Crown Series Season 3: From David to Solomon

This sermon introduces the third season of the Crown series, focusing on the biblical narrative of Israel's monarchy from 1 Kings 1-11 and 2 Chronicles 1-9. Following previous seasons that covered King Saul and King David, this installment explores the transition from David to his son Solomon, emphasizing God's sovereign plan that ultimately points toward Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of David.

Foundation: The Davidic Covenant

The sermon establishes crucial context by reviewing the failures of King Saul, who despite initial promise, became disobedient and unrepentant, ultimately pursuing David rather than serving God's purposes. In contrast, David emerges as "a man after God's own heart," distinguished not by perfection but by his repentant spirit when confronted with sin. David's legacy includes establishing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, authoring psalms that drew people to God, and most significantly, receiving God's covenant promise in 2 Samuel 7:11-16.

This divine covenant promised that David's house and dynasty would endure forever, that his offspring would build God's house, and that his kingdom and throne would be established eternally. The sermon explains this promise's dual fulfillment: immediately through Solomon and the Davidic line until 586 BC, and ultimately through Jesus Christ, as referenced in Matthew 1:1. This theological framework positions the entire narrative within God's grand redemptive plan.

The Succession Crisis

David's unfulfilled desire to build the temple provides the backdrop for the succession drama. Though David longed to construct God's house in Jerusalem, he was prevented due to his history of bloodshed. Instead, God chose Solomon, described as a "man of peace," for this sacred task. However, the transition wasn't smooth. Adonijah, David's oldest surviving son, attempted to claim the throne, creating a crisis that required intervention from the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba.

The resolution came when David officially declared Solomon as his successor, leading to Solomon's anointing by Zadok at Gihon. This pivotal moment established Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne and fulfilled God's predetermined plan.

Lessons from Adonijah's Failure

The sermon extracts three critical lessons from Adonijah's failed coup attempt. First, the danger of self-promotion versus submission to God's will. Adonijah's decision to "put himself forward" contrasts sharply with the biblical call to humility found in Philippians 2:3-4, which emphasizes valuing others above oneself rather than seeking personal power and glory.

Second, the importance of wise counsel. Adonijah surrounded himself only with those who would affirm his desires, deliberately avoiding prophetic guidance that might challenge his plans. This approach contradicts Solomon's later wisdom in Proverbs 15:22, which warns that "plans fail for lack of counsel."

Third, the futility of halfhearted submission. Even after appearing to accept Solomon's kingship, Adonijah's request for Abishag revealed his continued rebellious intentions. This duplicity ultimately cost him his life when Solomon recognized the threat and ordered his execution.

Conclusion and Application

The sermon concludes by noting David's death after a forty-year reign and Solomon's firm establishment on the throne. While previewing that Solomon would elevate Israel to unprecedented heights before ultimately failing, the message emphasizes David's final charge to his son: success depends entirely on obedience to the Lord.

This historical narrative carries contemporary relevance, challenging listeners to examine their own relationship with authority and submission. Just as Solomon's success hinged on obedience to God, the sermon suggests that our success depends on submission to the King of kings, Jesus Christ. The message concludes with an invitation to follow this one true King, connecting the ancient story to modern discipleship and emphasizing that God's ultimate plan always points toward Christ's eternal kingdom.