Solomon: Israel’s Wisest King (1): Old, Cold David (I Kings 1:1-4) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Practical Application
II. The Typological Significance
III. The Narrative Purpose
Psalm singing: 18:33-40; 143:5-12; 71:16-21; 144:1-5, 9-10
Scripture reading: I Kings 1:1-21
Prof. David J. Engelsma: “The period culminating in the reign of King Solomon began with the inheritance of Canaan under Joshua. The establishment and glory of the kingdom of God under David and Solomon, climaxing in Solomon’s glorious reign, constitute the goal of a distinct epoch in the progress of the typical kingdom/covenant of God. The outstanding elements of this distinct period of covenantal history include the inheritance of the promised land; defeat of the enemies of the people of God; enjoyment of peace and prosperity; and the glory of God’s covenantal kingdom shining out to the nations of the world of that time. In power, in wealth, in territory, Israel had become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, kingdom in the world. The surrounding nations recognized the greatness of Israel, as the visit to Solomon by the queen of Sheba indicated. The root and essence of all this bliss and glory was Israel’s living with Jehovah as its friend in the covenant and its living obediently under Jehovah as its sovereign in the kingdom. The progress in this epoch reached its zenith in David’s son Solomon. Under Solomon, Israel experiences the possibilities of the blessing of God in the covenant” (Unfolding Covenant History, vol. 6, pp. 169-170).