🤩 Bible Stories to Marvel At
Where God’s miracles grow big – for little and big children
📖 1 Kings Chapter 2 – A Difficult Beginning for a Young King
👑 When You Must Be Not Only Wise, but Also Strong
🌅 Introduction
Solomon was now king of Israel.
He was still young—and the kingdom was large.
There was much to do.
But before everything truly began,
there was one last moment between father and son.
David was old and near death.
But his heart was still alert.
He knew: A king needs more than courage—
he needs a heart that walks in God’s ways
and the courage to make difficult decisions.
📖 The Bible story
David had Solomon brought to him.
He spoke with a quiet voice, but with a clear gaze:
“I am about to go the way all people go—
but you, my son, be strong!
Be courageous and act like a man.
Keep the commands of the Lord your God.
Obey His word—
then you will prosper.”
This was not easy advice.
For being king did not only mean ruling kindly.
It also meant ensuring justice.
David reminded Solomon of several people:
🔹 Joab, the commander of the army, had once killed innocent men—secretly and coldly.
🔹 Shimei, a man who had once cursed David, was still living in Jerusalem.
🔹 And Barzillai, an old friend, was not to be forgotten—he had helped David in difficult times.
“Act wisely,” David said,
“and do not forget what each person has done.”
🛏️ David’s Last Day
Shortly afterward, David died.
After a long life—as a shepherd, warrior, king, and above all: a servant of God.
All Israel mourned.
But everyone knew: Now Solomon was king.
And he immediately had to prove
that he was not only a son—but a ruler.
⚖️ First Decisions
First came Adonijah, Solomon’s older brother—
the one who had tried to make himself king in chapter 1.
Now he tried again—in another way.
He asked Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother:
“Please ask Solomon if I may have Abishag as my wife.”
Abishag had been the young woman who cared for David.
The request sounded harmless—
but it was dangerous.
For whoever married a king’s woman
could claim the throne.
Solomon understood immediately.
He said:
“Adonijah has acted against the kingdom.”
And he had him put to death—because he had tried a second time to seize power secretly.
Then Solomon dealt with Joab:
The old commander fled to the tent of God,
but even there he could not hide.
For his guilt was great.
Joab was also punished.
Finally, Solomon confronted Shimei,
who had once gravely insulted David.
Solomon gave him one last chance:
“Stay in Jerusalem. Never leave the city.
If you do, nothing good will come of it.”
But after three years, Shimei left the city—
and Solomon acted as he had announced.
🟣 Summary
Solomon did not begin his reign lightly.
He received good words from his father—
but also heavy responsibilities.
He had to show:
I am not only David’s son—
I am truly king.
With courage, justice, and a clear heart,
Solomon began to lead the land.
💚 Message for Children Today
God does not call people only because they are strong or popular—
but because they can act responsibly.
Right at the beginning, Solomon had to make difficult decisions.
But he did not first ask:
“What do others think?”
Instead:
“What is just? What does God want?”
You do not have to be a king
to make brave decisions.
You too can be faithful and just in small things. 💡
💭 Thought Starter
🔹 How could Solomon have chosen the easier way—and why didn’t he?
🔹 When do you need courage to do what is right?
🔹 What has your father or mother once told you that has stayed important to you?
🧒 👧 👦
💌 Invitation to 1 Kings Chapter 3
🌠 What would you wish for—if God Himself asked you?
Imagine you are lying in bed, dreaming—
and suddenly God speaks to you.
Not stern. Not commanding.
But very gently:
“What do you want? I will give it to you.”
That is exactly what King Solomon experiences.
He is still young, but he knows:
Being a good king is not easy.
And what he asks for
changes not only his life—
but the whole nation.
🔔 Teaser for Chapter 3
🌙 On a special night, God appears to the young King Solomon.
He asks him a great question:
“Ask for whatever you want.”
And Solomon does not first think of gold, wealth, or fame—
he asks for wisdom.
He wants to rule well.
To be just.
To lead God’s people rightly.
And soon it becomes clear
how this wisdom comes alive in a difficult decision …
👉 Chapter 3 tells of a king
who does not live for himself,
but thinks for others.
And how God delights in a heart
that asks rightly.
