The First 3 Kings Of Israel Series

Oh, I wish I had the time to fully develop all of this prayer. David’s prayer is one of the sweetest prayers you’ll see in all of Scripture. David is so overwhelmed by all he has heard – an avalanche of promises. He goes and sits before the very presence of the Lord. David gives a template of how to worship.

2.4.5 John Newton and 2 Samuel 7:17

In fact, John Newton writes the words to Amazing Grace when he discovers and reflects on David’s words: “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” (2 Samuel 7:17b).

Do you know how hard a man has to be to capture a son away from his father or mother? This was the slave trader, John Newton.

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

But the grace of God changed him. Newton discovered the secret to a great Christmas. It is an all-powerful God & all-wise God is working for the best outcome for your life.

Question to Consider

1. How did the first disciples know Jesus was the Son of God?

2. How does knowing the Scripture behind the writing of Amazing Grace help you sing this song?

1. King Saul

2. King David

3. King Solomon

Solomon is the third king of Israel and the son of David and Bathsheba. He probably begins reigning around 960 BC.

3.1 Solomon’s Rise to Power

Solomon is introduced briefly in the list of David’s children in 2 Samuel 5:14 before his birth account is found in 2 Samuel 12:24–25. His accession to the throne is recounted in 1 Kings 1, with his reign occurring in 1 Kings 2–11. You will also find a parallel account is found in 2 Chronicles 1–9.

Solomon’s main rival for the throne was Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith (remember he has more than one wife). As Adonijah was David’s oldest surviving son, he was the natural successor. When Adonijah held a banquet to declare his kingship, he did not invite those who did not support him—including Nathan, David’s court prophet (1 Kings 1:9–10). Nathan asked Bathsheba to remind David that he had promised the throne to Solomon. Earlier in time and in a speech recorded in 1 Chronicles 28–29, David recounts his plans for Solomon to assume the throne to the “officials of Israel” (1 Chronicle 28:1). He claims that Solomon has been “chosen” by God (1 Chronicles 28:5; 29:1). Now, Nathan and Bathsheba convince David to give his blessing to Solomon’s kingship and remind the near-dead king of his earlier intentions (1 Kings 1:30). The story of Solomon’s accession ends with a “bloodbath,” during which Solomon has Adonijah executed.

3.2 Solomon’s Wisdom

Solomon is remembered most for his wisdom, his building program, and his wealth generated through trade and administrative reorganization. Most of us who know anything about Solomon remember how God tells Solomon to ask for whatever he desires and the Lord will give it to Solomon.

And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” 11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like” (2 Chronicles 1:8-12).