The Battle for Kingship Part 2: The Winning Formula

The second part of this battle royale focuses on how Solomon won the battle. We will discuss his team composition, his contribution, and the strategy used.

Solomon’s victory in this battle was attributed to his team, which was organized without his direct involvement. The team worked behind the scenes, utilizing their understanding of power dynamics and God’s will to Solomon’s advantage.

So, who were these key individuals who played a crucial role in Solomon’s triumph?

1. Nathan — A respected and trusted prophet who fearlessly confronted David when necessary. He commanded David’s respect and loyalty to God.
2. Zadok — A loyal priest who held favor with David. He was devoted to his role and the king, earning his trust.
3. David’s mighty men — These were David’s personal guards and skilled military leaders. They were fiercely loyal and willing to sacrifice their lives for the king’s cause. David placed absolute trust in them.
4. Bathsheba — Solomon’s mother, who held a special place in David’s heart. Her emotional influence on David was significant.

In addition to the team’s attributes, other factors favored Solomon:

1. God had already decided that Solomon would succeed David, making the throne rightfully his according to the promise in 1 Chronicles 28:5.
2. God loved Solomon, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 12:24.
3. Solomon’s team was aware of God’s succession plan for the throne of Israel and acted accordingly.

Solomon’s team strategically employed reminders to influence David’s decision. They worked on upholding David’s integrity by reminding him of his commitment (which was God’s promise) to Bathsheba.

Ultimately, David was compelled to choose his successor. Following God’s plan, he crowned Solomon as promised. The coronation followed proper procedures, with Solomon being anointed as king and receiving his father’s approval and blessings before his public unveiling as king.

Interestingly, throughout the strategic processes, Solomon remained passive. The team devised and executed their plans successfully without his direct involvement. Solomon only appeared on the scene after the plan had been fully executed.

Lessons learned from this story:

1. God has His way of fulfilling His promises in your life, and sometimes your involvement in the process may be passive, similar to Solomon’s experience.
2. Your team is one of your greatest strengths. Surround yourself with loyal and capable individuals.
3. Maintain your integrity as it is one of your most valuable assets.
4. Avoid acting on assumptions. Seek the truth and base your actions on it.
5. When things seem quiet or hopeless, remember that God will show up to help and comfort you.
6. Achieving God’s purpose in your life involves three parties: God, your team, and yourself. The interaction among these parties determines the fulfillment of your purpose, with God leading the way.
7. Build a circle of people who are loyal to you, as you are loyal to them.
8. Remember that the process is just as important as the outcome.

By following these lessons, you can navigate the challenges you face and achieve your desired outcomes with God’s guidance and the support of your team.