Wrestling With the Book of Job: Beyond Easy Answers

The old proverb says, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” We usually learn the Bible through the summary statements of Bible Handbooks and study Bibles. These are wonderful resources. The Bible is a challenging book for many reasons. It is nice to have a simple overview statement to grab onto and get the big picture. But this just never seems to work with Job.

 

The Heavenly Council — Background, Not the Theme
(Job 1–2)

If we focus on the heavenly conflict, we find little to justify that perspective. The opening chapters of the book reveal a great deal about the nature of the Divine Council and how their deliberations and discussions affect the world of men. However, that cannot be the main theme of the book. Were that the case one would expect the theme to return. A moment of retribution, or the shame of the Accuser when his plans to make Job blaspheme had failed. Certainly, the Lord's character is vindicated, but that provides the dramatic background, not the purpose of the book.

 

The False Comfort of Binary Thinking
(Job 3–31)

The next oversimplification is to summarize the book as follows: Job suffers, and his friends have foolish ideas. I held this false idea for years. Thinking whatever Job says must be right, and whatever his friends say must be wrong. The comfort of binary thinking can cause strange misunderstandings and misinterpretations of this book. But this explanation too falls short. If this were the case there would be no need for repeated cycles and the growing drama of the thorough arguments. The summary does more to prove that lesson than the text does, and that is a sign of an ineffective summary statement.

 

A Better (Though Still Incomplete) Summary

So, what is going on here? After reading, studying, and teaching through this book it has become plain that no oversimplification will give us the right mindset to approach this book. Unless it is extraordinarily vague. Here is my proposal:

"Friends discuss the topic of suffering in a fallen world, and God sets them straight by not answering their questions."

 

The Great Error About Suffering
(Job 4–37)

The bulk of the book is a set of arguments that must be read with thoughtful consideration because, as previously mentioned, the summaries always fall wildly short of the mark. Wise men evaluate what they know of God, what they know of the world, and what they know of mankind and try to understand Job's tragedy. If there is a single proposition that is refuted it is the false idea that suffering is always God punishing an individual for personal sin. If this were the only point of the book (which it is not) it would be worth the investment. Mankind is deeply committed to this concept.

Why does one person's life go well, while another suffers? One is born to health, and other lives with permanent disability. Centuries after this great conversation someone would ask Jesus why a man was born blind — did he sin, or did his parents sin? (John 9:1–3) Ah, false dichotomy, the greatest friend of our foolishness. Jesus corrected them with the mind-bending truth: Neither had sinned — this man was born blind for the glory of God.

Oof. That is a hard gut-shot. That man born blind had surely suffered immensely. Not being able to see would mean it would be difficult for him to work, bring challenges in relationships, and who could count the pain of that disability. We like the idea that it was someone's fault. It gives us assurance, albeit false assurance, that we are safe against the pains and losses of our lives because we are doing so well.

 

The Modern Version of the Same Error
(Matthew 5:45)

A brief departure is necessary, the modern version of this is far more destructive than the ancient one. The ancient version of this profound misunderstanding desired to please God and hoped that such actions would bring protection, safety, and blessing. The modern version is based upon the secular cult. A person thinks they are healthy because of their diet and exercise habits. Another person thinks that they are wealthy because of their diligence or hard work.

This is not to take away from the importance of personal responsibility and exercise of wisdom — but to bring us to the point of ultimate wisdom. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. We invest entirely too much effort into trying to figure out why suffering occurs, and how to avoid it. We have a frightful tendency to despise those who suffer as we worry that standing too close to them might be like standing too close to someone who is about to be struck by lightning.

 

Why We Pull Away From the Suffering
(Job 38–42)

The book of Job gives another example of why we often distance ourselves from those who suffer. No simple solution is found. It is not fun standing in front of an unsolvable problem. Job's friends are clearly trying their best to offer wisdom, comfort, and encouragement. Tempers get enflamed in the exercise, and choice words are exchanged, but in the end Job's friends are chastised for their words.

Now that is interesting! Would they be better off if they had not showed up at all? Yet, while they were corrected, they were part of a direct encounter with God. It may not have been pleasant, but it was surely worth it. In a single day they became the wisest men on the planet in their time. Every reader has benefitted from the lesson that the Lord taught them.

