treacherously vain and coveted the Eternal’s throne. The revolts had to end. David’s mind worked quickly. There was only one clear decision to be made. Solomon must be made king immediately.
David called for Bathsheba to come back into his chamber. As she stood before the king, Nathan graciously excused himself.
David lovingly looked at his wife and said, “As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day” (verses 29-30). With supreme love and respect, Bathsheba answered, “Let my lord king David live for ever” (verse 31). Her reply had nothing to do with this world or physical things. She spoke something deeply spiritual and profound. For a brief moment, the king and queen looked into each other’s eyes. Together they beheld eternity. They knew their son represented something far greater than a physical throne. He was a symbol of the Eternal reigning over Israel forever. They also knew that at the resurrection they would again share that same throne—forever!
Solomon Crowned King
David acted quickly. He called for Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah, captain of his bodyguard. He instructed them, “Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah” (1 Kings 1:33-35).
Benaiah understood the king perfectly. He was responsible to protect the new king. This trusted soldier pledged his allegiance to Solomon and assured David, “Amen: the Lord God of my lord the king say so too. As the Lord hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David” (verse 36-37). The three obeyed the king’s orders immediately.
Together with David’s personal army they took Solomon to the Gihon Spring. “So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon. And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon. And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them” (verses 38-40). News of the event spread quickly. Solomon returned to Jerusalem in strength and with a great parade of people. Soon the entire region was in an uproar with joy and celebration. The earth actually shook with the sound of the trumpets and the shouting.
Those loyal to David wished to congratulate him at Solomon’s ascension to the throne. Solomon’s coronation meant a great day in Israel. They wanted to show the king that his decision had their full support. Visiting the king’s chambers they found him too weak to get out of bed (verse 47). Yet, the king was beaming with joy and gladness. David was deeply moved by their visits and the grand occasion. He told his guests, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it” (verse 48). He knew what a blessed reward God had given him. He was able to see a son replace him on the throne of Israel. This was proof that God would keep His promises to David. His lineage would continue—forever! Being able to pass on the throne to a loyal son was a great honor.
Pleading at the Horns
Adonijah’s feast was rudely interrupted with all the noise. Joab was especially disturbed by the ruckus. At the sound of the trumpets, he was the first to speak out. He exclaimed, “Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?” (1 Kings 1:41). Jonathan, Abiathar’s son, showed up at the fallacious gathering to reveal the news. Adonijah, overconfident and self-assured, was happy to see his priest’s son. He said, “Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings” (verse 42). But there was no good news, especially not for Adonijah.
Jonathan said, “Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king. And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king’s mule: And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard. And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom” (verses 43-46). Adonijah and the others went pale. Fear gripped each one. They all fled. The would-be king stood alone.
In a panic, Adonijah ran to the altar and grabbed the horns. He screamed out for all to hear, “Let king Solomon swear unto me to day that he will not slay his servant with the sword” (verse 51). Adonijah’s actions were reported to Solomon. The young king sent him a message: “If he will show himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die” (verse 52). Adonijah immediately went to Solomon and bowed in obeisance. Solomon simply said, “Go to thine house” (verse 53). Adonijah rushed from Solomon’s presence
Another history of tragic woe, David thought to himself. Joab’s time to be dealt with had come. Abiathar also needed to be replaced. Zadok had proven himself time after time. Zadok was truly God’s high priest.
David’s Address at the National Convention
While Solomon was growing up, David concentrated most on preparing for the construction of God’s house and the establishment of the formal temple worship. The time had come to unveil his plans, thoughts and what God had inspired. So “he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites” (1 Chronicles 23:2). In essence, David called a national convention. He desired to drive deep the roots of unity into the hearts of God’s people. David thought deeply about what needed to be said. He looked forward to the morning. He turned away from the moonlight and rested.
Solomon, Bathsheba, Nathan and Benaiah escorted David into the gathering of princes, priests and Levites. The opening of this convention was a bittersweet moment for David. Although he had accomplished much, he wanted to do more. But the future belonged to someone else. Moving slowly but stately, the sovereign ascended the platform. He looked out over the assembly. There were many trusted friends, as well as some not to be trusted. In particular, David noticed Zadok paying full attention. Clearing his throat, David spoke clearly, yet with moist eyes.
“I am old and full of days. For the sake of this nation, God’s nation, I have made Solomon king over Israel. The decision was not mine. It was the Eternal’s.” David paused and let his words sink deeply into the minds of those present. He read their faces and was relieved. He saw abundant support and the willingness to reunite the nation.
David continued, “Here me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: And of all my sons, (for the Lord hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father” (1 Chronicles 28:2-6). David showed that Solomon was made king by revelation, not by his own whim. It was Nathan who had delivered this incredible knowledge to David (1 Chronicles 17:4-15).
