Solomon Secures His Kingship
“Solomon no sooner ascends to the throne than he takes drastic measures to secure his position as king. Solomon interprets Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag as a conspiratorial move on the part of Adonijah, Abiathar, and Joab — and orders Adonijah’s execution.
Then, Solomon has the former army Chief, Joab, executed and makes it clear that the death is necessary in order to requite the shedding of innocent blood when Joab killed Abner and Amasa.
Finally, Shimei, the descendant of Saul who cursed David during Absalom’s rebellion, violates an agreement to remain in Jerusalem under protective custody, and he too is eventually executed.
Solomon not only solidifies his position from potential internal opponents but also judiciously forms a peaceful alliance with one of his potential foreign adversaries by marrying the daughter of Egypt’s ruling Pharaoh. Because of these various political steps, Solomon’s reign begins with a calm hardly known by the former king.”
Read: 1 Kings 2:13-46, 1 Kings 3:1, 1 Kings 9:16
Solomon Blessed with Wisdom
“Solomon will soon receive a special gift of wisdom — a wisdom that is perhaps unparalleled in history. And it speaks well of Solomon that, when the opportunity presents itself, he refuses to ask for wealth or power, preferring wisdom instead. The record of this special bestowment upon Solomon begins with a notation about the worship of Solomon and his people prior to the erection of the temple. The section concludes with one of the most famous stories of all time — the story of Solomon deciding the fate of an infant claimed by two mothers.”
Read: 1 Kings 3:2-28, 2 Chronicles 1:2-13
All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.
I Spy God 