 

The Blessing of Wrestling With the Text

The Book of Job is difficult to read for all the same reasons. When a person suffers there is a great deal of comfort in the shared confusion and clear complaints of Job. When a person is not in a place of great suffering it is often easier to look past Job with a short oversimplification of the book.

The greatest blessing is for the reader who will wrestle with the problems and challenges of the situation. The dramatic irony that the reader knows things that Job and his friends do not know. The reader knows about the drama in Heaven, but the characters are simply guessing at everything.

 

The Transforming Power of Careful Reading

A careful and humble consideration of this book is transformational. To look past our simple actions and pious platitudes and come to a full and mature understanding of the nature of reality from the greatest perspective that is available to us. Such an exploration brings about the ability to suffer, and to comfort those in suffering, with true biblical wisdom and compassion.

In order to reap these blessings there is no other prescription but to read the book of Job for yourself!

Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah

 

Nehemiah is one of the most striking examples of leadership in the Bible. From a position of prominence in the Persian government to a leader who oversaw the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1–6). From a great palace, serving the most powerful man in the world to a building manager in a dusty dangerous backwoods of the empire (Nehemiah 2:11–18; Nehemiah 4:10–23). It is quite an impressive tale. Our world has no shortage of books on leadership, but there are few things that can match a notable example.

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Waiting for the Call

Nehemiah was well along in his career. He was in a place of prominence as the cupbearer to the king (Nehemiah 1:11; Nehemiah 2:1). That was a position that one would have worked hard to achieve.

We can only wonder what kept Nehemiah from returning to the land when Cyrus decreed (Ezra 1:1–4), or even when Ezra returned (Ezra 7:6–10). Ezra and Nehemiah were both latecomers to the return to the land (Ezra 7; Nehemiah 2), Esther and Mordechai never did return to the land (Esther 2:5–7; Esther 8:1–2; Esther 10:3).

It was always the Lord's plan to restore his people to the land (Jeremiah 29:10–14; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1, 13), and yet most remained in the comfortable big cities and great nations of their exile (Ezra 2:64–65; Nehemiah 7:66–67). I have always found this troubling. If the Lord wanted them to return, why did so few come? It smacks of disobedience to me, but the Lord used each of these cases for good (Genesis 50:20; Esther 4:14).

When the time was right, he called the people to His service regardless of whether they were in the Land or not (Acts 17:26–27; Daniel 2:21). Furthermore, if Ezra and Nehemiah had gone down with the first return then these revivals in the effort may not have happened (Ezra 9–10; Nehemiah 8–9).

The Lord truly does work all things together for the good of those that love Him (Romans 8:28).

 

The Flashpoint

It was a news article for Nehemiah, or something like it. As a Jewish person, living in a foreign land, he maintained an interest in what was going on in the ancestral homeland (Nehemiah 1:2–4). And hearing about the state of things had a major impact on him (Nehemiah 1:4).

Great men throughout history have had a flashpoint event in their lives. The person who is going through life happily before the burden for a nation, a people group, an age group enters their lives. They find their calling in serving that cause (Nehemiah 1:3–11; Isaiah 6:8; Acts 9:15–16).

This is the call of the world's great missionaries like Hudson Taylor called to China, George Muller called to the orphans of England, Paul receiving the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9–10), or the call of Saint Patrick to the very people who had enslaved him in his early years.

 

Faithful in the Small Things

If I might say, there are thousands of Christians still waiting for such a moment. I would recommend to you that "he who is faithful in the small things can be trusted in greater things" (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21). Seek to grow in the Lord and be faithful in the roles and tasks that He has placed in front of you (Colossians 3:23–24; 1 Corinthians 4:2).

If you are prayerful, patient, and faithful you may be surprised at how quickly the Lord provides you with a passion project for His glory (Psalm 37:4–5; Galatians 6:9; James 1:4).

Nehemiah demonstrates availability to the Lord by responding to this calling (Nehemiah 1:4–11; Nehemiah 2:4–5).

 

Wisdom, Resources, and Asking for Help

Nehemiah then does something interesting. He does not just pick up and go; he uses the resources that he has gained along the way to succeed in his project (Nehemiah 2:7–9). Nehemiah was in a special position with direct access to the king (Nehemiah 2:1–8). That is a great resource, and he was not afraid to use his position to put this desire before the king (Nehemiah 2:4–8).

