Finding Christ in the Old Testament - 1 Kings

Finding Christ in the Old Testament
1 Kings 1:6–10, 28–40

Adonijah, exalting himself to claim the throne without the word of the king, presents a vivid image of the pride of man—seeking rule apart from divine ordination. Like Satan, who sought a throne above the Most High, Adonijah gathers his own followers, sacrifices his own offerings, and celebrates a kingship that is not his to claim. But the true king, Solomon, is appointed by the word and will of David, the anointed servant of God. This procession—Solomon riding the king’s mule, anointed at Gihon, proclaimed with trumpet and joy—foreshadows the Triumphal Entry of Christ. Jesus, the greater Son of David, does not take the throne by cunning or force, but by obedience, humility, and divine right. He rides not a war horse, but a lowly donkey, not to usurp but to fulfill. Solomon’s anointing brings peace; Christ’s anointing brings the eternal kingdom. Where Adonijah’s pride brings judgment, Solomon’s appointment by the will of the father prefigures the eternal reign of the Son, whose kingdom shall have no end.

Devotion
Man often seeks to crown himself king—to rule his own life and secure his own legacy—but only the one anointed by the Father reigns in truth. Christ, the humble King, was not self-appointed but sent, not raised up by man but chosen before the foundation of the world. Let every knee bow to the true Son of David, whose procession leads not to a palace, but to the cross, and whose coronation is sealed with thorns and glory.

New Testament Verse
Luke 1:32–33 (ESV)
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Collect
O Lord of Hosts, who raised up Solomon to sit upon the throne of his father David, and who has anointed Your Son Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, guard our hearts from pride and self-exaltation, that we may submit to Your appointed King in humility and faith; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin
O’er captive death and conquered sin.
— Ride On, Ride On in Majesty (LSB 441:1)

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Now and Forever, Unto the Ages of Ages, AMEN!