A Common Contingency
…that the Lordmay fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me[David], saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He [God] said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ - 1 Kings 2:4
Through the Prophet Nathan, David had initially received a promise from the Lord. When his life ended, the establishment of the throne of Israel would continue through his son. Furthermore, the Lord would establish the throne of Israel forever. Instead of David, Solomon was chosen to build a house for the Lord and God foretold of His relationship with him:
I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him… And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you.Your throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:14-16).
Solomon’s reign was magnificent, in the beginning he followed the ways of the Lord, but his wives caused him to have a divided heart. He allowed other gods to be worshipped and failed to be fully loyal to the Lord (1 Kings 11:1-8). As God’s chastisement came, Israel became divided between Solomon’s son Rehoboam and Jeroboam––a widow’s son. Jeroboam’s reign was also contingent on his obedience to the Lord:
…if you heed all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments… then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house, …and will give Israel to you… (1 Kings 11:38)
God desires to bless our lives but it is contingent on walking with God in truth, with all our heart and soul. Can you say that of your walk with God?
…O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.”
~2 Kings 20:3~
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