It can be difficult to ask for help or invite others to take part in our mission (Proverbs 11:14; Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). Especially when it comes to asking our superiors. Nehemiah used wisdom and tact to get both the permission to leave his post and the resources to make the greatest impact (Nehemiah 2:4–9; James 1:5).

 

Discernment About Partnership

This invitation for help, however, must be qualified. Neither Ezra nor Nehemiah would accept help from people unaligned with their purposes (Ezra 4:1–3; Nehemiah 2:19–20). Allowing the people of the land to participate may have compromised their projects, and given unbelievers influence over the community of the faithful (Ezra 4:1–5; Nehemiah 6:1–14; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18).

It takes discernment to know what help to take and what help to reject (Proverbs 13:20; 1 John 4:1), yet both leaders had displayed such wisdom (Ezra 4:1–3; Nehemiah 2:19–20).

 

Motivation

Though there are other important leadership principles demonstrated in the life of Nehemiah, there is one more to highlight here: Motivation.

Nehemiah knew the authority that he had, and he was faithful to that responsibility (Nehemiah 2:17–18; Nehemiah 4:14–15; 1 Corinthians 4:2). Nehemiah repeatedly asked God to see his efforts and to reward him (Nehemiah 5:19; Nehemiah 13:14, 22, 31).

Nehemiah is one of the greatest examples in the Bible with little or no failure that we can observe, and this may well be the secret. He did not desire the praise of men; he did not demand a position of glory and honor (Nehemiah 6:15–16; John 5:44; Galatians 1:10). He desired the approval of God and God alone (Nehemiah 13:31; 2 Corinthians 5:9).

It gave him wisdom, courage, and drive to know that his effort mattered, regardless of human recognition or rejection and opposition (Nehemiah 4:14; Nehemiah 6:9; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

The Christian’s Motivation: God’s Approval and Eternal Reward

For a Christian today, this attitude changes everything. The moment a person trusts Christ for salvation God approves, forgives, and eternally places them into Christ (John 5:24; Ephesians 1:13–14; 2 Corinthians 5:17). We have a wonderful opportunity each day to live for the moment or to live for eternity (Colossians 3:1–4; Matthew 6:19–21).

We are also right to understand that there is only one assessment of our life that truly matters: the Lord's assessment (1 Corinthians 4:3–5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The Lord longs to reward His children (Matthew 6:4; Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:12–15), and we can invest every moment in eternity as we seek to serve and honor Him (Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:18–19).

The Old Wept, The Young Rejoiced

 

Ezra describes a crucial time in Israel’s history: the rebuilding and re-dedication of the Temple (Ezra 3:10–13). The Temple was the centerpiece of the faith of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 12:5–7). It was the only place that God had given them to approach Him (Deuteronomy 12:13–14). Gone were the days of the patriarchs when Abraham would simply build an Altar and worship the Lord God (Genesis 12:7–8; Genesis 13:18). For years, sacrificial worship only occurred at the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:1–2; Leviticus 17:8–9). The mobility of the tent meant that sacrifices and direct access to the Lord could happen all over Isreal (Exodus 33:7–11). This was convenient in times of persecution as the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant could be present wherever needed (Numbers 10:33–36; 1 Samuel 4:3–4).

For all the convenience of that special time, the Lord's plan continued to unfold. The advent of the monarchy and the Davidic Covenant explained God's ultimate plan to bring the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Psalm 89:3–4). It all started with David's desire to build a temple to replace the tabernacle (2 Samuel 7:1–2; 1 Chronicles 22:7–10). This had immense national significance. The nation of Israel had gone from dwelling in tents to dwelling in houses and villages (2 Samuel 7:1). They were constantly in danger of foreign conquest and occupation (Judges 2:14–15). Now they were an established Nation with a permanent place on the map (2 Samuel 7:10). The Temple was a statement that God would continue to dwell with them (1 Kings 8:10–13). It meant that the place to access the God of the universe was permanently located in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:10–11). The nations were meant to stream forth to worship the God of Israel in this one holy place (Isaiah 2:2–3).

The unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah put a temporary halt to that function and purpose (2 Kings 21:10–15; 2 Chronicles 36:14–17). God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Jerusalem and lay waste to the Temple (2 Kings 25:8–10; 2 Chronicles 36:18–19). This changed everything. The people went into captivity in Babylon; separated from the Temple where they needed to worship the Lord their God (Psalm 137:1–4). This stopped the sacrifices, and the exiles continued to worship God, study the Law, and meet, but they could not fulfill the Law, because they had lost their place in this world (Daniel 9:11–14; Hosea 3:4).

The Lord was good to His promise and returned them to the land through Cyrus the Great (Ezra 1:1–4; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1–4). The people could return and live according to the Law of Moses once more, just as God commanded (Ezra 7:6; Nehemiah 8:1–3). This was a moment of tremendous celebration (Ezra 3:11). The Lord was faithful and had fulfilled His promises! Not all, however, were cheering that day.

Those who had lived to see the Temple of Solomon could only weep aloud(Ezra 3:12–13). This new temple did not match the glory of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:37–38; 1 Kings 8:62–66). The beauty of the architecture and the glorious history of that temple was gone forever (2 Chronicles 7:1–3). The sound of the young people rejoicing was the other sound in the air (Ezra 3:11). They had every reason to rejoice. God was faithful to them, they had their homeland back, and they could once more worship God in faithfulness and truth (Ezra 1:5–6; Nehemiah 12:43). The failures of men would never foil God’s plan (Isaiah 46:9–10).

The old men were right to weep, however. The unfaithfulness of men had not stopped the faithfulness of God, but it had cost them dearly (2 Timothy 2:13; Galatians 6:7–8). Solomon’s beautiful temple was a symbol of what happened when men walked in faithful obedience to the God Who loved them and provided everything for them (Deuteronomy 28:1–2), and it was gone forever (2 Kings 25:9). This renewed, utilitarian Temple was a sign of God's faithfulness, but also a record of what the nation lost because of their sin (Ezra 3:12). They were no longer a proud nation worshipping their God in a glorious temple. But they were a humbled nation, allowed to return to their land and rebuild the Temple at the command of a pagan despot (Ezra 6:3–5).

This powerful scene reminds us how we are always reliant upon God's grace and love (Ephesians 2:8–9), and what we lose when we walk in sin (Proverbs 14:34; 1 John 1:6–9).

Measuring Success God's Way

 

Why Success is Difficult to Measure

Measuring a person’s success—or impact—is difficult, because we rarely agree on the parameters. One person is considered “effective” because of what he accomplished; another because of the influence he had on others. The Muppet Christmas Carol offers the charming advice: “If you want to know the measure of a man, you simply count his friends!” That delightful statement probably could use a bit of nuance—but I do like it.

When it comes to measuring success or failure by the Lord’s standard, the task is blessedly simple:

Are you faithful to Him?

That is the measure. It is simple—and it may not be the measure we prefer—but it is the only measure that ultimately matters.
(See 1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:21.)

The Kings: one repeated metric

This is the consistent principle throughout the History Books of the Old Testament. As the reader moves through the kings of Israel and Judah, the same measuring rod is applied again and again as the only meaningful metric. Little is said about financial policy, foreign trade, or even military leadership.

Rather, everything is traced back to one central question: Did they walk in the ways of David, or did they walk in the ways of the kings of Israel? (See 1 Kings 15:3; 2 Kings 18:3; 2 Kings 21:21–22.)

The cost of righteousness

Each king had varying degrees of success, and some were absolute failures. It would be fascinating to read the other histories from that period that were not divinely inspired—documents that may have captured the debates, discussions, and decisions of the day.

It must have been costly for any godly king of Judah to stand against the culture: people offering their children to the Baals, worshiping at the sex cults associated with Asherah poles and “high places.” Anyone opposing such practices would likely be labeled prudish, old-fashioned, regressive, and intolerant.

After all, the sinful heart likes to have places to hide and indulge—and undoubtedly many “fine, upstanding, God-fearing citizens” quietly slipped away to participate in pagan immorality now and again. They may have spoken publicly about national faithfulness to the Lord, while privately refusing to support the removal of their own preferred “sacred sites”—the spiritual equivalents of abortion factories and brothels tied to these pagan practices.
(See 2 Kings 17:16–17; Jeremiah 7:30–31; Romans 1:18–32.)

