1 Kings 2:1-11
Verses 10-11 Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. He had reigned forty years over Israel—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.
Today we come to the end of our study of David. His life had its ups and downs, joys and heartaches and sins and moments of righteousness. While he seems to have failed with his older sons the king had done better with Solomon. After sending Solomon with some of his most important men to Gihon to anoint the younger prince (1 Kings 1:28-40), David called the new king to come so he could give him some fatherly advice.
It seems David’s heart for God grew deeper after his sin with Bathsheba. His repentance had been genuine and had truly made him a man after God’s own heart. He was aging and must have started seeing things from a different point of view. He wasn’t as concerned about making a kingdom for himself as he was helping God’s people see He was their true King.
David starts his charge to his son with a reminder of what God requires of His people. It was almost like David was telling the new king, “Remember, this isn’t your kingdom, it is God’s and He has a certain way He wants it run.” David knew the places he had failed during his time on the throne and he didn’t want his son making the same mistakes. He tells the younger king that if he does these things, God will show His favor to the nation of Israel.
David also tells Solomon that if he lives by the covenant God had made with David, God would keep His side of the deal and establish David’s family on the throne of God’s people forever. This was important for Solomon to remember because this meant his actions and words would reflect on God Himself. People would be looking to him for judgments on their various life issues and the way he decided in the matters would reflect on God.
King David also had some personal requests of his son. He gave the younger king a list of people he wanted Solomon to pay special attention to. Whether for blessing or curse, Solomon would need to use the wisdom God gave him to rule this special nation.
And with these final words given to his son, David was prepared to die. After 40 years of being a king, David was freed from his earthly body. From humble beginnings to the royal court, David had learned what it meant to be a man after God’s own heart and had found himself singing all along the way.
Making It Personal
What are some times in your life which have shaped you into a man or woman after God’s own heart? How much do your actions and words speak for the Kingdom of God? What about David’s life has stuck with you?
Making It Personal Kids
What does it look like to be a boy or girl after God’s own heart? Does how you act and talk show people how much you love Jesus? What is your favorite part of David’s story?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the example of this ordinary man who did extraordinary things, both good and bad. Help us learn the importance of being people after Your own heart, so others can see You through how we live. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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