Day 94 -1 Kings 1-3

We all hope for a happy ending, but you will not find that at the end of 2 Samuel. To feed his

We all hope for a happy ending, but you won't find that at the end of 2 Samuel. To feed his ego, David organizes an unauthorized census, which brings judgment upon the people of Israel. After recognizing his mistake, David obeys God’s directive and builds an altar. Interestingly, that altar ends up becoming the location of Solomon’s Temple. Even though 2 Samuel ends with judgment, it also sets the stage for mercy. It’s as if God is writing hope into David’s final recorded act in this book.

Today we begin the book of Kings. Similar to the book of Samuel, in the Hebrew Bible, Kings was originally told as one continuous story—from the end of David’s reign, through the division of the kingdom, all the way to the exile in Babylon. When the scriptures were translated into Greek, the translators divided both Samuel and Kings into two parts each.

In 1 Kings 1, David is old and frail. Though he remains Israel’s greatest king, his strength is fading. One of his sons, Adonijah, tries to crown himself king without David’s blessing. But God’s plan was for Solomon to reign. David—though physically weak—rises up with clarity and authority to declare Solomon the true king. Even in our weakest moments, God gives us the strength to complete His purpose in our lives.

In 1 Kings 2, David dies, and Solomon officially takes the throne. He leads with wisdom and strength, swiftly dealing with unfinished business from his father’s reign. Solomon teaches us that true leadership isn’t just about knowing what’s right—it’s about having the courage to act with justice and integrity.

In 1 Kings 3, Solomon makes a treaty with Egypt and marries Pharaoh’s daughter. Most likely a political alliance, Solomon’s decision secures peace and nurtures international relationships. Then, in a humble moment at Gibeon, God appears to Solomon and tells him to ask for whatever he wants. Solomon asks for a wise and discerning heart to govern well. God is pleased, and not only does He give Solomon wisdom, but He also adds riches and honor. Solomon then demonstrates that wisdom in the famous case of two women fighting over a baby.