The Transition from David to Solomon to Rehoboam

The Royal Change Over

David was now 70 years of age and worn and feeble from his stressful earlier life. Unlike the kings and rulers of other nations, he did not wait till he died, but he established Solomon as king as commanded by God while he was still in his right mind and could see to a smooth transfer of power. For Solomon to have a smooth transfer of power, it was David's and the Lord's intention to remove anything that could cause dissension and factions as it was done in heaven when Satan sinned.

And so David said,

"My time to die has come. Be confident and determined, and do what the Lord your God orders you to do. Obey all his laws and commands, as written in the Law of Moses, so that wherever you go you may prosper in everything you do." 1.Kings 2:2-4, GNB.

And again we read,

"Solomon, the son of King David, took firm control of the kingdom of Israel, and the Lord his God blessed him and made him very powerful." 1. Chronicles. 1:1, GNB.

In the reign of David and Solomon, Israel became strong among the nations and had many opportunities to wield a mighty influence in behalf of truth and the right. The name of Jehovah was exalted and held in honor, and the purpose for which the Israelites had been established in the Land of Promise bade fair of meeting with fulfillment. Barriers were broken down, and seekers after truth from the lands of the heathen were not turned away unsatisfied. Conversions took place, and the church of God on earth was enlarged and prospered. {PK 25.1}

How could it take place that even gentiles were attracted to the way things were now in Israel?

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