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A person’s last words before death are often about what is most important to them. It’s often at this moment that people tell family and friends how much they love them.
David was old and near death. His sons had already proven that they would likely fight each other for control after David died; Amnon had committed horrible sins and Absalom had rebelled against David. Now David heard that his third oldest son, Adonijah, had made a play to take over the kingdom and crown himself king. This could have led to civil war after David’s death, brother against brother, so David made a decision and crowned Solomon while he was still living.
Then, David gives Solomon his final thoughts: Be courageous. Obey God’s commands. David reminded Solomon of God’s covenant. Then David gave Solomon orders to handle unfinished business with wisdom.
David died, and God kept his promise. A Savior was born from among David’s descendants. He lived as a man, died an unjust death, and rose again to bring eternal life to everyone who believes. One day Jesus will come again and sit on the throne of David forever. And what were Jesus’s last words before he died on the cross? “It is finished.” The promise has been fulfilled, our sin is forgiven, and we have the hope of eternal life.
Pray: God, you are faithful to keep your promises. I look forward to the day Jesus returns and sits on his throne forever and ever. Amen.