Q2. Chosen

[Pastor Ralph]

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 22:7) What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple? How does God protect his choice in spite of political intrigues? Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16.)

[eddie]

On 3/18/2024 at 6:10 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 22:7) What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple? How does God protect his choice in spite of political intrigues? Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16.)

God had told king David that out of his body or his offspring would come someone who would build the Tabernacle for the Lord,2? 

3. Because he knew that was God's chosen king to follow king David

[Lillie Ammann]

Solomon is mentioned by name as to be the one to build the temple. God has Nathan the prophet use Bathsheba to bring to David's attention that Adonijah was claiming the throne. Nathan was God's prophet, and he had delivered God's word to David, so he would do what he could to make sure it was carried out.

[Clelie]

Since Solomon was to succeed king David and God said that David.s son would build a temple for His Name. 
In the account of 1king 1:17 and also in 1 Chronicle 22:9 Solomon was to be the succession of king David , meaning Solomon was the son chosen to build the temple. 
 

Prophet Nathan who knew Solomon was appointed by God to be king after David, went to advise Bathsheba to remind David of his promise to put her son Solomon on the throne after him.

Knowing that prophecy Nathan cannot allow the plan of God to be sabotaged.. 

[Krissi]

This fascinating story could be out of Shakespeare or Sophocles. Palace intrigue. Big egos. The powerlessness and decline of the patriarch. Warring siblings. Intrigue. Potential murder. This story has it all.

The presence of the prophets and religious leaders, and the insistence of Solomon's mum that David honor his promise is what made Solomon the leader, not his brother (whose claim to the throne makes sense.) As far as I can tell, there's nothing in the Bible that suggests that Solomon was a great person or leader. 

I don't know why Nathan protected Solomon first. Perhaps it was because he had special access to the backstory, how David had been prohibited from building the temple because he was a soldier who had taken innocent blood, how Solomon had been chosen by God to build the temple, and furthermore, how Bathsheba had been promised that her son would be the next ruler. I suppose, knowing all he did, Nathan the prophet and Zadok the high priest -- who both wore the mantle of God -- felt it was their duty to intervene and actualize God's will.

I'm certain that God would have had His way even if the prophet/priest didn't intervene, but it is fascinating that they sought to manipulate events during a palace coup in such a way that Solomon became king. So much for separation of church and state, huh?

 

 

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 22:7)

What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple?

he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah that means the beloved of YAHWEH.

How does God protect his choice in spite of political intrigues?

Nathan the prophet hears of the gathering of Adonijah to be come king without his father David's knowledge. So Nathan the prophet sees that God's plan being frustrated and starts to takes action.

Then Nathan advises Bathsheba to remind David of his public promise that Solomon would succeed him on the throne. She does so.

Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16)

Nathan was the prophet who convey to David what GOD has said about the building of the temple and who will be David's throne successor. Therefor Nathan feels obligated towards it.

[Jonathan Edwards]

It was revealed by God to David 1017 BC that Solomon would be one to build the Temple.  David even prepared the the finances, materials and the workmen.  This was a solemn injunction: however, Adonijah on the year 1015 BC rebelled and plotted to seize the kingdom.   A dangerous move indeed to rebel against Almighty God.  Reminds me of what St Paul had to deal with in the Ephesian church.

God raised up Nathan and the faithful remnant: Nathan, Benaiah and the mighty men of David, including Zadok the priest.  The Cherethites and Pelethites attended Solomon's installation.

Nathan was instructed by God to tell David that the Davidic covenant would be the covenant upon which the glorious kingdom of Christ "of the seed of David according to the flesh" is to be founded. This was on the year 1042 BC.   

[Rolande]

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 22:7) What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple?

