This is Spoken Gospel.

We’re dedicated to seeing 
Jesus in all of scripture.

In each episode, we see what’s 
happening in a Biblical text

and how it sheds light
on Jesus and his gospel.

Let’s jump in.

The book of Kings tells us more about
God than it tells us about Israel's history.

You see, God promised
David an eternal dynasty

and a kingdom that would not be 
undone even by death or rebellion. 

But David is on his deathbed 
and his kingdom is in crisis.

God’s promise of an eternal throne is at risk.

So the question is: Will God continue to
be a God of life, even in the face of death?

David’s second-born son name Adonijah
revolts against David’s third-born son, Solomon.

Adonijah is the heir apparent, but 
David had promised Solomon the throne.

To legitimize his takeover, Adonijah turns his
father’s trusted general and priest to his side  

and invites his other royal
brothers to a secret coronation.

But Solomon’s mother persuades David 
to force Solomon’s coronation early.

David gives Solomon his royal donkey 
and crowns him king in Jerusalem.

Solomon is anointed with oil by
a priest loyal to the royal family.

Adonijah is in the middle of his feast 
when he learns his coup has already failed.

God’s promises won’t be undone by Adonijah 
but will continue through Solomon.

Fearing for his life, Adonijah rushes to 
the altar where priests offer sacrifices.

In the book of Numbers, the altar was a place 
of asylum for people guilty of manslaughter.

So, Adonijah hopes Solomon will apply 
this law to his treason, and he does.

Solomon’s first act as king is one of mercy.

He forgives Adonijah’s treason and
extends life to a traitor who deserves death.

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God brings life from the dead.

David’s encroaching death
and Adonijah’s rebellion

will not overthrow God’s plans
for an eternal Davidic kingdom.  

Solomon’s ascension and Adonjiah’s failed rebellion
are not just history, but they're actually theology.

God will bring life from David’s death through his son. And
from Adonijah’s rebellion an eternal kingdom will be born.

In this way David’s last days as king and 
Solomon’s first are less about a transition  

from one regime to another, but they're more
about the coronation of David’s final son, Jesus.

Jesus is the promised heir of Israel.

He’s anointed not with
oil but with the Spirit.

He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Like Solomon’s kingdom, 
Jesus’ Kingdom emerges from  

treacherous political drama, 
self-interest, and betrayal.

Solomon’s Father, like God the Father, overturns the
plots of sinful men to firmly install his Son on the throne.

And Jesus begins his administration
by forgiving his would-be executioners.

Like Adonijah, anyone can come to Jesus.  

Both enemies and traitors can cling to his place 
of sacrifice and death and receive mercy and life.

So, I pray that the Holy Spirit would open your
eyes to see God as the one who keeps his promises.

And may you see Jesus as the 
King who brings life after death.