The crowd was emotionally moved by David’s revelation. Their new—but young—king was destined to have a special relationship with God. God would be his Father and Solomon would be His son. David also disclosed that God had decided Solomon would build His house. The crowd responded by sounding out rousing applause. This understanding had given the king great peace. David knew Solomon was destined to bring the nation peace as well. Yet the nation would have to fully support God’s choice in Solomon
A Father’s Charge
There was more. David brought to light that God had made one fantastic promise to Solomon. God had revealed to David, “Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day” (1 Chronicles 28:7). This was a truly incredible promise. Solomon’s lineage would be established forever if he were constant in his obedience to God.
David’s voice was full of excitement. Who could not be excited? David made a final plea to the nation’s leaders. “Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever,” he stated with loving authority (verse 8). The assembly stood up and cheered David’s words. The king left no doubts about the direction the new king and nation had to take. Solomon and all Israel had to seek out and willingly obey the commandments of God. Only God could secure the nation’s safety and future.
Then, in front of all assembled, David charged Solomon directly. He spoke lovingly but firmly, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it” (verses 9-10).
The king handed the architectural plans for the temple, its accompanying buildings and even the temple’s vessels to Solomon (verse 11-18). David made sure that Solomon would not deviate from them. He warned his son, “All this … the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. … Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord” (verses 19-20). David held no doubts that Solomon would obey.
David Inspires an Offering
Turning back to the august assembly of leading men David sought their support. “Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God” (1 Chronicles 29:1). David discussed in detail the materials he personally provided for God’s house (verses 2-5). His face beamed with intense joy.
Then, the wise king laid down a challenge. “[W]ho then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” (verse 5). The leaders and the people contributed willingly. Soon the whole assembly was filled with intense joy (verse 9). What a great honor to give gifts for the building of God’s house (verse 14). For the first time in a long time David felt completely satisfied. He closed the assembly with the most inspiring heartfelt prayer. (Study it and the details of the entire assembly in 1 Chronicles 23-29).
After a prayer closing the convention, David began a day of sacrifices and celebration for all in attendance. “Now bless the Lord your God,” encouraged David. “And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king” (1 Chronicles 29:20). David set the example and led the people in making sacrifices on the next day.
It was a truly amazing sight. “And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings unto the Lord, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel: And did eat and drink before the Lord on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the Lord to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest” (verses 21-22).
David looked directly into the eyes of his son. He could see both the hope and glory of Israel. David smiled to himself as he thought on the success of the convention and the glory coming to the nation once the temple was built. He returned to the palace very tired. He needed some real rest.
David Dies in Honor
Waking up early the next morning, David realized that his death was coming quickly. He did not fear death because he was confident that he had completed what God wanted him to do. However, there was some unfinished business that Solomon needed to take care of for both of them. After his morning meal and worship, he sent word to Solomon to come meet with him.
Seeing Solomon brought immediate joy to the king’s pale face. He embraced his son and began to speak quietly but seriously. “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, 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,” David said as he intently searched Solomon’s eyes and facial expression (1 Kings 2:2-3, English Standard Version). David needed his young son to understand his desperate need for obedience to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. David knew well that a king with great wealth and power is subject to many temptations. For the success of the nation, Solomon had to withstand the tests and trials sure to come. The future generations depended upon how Solomon lived.
“Solomon be obedient above all else,” he continued, “that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel” (verse 4). David reminded Solomon of his responsibility to teach his own sons to obey. Because of their exalted position, disobedience would bring strong punishment and intense suffering for them and the nation sure to follow their example. Solomon understood his father’s attention-gripping instruction.
Then David advised Solomon to clean up a few matters of state very quickly. Joab needed to be executed for his rebellious and treasonous behavior (verses 5-6). The man had caused David and the nation a lot of trouble. In a similar fashion Shimei, the Benjamite who cursed David as he fled from Absalom, needed to pay for his sin (verses 8-9). Yet, Barzillai needed to be well taken care of because of his loyalty to David during the Absalom crisis. Solomon trusted his father’s supreme wisdom and planned to put David’s advice into play immediately. Noticing that his father had grown tired, Solomon stood, thanked his father for his loving instruction and advice and kissed him goodbye. “Father, get some rest,” he whispered as he left David moving to lie down on his bed.
David felt sleep coming. As he drifted off, the temple plans wafted through his mind. He could see the radiant glory of the whole building complex. David fell into deep, sweet sleep. The king died peacefully, with great honor (verse 10).
God’s Summation
“Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead. Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer, With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries” (1 Chronincles 29:26-30).
David lived a full life. He was a son, brother, shepherd, friend, warrior, husband, father, poet, musician and king. But most of all, David was a servant to his God. We should strive to live as David did. His legacy was recorded for us. David’s history is full of vibrant, life-changing lessons. We must make David’s life a model for our lives now and for our future. Why? God states clearly, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will” (Acts 13:22). Patterning our lives after David’s will definitely please God.
And remember, David is our once and future king (Jeremiah 30:9).