Tuesday, June 2  1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Romans 7

1 Kings 2: What were David’s final instructions to Solomon? Did Solomon carry out David’s instructions?

1 Chronicles 29: What is missing from this narrative?

 Romans 7: What is the new way of  the Spirit in which we are to serve? Why is the Law still good?

Journal Prompt:  How are you doing at serving in the Spirit? How do you see sin still at work in your life?

Answers:

1 Kings 2: David’s final instructions to Solomon were to follow God’s statutes and walk with the Lord. To kill Joab for the murders of revenge of Abner and Amasa that he had committed. To treat Barzilla kindly because he had shown kindness to David when Absolam forced him into exile. To kill Shimei who had cursed David. David had promised not to harm him, but he expected Solomon to murder him.

Solomon had Adonijah killed, because he asked Solomon for Abishag, which was apparently an affront to Solomon.  He then had Joab killed and he exiled Abiathar, the priest.  Initially he allowed Shimei to remain in Jerusalem as long as he didn’t leave the city. Three years later he left in search of his servants who ran away and Soloman had him killed.

1 Chronicles 29: This narrative makes no mention of Adonijah’s attempt to take the crown.  It does mention that Solomon was made king a second time (1 Kings 1:38-39) and was anointed as prince for the Lord. The ESV version says: “anointed him before the LORD to be the leader

 Romans 7: The new way of  the Spirit in which we are to serve is through faith in Jesus and love.

The Law is still good because it points us to our sin, but it doesn’t serve the purpose of achieving righteousness.