Day 144: David's Last Words

 Today's readings: 1 Kings 2, 2 Chronicles 2-3, and Psalm 62.

I. 1 Kings 2 recounts the final instructions of King David to his son Solomon and the beginning of Solomon's reign. David then dies. For the latter, Solomon has Adonijah executed after the latter made a final "power-play" for his throne. He also has Joab executed for his past murders and Shimei for breaking his oath not to leave Jerusalem. He removes Abiathar the priest from the priesthood, and finally, installs a new high priest along with a new military commander.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary on what will come into play shortly: 

We often hear that children pay more attention to the example we set than the advice we offer. David advises Solomon to stay close to the Lord and heed his commands, but his example to his son was that of a divided heart and a distant father. We will soon see that Solomon follows his father's example rather than his advice. (p. 50)

What I really found interesting was this one when Bathsheba went to King Solomon:

In the previous chapter, we saw Bathsheba bow in the presence of David. Here, though, King Solomon rises to meet Bathsheba and bows to her. We read that there is a throne for her to the right of his. Since the king has many wives, his mother is the queen of the kingdom. The Church on earth and in heaven is the fulfillment of the kingdom of Israel. In this new kingdom, Jesus is the king and Mary is the queen. We give Mary honor - not worship - because Jesus himself gives her honor. 

II. 2 Chronicles 2 tells about how Solomon prepares to build the Temple, including the organization of the labor to be employed.

In the next chapter, with the preparation work done, the construction of the Temple is described. What was most striking to me is that the Temple is located on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was going to sacrifice his son Isaac on the Lord's command, only to stop when told to (Gen 22). 

III. Psalm 62 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A psalm of trust that bemoans how powerful people seek security for themselves by deceiving and taking advantage of others. They are misled, the Psalmist implies, since God is the only secure basis for our trust and happiness. No confidence can be placed in wealth and unjust gain. God, after all, will judge all according to their actions. (p. 881)

That's it for today!