Partial reform and courageous reform

Some kings walked with the Lord and promoted true worship—yet failed to remove the Asherah poles and high places. Others showed genuine courage and made real progress against the wickedness of the evil one.

And it was costly. It often involved conflict, confrontation, and real risk—because evil rarely retreats without a fight.
(See 2 Kings 12:2–3; 2 Kings 18:3–6; Ephesians 6:11–12.)

Legacy: the sentence that outlasts kingdoms

Yet faithfulness was the only measure that mattered.

Few of those rulers’ names are found outside of Scripture, and even those who are remembered are memorialized eternally by a simple sentence such as:

“He did not walk in the ways of David.”
(See 1 Kings 15:26; 2 Kings 15:9.)

That should sober us.

Your legacy and God’s record

I believe it will be the same for us. We may pursue whatever legacy we want: some are remembered for great wickedness; others for accomplishment or philanthropy. But all of those labels melt away with time. The vast majority of human lives vanish into the sea of history.

But none are lost to the Lord.

And there is only one measure that will matter in the only record that lasts forever:

Did they walk with the Lord?
(See Hebrews 4:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10.)

The only records that last

1) The Lamb’s Book of Life

The first book a person must be found in is the Lamb’s Book of Life. And this book is easy to get into.

If a person trusts in Jesus Christ—His deity and His sacrifice on the cross for sin—that person’s name is written there.
(See John 3:16; John 5:24; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 21:27.)

We don’t yet know how detailed the wording will be, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it were something like:

“Caroline Smith—trusted Christ for salvation and received eternal life by the power and sacrifice of the Lamb on June 18, 2024.”

2) The judgment that measures faithfulness

Then comes the next evaluation that matters: the believer’s judgment for rewards.

1 Corinthians 3 teaches that every believer will have the privilege of standing before the Lord. All sins have been paid for in full. Every empty and foolish thing will be burned away. And the believer’s life will be evaluated based on what was done in faith.
(See 1 Corinthians 3:11–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10.)

What car one drove, what degree one earned, whether one succeeded in business—none of that will matter there. The question will not be: Were you impressive?

The question will be:

What was the Lord able to do through you as you trusted Him?

Living for the only evaluation that matters

If we are thinking clearly, this is the only evaluation worth living for. It is the only one that matters—and the only one that lasts into eternity.

Like the kings of Judah and Israel, we can get distracted by worldly measures: fame, wealth, power, applause. But the wisest among us will keep our eyes fixed on Christ, value what He values, and pursue Him moment by moment in faith—walking by means of the Spirit for His glory, honor, and praise.
(See Colossians 3:1–4; Galatians 5:16; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18.)

Solomon’s Prayer

 

Solomon is one of the most prolific writers of Scripture. He gave us the larger portion of Proverbs (Prov. 1:1; 10:1; 25:1), plus the whole of Ecclesiastes (Eccl. 1:1), and the ever-interesting Song of Solomon (Song 1:1). Some have even put him forth as the author of the book of Job, though that doesn’t seem to hold much water in my perspective. Nevertheless, that is a tremendous amount of Scripture for any one person to be responsible for. For all of his failings later in life (1 Kings 11:1–11), we must admire the tremendous wisdom on life’s most important topics that the Lord revealed through Solomon’s skillful pen (1 Kings 4:29–34).

For all of the time I have spent learning from the thoughtful musings of humanity’s wisest author, I would have given anything to hear his address and prayer at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8; 2 Chron. 6). So much went into that fateful day. Truthfully, the history of that faithful moment goes all the way back to Eden (Gen. 2:8–9; 3:22–24).

The Temple and the Problem of Separation

The Temple, like the Tabernacle before it, was designed to approach the holy God (Ex. 25:8; 40:34–38). By far the greatest loss in our expulsion from Eden was the loss of direct fellowship with our Creator (Gen. 3:8–10, 23–24). The Tabernacle showed how sinful man can approach the holy God (Lev. 16:1–34; Heb. 9:1–10).

