Solomon – Second son of David and Bathsheba
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Solomon – Second son of David and Bathsheba [∞]
The idea of Solomon as the second son is often overlooked, but there is a fascinating connection to this theme in his birth order within his family.
Solomon's Birth Order:
- Solomon is the second son of David and Bathsheba.
- The first son, born to David and Bathsheba, tragically died shortly after birth (as recorded in 2 Samuel 12:15-18). This occurred as a consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba (the affair that led to the death of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband).
Why is Solomon Significant as the Second Son?:
- In the biblical tradition, the firstborn son typically inherits the blessings, leadership, and rights of the family. However, Solomon’s birth order as second is significant because it ties into the larger theme of God’s choosing the second son to fulfill His purposes.
- Solomon is chosen by God to succeed David as king, even though he was not the firstborn son. In fact, Adonijah, David’s firstborn with Haggith, initially tried to claim the throne when David was nearing death (1 Kings 1). However, Solomon was anointed by David and God to be the rightful king, highlighting a common pattern where the second son (like Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, etc.) is chosen over the firstborn for a special purpose.
Why was Solomon Chosen?:
- God's Sovereign Choice: Just as in the cases of other second sons, God’s choice of Solomon reflects His sovereign will. The rejection of the firstborn (Adonijah) in favor of Solomon demonstrates that God is not bound by the traditional order of birth but works according to His plan.
- Grace and Mercy: Solomon’s position as the second son also connects to the themes of mercy and grace in the Bible. God, in His mercy, chose to bless David with a son who would build the temple, and through Solomon, the throne of David would remain secure, with Solomon's line leading to the Messiah.
- Solomon as a Typological Figure: As the second son chosen to succeed David, Solomon is seen as a type of Christ. Just as Solomon was chosen to establish peace and build the temple, Jesus (the ultimate Son of David) would come to establish eternal peace and be the cornerstone of the new spiritual temple (the church).
Solomon's Role:
- Solomon’s reign was marked by wisdom, prosperity, and peace, fulfilling the promise that David’s line would lead to a kingdom of peace.
- His famous act of building the temple of God in Jerusalem solidified his place in history and in biblical prophecy. The fact that Solomon was second in line, rather than the firstborn, serves to remind readers that God's plans often go beyond human expectations.
Conclusion:
Solomon, though born as second, was chosen by God to fulfill a monumental role in Israel’s history. Just as other second sons in the Bible are elevated for God's purposes, Solomon's selection over his elder brother Adonijah illustrates God's sovereign choice. Solomon, as the second son of David and Bathsheba, is a picture of God's grace and a key figure in the fulfillment of God's promises to the house of David. His reign, centered on wisdom and the building of the temple, points forward to the Messiah, the ultimate Son of David.
