RTW 2023

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously.  “O LORD, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes.

1 Chronicles 29:17-18

• David gives encouragement to Solomon and the assembly to whole-heartedly follow after God and do the work of building the temple.
• Bathsheba must have been out of the picture in David’s life for a long time–she had to remind David to affirm Solomon’s kingship.

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• David’s bodyguards, foreign mercenaries (Philistines!), were more loyal to David than his own commander (Joab).
• Some of the officials may have also betrayed David–even after committing to help with the temple and uphold Solomon’s appointment as intended king.
• One of the priests was loyal to David (Zadok) and one was not (Abiathar).
• Joab must have felt he would get some kind of power or advantage in supporting Adonijah as king instead of Solomon.
• It was Bathsheba who went to advocate for Solomon, not Solomon himself. Maybe this was more acceptable?

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It really hurts to experience betrayal; to grieve a relationship that did not end up how you thought it would, that ended up being really hurtful to you. There is something so deeply wounding when we are betrayed during our time of deepest need by someone we care about. Jesus understood this better than anyone, and we have a Savior who understands, empathizes, and will bring people into our lives that are loyal and true. Trust that Jesus can heal the wounds of betrayal, and that there are people who love you and care about you.