Slideshow image

Today’s reading comes from 1st Kings 1–2 and Psalms 37, 71, and 94. The historical account brings us to the conclusion of King David’s life, highlighting the transition to his successor, King Solomon. The Psalms, in turn, offer a kind of commentary—revealing the righteous perspective David maintained throughout his life and encouraging us to nurture that same trusting relationship with the God who orders our steps.

One interesting note: the Shunammite (the virgin) is introduced as a source of comfort—a warm presence—for David in his advancing years. Whereas it might seem a bit strange—even a bit sexually suggestive—it is actually an accepted cultural norm. Abishag functioned as a nursemaid, almost like a prescribed remedy for the ailments of an aging king. She was likely chosen because she was outside the circle of “insiders” who might leverage political influence through such proximity. Still, as we later see, that did not stop Adonijah from trying.

Ultimately, Abishag became part of Adonijah’s downfall when he requested her as his wife. Even in this, we see a reminder: God takes care of the loose ends. We don’t have to position ourselves or strive for advantage or vengeance. As David reminds us in Psalm 37:39–40,

“…the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them…”

This captures the theme of today’s passage: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23).

David modeled this kind of trust. He did not retaliate when Joab killed righteous men, even when David was strong enough to act. He did not respond when Shimei cursed him and threw stones as he fled Jerusalem during Absalom’s uprising. Even in his final counsel to Solomon, David left room for mercy toward Shimei—yet in time, God’s justice prevailed when Shimei proved himself persistently rebellious.

We see this same trust-in-God principle being passed down to Solomon in the story of Abiathar the priest. Abiathar had stood with David when king Saul killed the priests in 1st Samuel 22. He remained loyal for many years—until this moment, when he sided with Adonijah instead of God’s chosen successor, Solomon. Though Solomon allowed him to live out his days in retirement in his hometown, his priestly line came to an end.

This fulfilled what God had already declared,

“Solomon dismissed Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord, which He had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.” 1st Kings 2:27

This reaches back to the earlier judgment in 1st Samuel 2–3 regarding the end of Eli’s lineage. God’s purposes move forward—always.

Psalm 37:3–5 summarizes it well:

“Trust in the Lord and do good… Delight yourself in the Lord… Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

We have a choice in how we walk through life. We can live at peace with both God and others by trusting Him to set things right… or we can strive, fight, and try to force outcomes—ultimately placing ourselves in opposition to God’s work.

But when we choose that path, we rob ourselves of the kind of beautiful ending we see in David’s life.

Psalm 37 contains a promise we have prayed over our eldest child, Jeffrey Andrew—whose name means “Man of God’s peace.” I especially love how the New Living Translation captures it:

“Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.”

Oh, that we would learn this lesson early in our lives—so that we can enjoy the results this side of eternity.

Go in peace today… and enjoy your now.