The outer court was filled with a laver for washing before coming to the Lord (Ex. 30:17–21), and the great brazen, four-horned altar (Ex. 27:1–8). Sin had to be paid for with sacrifice—without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22).

Passing through into the Holy Place, one sees the altar of incense, which reminds us of prayer (Ex. 30:1–10; Ps. 141:2; Rev. 8:3–4), and the showbread, which reminds us of the presence and provision of the Lord (Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5–9). The lampstand was a seven-branched menorah (not a six-branched one) and reminds us of the light of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Ex. 25:31–40; Zech. 4:1–6).

Through the final curtain was the Most Holy Place—where the Ark of the Covenant sat (Ex. 26:33–34; 40:20–21). It was a place so holy that a person could enter only once per year, under specific circumstances as prescribed by the Law of Moses (Lev. 16:2, 29–34; Heb. 9:7).

David’s Shock and Solomon’s Opportunity

The moment Solomon prayed his dedication prayer over the Temple was amplified by history. It was David who realized how shocking it was that he dwelt in a palace while the meeting place between God and man was still in a tent (2 Sam. 7:1–2; 1 Chron. 17:1). The true centerpiece of all Israel’s hope and history—in a tent!

Yet the Lord did not allow David to build the Temple because he was a man of war (1 Chron. 22:7–8; 28:2–3). How shocking it must have been for David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22), to learn that his violent path disqualified him from building the Lord’s house.

So he did the best thing he could: laying aside the materials and making the plans so that Solomon would have all that was needed—and leaving no excuse to begin the project (1 Chron. 22:2–5, 14–16; 28:11–19).

The Building of Glory

Even then, it took several years. It must have been amazing to see the beauty of that Temple take shape (1 Kings 6:1–38). From a bare building site, watching the walls rise—surely the people peered in as the structure went up and finally closed off the place of the Lord’s presence from their sight.

All of these moments build anticipation for the day when the Temple of the Lord would be permanently placed in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Chron. 5:2–5). Reading through Solomon’s prayer of dedication, we feel the full weight of all the history that led to that very moment (1 Kings 8:22–53). How powerful it would have been to stand there and see such a significant advance in the Lord’s plan.

The Lord Dwells Among His People

The Lord took up residence in that Temple in a special way that day. The Shekinah glory entered the Temple—smoke filled the space, and the priests could not stand to minister because of the glory of the Lord (1 Kings 8:10–11; 2 Chron. 5:13–14). The sacrifice was consumed, fire fell from heaven, and the Lord approved and dwelt in Israel (2 Chron. 7:1–3).

This moment would only be equaled when Jesus Christ, Immanuel (“God with us”), entered the second Temple almost 500 years later (Matt. 1:23; Luke 2:22–32; John 2:13–22). In Him, God did not simply inhabit a building—He came in flesh and blood, and “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14).

The Greater Temple Today

The Church is the Lord's Temple in this age—the dwelling place of God upon the earth (1 Cor. 3:16–17; Eph. 2:19–22). The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, creating a constant meeting place between God and man in everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 14:16–17; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19–20).

That same Holy Spirit who filled the Temple with God’s glory now indwells the believer and provides the power for the Christian life every day (Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18). That powerful picture of the inauguration of Solomon's Temple is a reminder of the miracle of the Holy Spirit's ministry in the Church today. Lest we forget, or become insensitive to His presence and work within us, we have the opportunity to bring sinful people near to the very presence of God Almighty and invite them into that same relationship that we enjoy by the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Stolen Valor & Stolen Thrones: The Ambition of Adonijah

 

Stolen Valor and Stolen Thrones: Adonijah’s Ambition

Stolen valor is a serious offense. This is when people claim to have served in a military office that they did not actually fill. It is vile to those of us who admire and respect the sacrifices of those who risk their lives in service to their country.

That is what came to mind as I was reading about King Solomon’s ascent to the throne.

As the final days of David’s life were in progress, Adonijah saw an opportunity. In the apparent power vacuum, there was a chance to gather enough people together and see if he could steal the throne—even though it was not his to take. His goal was to take advantage of the compromised position of having a living King David who could not do much due to failing health. To gather all the right people and declare himself king seemed like a legitimate plan to Adonijah (1 Kings 1:5–10).

