Having heard from Nathan, David understood the gravity of the situation and knew he had to act immediately. Wanting to assure Bathsheba, he summoned for her. She appeared to have left the chamber when Nathan came in to avoid the impression that the arrangement was a plot. So when Bathsheba came and stood before David again, the latter affirmed the promise he had made to her. He again swore to her saying, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, as I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.” So David acted firmly that day.
David
then called into action. He summoned for the three key players, Zadok the
priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, one of his mighty men and son of the
chief priest Jehoiada. These three were assigned to implement the king’s plan
to install his chosen successor. Solomon would be made to ride on
David’s personal mule to Gihon. This was near to where Adonijah was having his
coronation ceremony. Solomon’s journey there was led by David’s servants.
Both Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet would anoint him as king there.
The anointing by the priest and the prophet was by way of demonstrating that
Solomon not only had royal but divine approval. He would then ascend to the
throne with the trumpet sounding and shouting of “long live the king!” Solomon
would be installed not only as king over Israel but also Judah. On hearing the
instruction of David, Benaiah responded to the king with a loud “amen” and a
blessing in verses 36-37.
The
plan to install Solomon as his successor showed how lucid David’s mind still
was at this point. His plan left no doubt that Solomon was his choice. Five
clear steps were outlined. Firstly, Solomon was to ride on David’s personal
mule accompanied by his servants to Gihon near where Adonijah’s coronation was
taking place. Secondly, he wanted to ensure that he was properly
anointed by Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet. Thirdly, he wanted the
declaration to be made with the sounding of the trumpet. Fourthly, following
the sounding of the trumpet would be the shout of “long live the king!”
Fifthly, Solomon would ascend to the throne to rule over Israel and Judah.
From
this episode, we learn the importance of seeing to details in executing an
important plan. If we are to succeed in any undertaking in life and ministry,
planning is needful. If we fail to plan, we are planning to
fail. Apart from faithful and loyal friends, David’s plan had people
appropriately assigned and steps precisely detailed. Do we have a plan to
progress in God’s design for our life? What are the steps we must take if we
are to succeed in life and ministry? Make plans to progress in God by adopting
a plan to advance with Him. Don’t leave it to chance!
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