In 1 Kings 1 and 2 Chronicles 22:7, several indications that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple:

KING DAVID'S CHARGE:  In both accounts, King David charges Solomon with the task of building the temple. This is significant because King David, as God's chosen king, is seen as speaking on behalf of God. By entrusting Solomon with this responsibility, King David indicates that it is God's will for Solomon to undertake the construction of the temple.
GOD APPROVAL:  In 1 Chronicles 22:9-10, King David receives assurance from God that Solomon is the one chosen to build the temple. God confirms this through Nathan the prophet, indicating God approval and support for Solomon's role in this endeavour.
GOD INSPIRED DESIGN : David provides Solomon with the plans and specifications for the temple, which he received through divine inspiration. This suggests that God had already prepared for the temple's construction and had chosen Solomon as the one to fulfill this task.
GOD'S PRESENCE:   In 1 Kings 1:39-40, after Solomon is anointed as king, the people acknowledge his kingship with joy and proclaim, "Long live King Solomon!" This affirmation by the people, coupled with the anointing ceremony, symbolizes God's endorsement of Solomon's reign and his role in building the temple.
These indications collectively point to Solomon being chosen by God to build the temple, affirmed by  King David's charge, God's approval, inspired design, and the acknowledgment of Solomon's kingship by the people.

How does God protect his choice in spite of political intrigues? 

God protects His choice of Solomon to build the temple despite political intrigues by working through various means:

Divine Intervention /God's providence. 

God providence: His guidance, His protection, His control over events in human affairs, Sovereign involvement, directing outcomes according to His will). ( Throughout the narratives in 1 Kings 1-2 and 2 Chronicles 22, we see instances of divine intervention. God communicates His will through prophets like Nathan and Gad, who advise King David and Solomon, ensuring that His chosen successor is recognized and supported.

King David's Authority:

As the established king and prophet, David's endorsement of Solomon carries significant weight. Despite Adonijah's attempted coup, David's decisive actions and public declaration of Solomon as his successor serve to reinforce God's choice and deter opposition.

Unity of the Faithful:

God mobilizes the faithful around Solomon, particularly through the support of key figures like Nathan the prophet, Bathsheba, and Zadok the priest. Their allegiance to God's chosen successor helps counteract political discord and ensures the implementation of God's plan.

Divine Affirmation:

The events surrounding Solomon's anointing and the people's joyful acknowledgment of his kingship serve as a divine confirmation of God's choice. This public affirmation reinforces Solomon's legitimacy and discourages further dissent.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:

God's choice of Solomon aligns with earlier prophecies and promises, such as the Davidic Covenant. By fulfilling these prophecies through Solomon's reign and the construction of the temple, God demonstrates His faithfulness and sovereignty over human affairs.
Overall, God's protection of His choice of Solomon involves a combination of divine intervention, the authority of established leaders like David, the unity of the faithful, divine affirmation, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Through these means, God ensures that His chosen successor is recognized and established despite political intrigues and challenges.

Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16.

Nathan's prompt action to protect Solomon can be understood in light of his earlier involvement in conveying God's promises to David regarding the establishment of his dynasty. In 2 Samuel 7:11-16, God speaks to Nathan and promises that David's offspring will succeed him on the throne and that his kingdom will be established forever. This prophecy assures David that his line will endure, and one of his descendants will build a house for God. Given Nathan's role in delivering this significant prophecy, he likely felt a personal investment in ensuring its fulfillment. When Adonijah attempted to usurp the throne and potentially disrupt the divine plan for king David's dynasty, Nathan would have been motivated to act swiftly to protect Solomon, the designated heir according to God's promise. 

Nathan demonstrated faithfulness and obedience to God throughout his ministry. As a prophet, Nathan faithfully conveyed God's messages and instructions to David and the nation of Israel. He courageously confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12), despite the risk involved in challenging the king. Nathan's obedience to God's command to deliver this difficult message exemplifies his commitment to speaking truth to power and upholding God's standards of righteousness. Moreover, Nathan faithfully fulfilled his role in delivering God's promises to David regarding the establishment of his dynasty (2 Samuel 7). He played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Israel's history by conveying God's plans and purposes to the nation's leaders. Nathan's faithfulness and obedience to God's commands are evident throughout Scripture, and his actions serve as an example for believers today. He remained steadfast in his commitment to God's will, even in the face of challenging circumstances, and his ministry had a significant impact on the course of Israel's history.

