November 19, 2022: Haftarah – I Kings 1:1-31
This week's Haftarah reading is from I Kings 1:1-31. Join Dr. Jeffery Myers, as he tackles the importance of the Davidic dynasty, not only to the historical kingship of Israel, but to the covenant YAH had made with David, which would find its ultimate prophetic fulfillment in MESSIAH YESHUA!
Follow along in the AUDIO PODCAST, by clicking on the play button below, and reading along with the notes, as you listen to today's Haftarah:
Lion of Judah Speaks: Haftarah Portion – I Kings 1:1-31
In this week’s Haftorah portion King David is growing old and he is nearing death. His sons recognizing the impending death of their father begin to battle for the throne, for the power. However, David and those loyal to him would support Solomon for king. There was a clear declaration that Solomon would be the successor to the throne. In front of Nathan the prophet and David’s wife Bathsheba, David takes a solemn vow before them: I Kings 1:29-30, “The King vowed and said, “As Adonai lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, surely as I vowed to you by Adonai the G-d of Israel, saying, “Your son Solomon shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place; I will indeed do so this day.”
This is important to the Davidic dynasty, not only to the historical kingship of Israel, but to the covenant Yah had made with David. This covenant would find its ultimate prophetic fulfillment in the Messiah, Himself a “son of David”. King David had previously received a divine revelation of the soon coming messianic fulfillment of the covenant, so his oath to Bathsheba and his declaration about Solomon was in accordance to what he prophetically already understood.
So, what do we see in this portion dealing with the one son trying to override the will of Adonai and David? We see a few principles that come to light within the narrative. First, it always happens that the usurpers gain the confidence of the people in hopes of attaining their goals and selfish desires. People will do whatever it takes to gain favor for the sake of manipulation so that what they desire would come to pass…no matter what the cost. Absalom stole the hearts of many by pretending to have a true desire to help when his father, David, was “too busy”. People sometimes garner the friendship of key leaders with a design to actually destroy or gain power.
What is so sad is that not everyone who treats us as a friend is sincere in that friendship. The qualities of true friendship will always be evident when the circumstances require giving rather than getting. Yeshua taught us, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Second principle, is that imposters can gain a substantial following. Beware of those who pull you in with alternative motives. However, it will always end up in shambles sooner or later if it is contrary to what Yah has planned. Just because someone attracts the attention of the masses does not mean his message is correct.
Last principle we learn is that masses tend to be fickle. One day they love and follow you, and the next day they are cheering someone else. We see this in the haftorah story. This reminds us that so-called “political correctness”, which has become the litmus test of acceptability in our culture and times, is certainly no standard at all. What seems to be correct one day is incorrect the next. A “changing standard” is an oxymoron. In stark contrast, Adonai’s standards do not change because He never changes. Malachi 3:6, “I Adonai do not change, so you, the descendants of Ya’akov, are not destroyed.” How thankful are we that our Yah is stable, unmoving as according to Psalm 144:1-2 states, “Bless Adonai who is my immovable Rock. He gives me strength and skill in battle. He is always kind and loving to me; He is my future, my tower of strength and safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield. He subdues my people under me.”
David had a lot of great qualities- humble, godly, and patient. But worldly success and honor weakened his character. He was indulgent with his children, giving in to their wishes and desires and neglecting to correct their bad habits. The two oldest already died as a result of rebellion, and now another son was trying to usurp the throne. But thankfully, David didn’t turn a blind eye to this son. Adonai had appointed Solomon to be the next king, and David realized that the future of the kingdom depended on following Adonai’s plan. So, he proclaimed Solomon king!
Why don’t we realize that our future, what Adonai desires for us depends on us following His plan…not our own! We need to submit and surrender our will to the One who has great plans for us and desires only joy and success for us. Yet, we must realize it only comes if we follow His divine footsteps. The steps of a righteous man are ordered by Adonai.
David waited for over 15 years before he was anointed to be king and for his coronation. He waited for Adonai’s timing without any attempt to overthrow the king in power. He reigned for 40 years, but when it was time to give up power, he did so willingly. Power, in Adonai’s time frame and with His direction, will multiply good. Power, usurped by men and used for personal gain, will be a huge disaster. We need to follow the example of David left for us, and leave power and timing in Adonai’s hands. We must be ready when the divine shift comes. When Yah brings a shift, we must be ready to shift with Him. If we’re not careful, we won’t believe that He can bring us from Chronos stages through Kairos seasons into fullness. We need to have faith to move into the new. We need to be ready from a David to a Solomon reign. Adonai wants to bring divine shift to our lives, our kehillah, communities and our nation. When He says it is time to shift, we must take His hand and shift with Him, knowing He can and is willing to do it.
Adonai will do what He can do; we must also do what He expects and requires of us during the time of transition. Don’t overemphasize the sovereignty of Yah. In other words, it is dangerous to believe that Yah will make sure we get to fullness, no matter what we do. The generation of Israelites who perished in the wilderness is proof that fullness is not automatically guaranteed. We, like David, must be faithful to do our part in the transition time, fulfilling the assignments of Adonai. We must act responsibly, walking in truth and wisdom. If we do, we reach fullness!
During transition times, it is absolutely imperative that we obey Adonai and do it quickly. He knows how things must be done. We may not understand the importance of doing things His way, but He does, and it is essential that we do it His way. As we move forward into Yah-given destinies like Solomon, it is reassuring to know that Yah has already been there. Adonai knows how to open the doors of breakthrough, victory, fruitfulness because He has been there before!
Rev. 3:8, “I know your deeds, Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Are you ready for the divine shift?
Shabbat Shalom!
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Have a great day, worship the King, serve Him with gladness and make a difference in your community! Until next week.
Shalom Aleichem!