A Shaky History of Succession

To be fair to Adonijah, we have to note that the monarchy in Israel was still very new. Until King Saul, the Lord had ruled over His chosen people by raising up judges to be leaders when needed (Judges 2:16–19). Outside of those times, the people were to be ruled directly by the Lord, living according to the Law of Moses.

First Samuel tells the story of how the people demanded a king (1 Samuel 8:4–7). Interestingly, the Law of Moses had already allowed for this office, anticipating that kingship would one day be filled by God’s chosen representative in God’s timing (Deuteronomy 17:14–20). The ultimate Person who would fulfill that role was (and is) the Messiah.

But in Israel’s early history, this meant there was a shaky and turbulent pattern of royal succession. Saul lost the throne because he disobeyed the Lord (1 Samuel 15:22–28). David was then anointed as king, but did not fulfill that office for decades while Saul’s reign wound down—ending only when the Lord brought it to an end in His time (1 Samuel 16:12–13; 1 Samuel 31:4–6).

This was a wild transition of power when we think about it in modern terms. Saul still had power, allies, and the loyalty of many, and he refused to submit to the Lord and give up the position to David (1 Samuel 18:8–11; 1 Samuel 24:1–7). What’s more, plenty of people remained allied with Saul’s household and invested in keeping his house in power. Samuel accounts for this shift of power and the ultimate triumph of David as king over Israel.

The Lord even went so far as to make a covenant with David—promising that David’s line would be the line of all future legitimate kings of Israel, and ultimately of the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–16). That, however, still didn’t give a clear picture of exactly how succession should continue from king to king.

Absalom’s Warning—and Adonijah’s Gamble

Absalom made things far more complicated by leading a rebellion against his father David. It was very successful for a time, but ended in Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 15:10–14; 2 Samuel 18:9–15). His rebellion served as a warning to anyone in David’s line who might be tempted to seize the throne by cunning.

So how would succession be decided?

David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and he had already decided—privately—that Solomon would reign after him (1 Kings 1:11–13). Yet that did not stop Adonijah from taking his shot.

In the end, Adonijah’s scheming did not have the result he wanted. The people who were part of David’s administration answered in force, and the transition of power occurred at the public coronation of Solomon—with all the right people present—in a way that honored the Lord and His great plan for Israel and the line of David (1 Kings 1:32–40).

Mercy Given… and Squandered

Amazingly, Adonijah got a pass.

First Kings describes how he humbled himself before Solomon and saved his own life by recognizing Solomon as king (1 Kings 1:50–53). Even then, he could not leave his scheming alone.

After the death of David, Adonijah made a seemingly innocent request: he wanted to take Abishag as a wife (1 Kings 2:13–17). But Solomon saw through it immediately. In that culture and context, this was not a harmless request—it was a political move, an attempt to position himself again for the throne (1 Kings 2:22). And with that final ploy, Adonijah’s ambitions came to their proper end: execution (1 Kings 2:24–25).

Such ends the ambition of the unrighteous Adonijah.

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Lessons from a Stolen Throne

This account illustrates some important principles in life.

Adonijah was part of the royal family and certainly had power and influence in Israel—yet he wanted the throne. There is no indication that he sought the Lord’s will in the matter. In fact, the evidence suggests he knew he was defying the will of God: he deliberately excluded the priest Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:8–10). He did not care. He wanted more.

And that obsession brought about his death.

Many have fallen into this same trap: wanting to take over businesses, families, nations, and churches based purely on ambition. But the Lord offers a better way to think about power and authority.

The thought that we should have authority—or fight for what we want—seems to lay down a clear pattern: those who pursue power and authority are often those least qualified to have it. Scripture repeatedly warns about selfish ambition (Proverbs 16:18; James 3:14–16), and Christ Himself defines greatness in the opposite direction: not seizing power, but serving (Mark 10:42–45).

Perhaps instead of fighting for what we want, we would find ourselves doing more for the Lord by serving faithfully where we are.

The story of Adonijah could have been an amazing one—where he strengthened and supported the Lord’s chosen king. Instead, Adonijah stands as a cautionary tale: a warning against seeking our own glory rather than God’s glory (Jeremiah 9:23–24; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

A Long Story of Leadership, Faithfulness, and Glory

 This morning I awoke at 3:30 a.m. Unable to return to sleep, it seemed best to rise and read the Scriptures. I spent time in the final ten chapters of Deuteronomy, and the message could not be more plain.