Furthermore, Nathan's relationship with king David was one of trust and respect. David valued Nathan's counsel and regarded him as a trusted advisor. Nathan's involvement in protecting Solomon reflects not only his commitment to God's promises but also his loyalty to king David and his desire to uphold the stability and integrity of the kingdom.

In summary, Nathan's proactive stance in safeguarding Solomon can be attributed to his role in delivering the prophecy of David's dynasty, his commitment to God's promises, and his close relationship with David. These factors likely compelled him to take decisive action to ensure the fulfillment of God's plan for the succession of the throne. 

 

[Niyonka16]

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 22:7) What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple?

ANSWER: The LORD chose Solomon to build the temple, because a temple in Jerusalem, a beautiful one at that, would be a way for Israel and all the people of the ancient Near East to recognize that He was there among them.

How does God protect his choice in spite of political intrigues?

ANSWER: This dual insight is significant for how Christians approach politics. Jesus recognized both the legitimate and limited authority of human government and governors. The state is from God, but the state is not God. The state is necessary, but it is not everything. There are certain things the state must do and certain things the state must not do. We are under the state’s authority, yet, more importantly, we are together under God’s authority.

How we engage politically. Three rules for political engagement:

1. First, understand what you’re doing as an American.
2. Second, engage in the process as a Christian.
3. Third, reserve your greatest energies for the most lasting society, the church.

The bottom line is that God is not a lover of political parties, He is a lover of people and whatever helps people to reach their God given potential is pleasing to God. God’s purpose in human government is to provide protection and freedom for the individual so that we might be all that we can be without government interference. That is one reason why we are told to “pray for those in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and sincerity.” (I Timothy 2:2)

Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16)

ANSWER: Nathan important in the Bible 

1. First, Nathan helped David to see that he was indeed the source of the problem both in the parable and within his leadership.
2. Second, Nathan specifically outlined the error of David's ways.
3. Third, Nathan articulated what would happen as a result of David's poor decision making.

[hanks]

Q2. (1 KINGS 1; 2 CHRONICLES 22:7) 
What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple? How does God protect His choice in spite of political intrigues? Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16) 
We read about the task God gave Solomon to build a permanent temple in Jerusalem in 1 Chr 22:9, and here God specifically names David’s son Solomon as the one chosen to build the temple. To protect His choice God made sure that Solomon would be made king of Israel, protecting him against the plot by Adonijah to seize the throne; giving him the necessary wisdom to rule and to accomplish his given tasks. Also, at that time there was peace in Israel. God is sovereign, He is in control, His purposes will prevail. God had instructed Nathan that Solomon would follow David as king, and to protect Solomon he gets Bathsheba to warn David about Adonijah’s plan to have himself declared king, and reminding David of the promise he had made to her that Solomon would be the one to reign. This resulted in David although very ill instructing Zadok to anoint Solomon king. 
 

[Katy]

Q2. God spoke to His prophet Nathan to convey to David that David would not be the one to build His temple but that his offspring Solomon would be a man of peace and God had chosen him to build the temple. 
Even though Solomon’s older brother Adonijah decided he should be king and invited certain guests to his coronation, God worked through Nathan and Bathsheba to prevent this from happening. Even though David was dying, God gave him the strength to organise Solomon’s coronation. David made sure that Solomon would get to his coronation without mishap by sending two regiments of his own bodyguards to protect him. He also held the coronation at the local spring from which all the water was collected, by doing this the coronation was open for all to see and attend. David chose Zadok the priest to anoint  Solomon as the next king of Israel, according to God’s plan.