May 20: Psalm 83; 1 Chronicles 29:23–25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2:13 – 1 Kings 3:4; 2 Chronicles 1:2–6; 1 Kings 3;5–15; 1 Chronicles 1:7–13

O God, Do Not Keep Silence – Psalm 83

• Asaph's psalm, a community lament for when God's people are threatened by Gentile enemies.

Solomon Anointed King – 1 Chronicles 29:23–25 & 2 Chronicles 1:1

• Solomon sits on the throne of the Lord in place of David. He prospers, and all of Israel pledges their allegiance to him. God makes him great in the sight of Israel.

Solomon's Reign Established – 2 Kings 2:13–46

• Adonijah comes to Bathsheba and asks that she go to Solomon and ask if Adonijah can have Abishag (David's concubine) for his wife. Bathsheba goes to Solomon and makes the request, and he asks her why she has made this request. He goes on to say that Adonijah is to be put to death, and he sends Benaiah to kill him that day. He then expels Abiathar the priest (who followed Adonijah), though he should put him to death as well.
• When Joab (who had also followed Adonijah) hears this, he flees to the tent of the Lord. Solomon learns of this and sends Benaiah to put him to death as well. Benaiah does as instructed and buries his body in the wilderness, as instructed.
• Solomon then sends word to Shimei that he should build a house in Jerusalem and never leave there. Shimei agrees, but three years later Shimei is told that his servants are in Gath and he goes there to retrieve them. When Solomon learns of this, he has Benaiah put him to death.
• Solomon's kingdom is established.

Solomon's Solomon Worships at Gibeon – 1 Kings 3:1–4 & 2 Chronicles 1:2–6 & 1 Kings 3:3–5

• Solomon makes a marriage alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He takes Pharaoh's daughter as his wife and brings her into the city of David until he finishes building his house in Jerusalem. 
• Solomon loves the Lord and walks in the statutes of his father, sacrificing only at the high places. He goes to Gibeon with all of the assembly, where he offers a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.

Solomon Prays for Wisdom – 2 Chronicles 1:7–13

• That night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and tells him to ask for what he wants. Solomon asks God to continue to keep His promise to David, since he has made Solomon king over a people as numerous as dust. He then asks for wisdom and knowledge to lead the people well.
• Because Solomon has asked for wisdom and knowledge (instead of possessions, wealth, or honor), God gives him what he has requested, as well as riches, possessions, and honor.
• Solomon returns from Gibeon and reigns over Israel.