Israel must believe in the LORD, worship Him alone, and carry out His commands.

This was no small task. The Lord would bring them into the land and prove—by blessing and by discipline—that He alone is the one true God. Obedience would bring blessing; disobedience would bring correction. Throughout the rest of Scripture, Israel experiences both.

Leadership and the Pattern of Israel’s History

Israel’s success or failure is closely tied to leadership.

When Joshua leads, things generally go well. When there is no leader, everyone does what is right in his own eyes. The people fall into sin, the Lord disciplines them, and then He raises up judges to call them back. For a time, the nation is restored—until the judge dies, and the cycle begins again.

Over time, the quality of the judges declines. The early judges are stronger and more faithful than the later ones, who increasingly pursue their own interests. Samuel stands out as a godly exception and would have been the finest of the judges.

Yet the people demand a king.

The Lord tells Samuel that he himself has not been rejected—but that the people have rejected the LORD as their King.

Kings, Covenant, and Consequences

Saul is chosen as king, but he quickly falls out of favor with the Lord. He becomes worldly, leading according to his own wisdom. Saul does not openly reject God; rather, he insists on obeying God on his own terms.

The Lord then raises up David, a man after God’s own heart. Even so, David suffers great failure when he follows his own desires. He bears painful consequences for his sin—yet the Lord remains faithful to the unconditional covenant He made with David.

David’s son Solomon inherits unparalleled prosperity. Under Solomon’s wisdom, Israel becomes the greatest kingdom on earth in its time. But Solomon does not expand the kingdom to its full God-given boundaries. He takes many wives and is drawn into idolatry. As the Lord had promised, the kingdom is taken from Solomon’s son.

Division, Decline, and Exile

The kingdom divides into north and south, and widespread failure follows.

The Northern Kingdom collapses entirely and is dispersed by Assyria. The Southern Kingdom fares somewhat better, experiencing brief seasons of faithfulness mixed with long stretches of rebellion. Again and again, the nation’s condition rises or falls with the resolve of its king.

Throughout this period, the Lord sends prophets to call His people back to Himself. These ministries bring remarkable revelation—but limited repentance. Eventually, the Southern Kingdom is carried away to Babylon for seventy years.

Even in exile, the people retain their identity. Many remain faithful. Figures such as Daniel and Ezekiel continue to call Israel to trust the Lord.

Just as promised, God brings His people back to the land. A remnant returns under Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Progress is slow, but the temple is rebuilt under Persian rule.

From Idolatry to Expectation

During the intertestamental period, Israel wavers between faithfulness to the Lord and influence from Greek culture. It is not a time of great spiritual triumph—but it does produce a significant change.

Idolatry no longer defines Israel.

Though the people struggle with obedience, they no longer bow to the idols of the nations. Something has shifted.

The Ultimate Leader Appears

Then the great Leader steps onto the scene.

The Messiah, Jesus Christ, comes at exactly the right time. He teaches truth and confirms His identity through signs and miracles. And yet—He is rejected.

This is perhaps the most sobering truth of all.

Throughout Israel’s history, godly leaders brought blessing. But when God Himself comes in the Person of the Messiah, He is rejected. The people accepted men—but they rejected God when He stood before them.

The Present Age and the Coming Kingdom

A new age begins—one in which the Lord extends salvation to every tribe, tongue, and nation through faith in Messiah Jesus. This is the age in which we now live.

The Lord’s leadership is perfect, yet most of humanity continues to reject Him. Even those who believe struggle to follow faithfully. We often fail to take God at His Word, choosing instead to add our own interpretations, ambitions, and agendas—sometimes even opposing God’s purposes for Israel.

The Certain End of the Story

Still, the story is not over.

A day is coming when the Lord will remove His Church and resume His work of calling Israel back to Himself. At the end of seven years, they will finally say:

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Then the Messiah will return, defeat His enemies, and establish His kingdom.

Jesus wins.

His reign will extend into the new heavens and the new earth—and it will continue forever. It is a long story, but it ends exactly as it should:

With all glory going to God.