PRAYER - "The LORD Was Intreated"Among David's last words was this statement: "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, ...even a morning without clouds." David was brilliantly aware that leaders must be a shining light to the people. When did you last see your King or President intreating God at an altar?

2 Samuel 24:25 - "David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel."

PRINCIPALS - "David Charges Solomon"

Here are two of the most revered men in all human history - David and Solomon. The old king is passing the torch to his son. "I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, ...that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest." All the world needs that wisdom.

1 Kings 2:10 - "So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David."

PRINCIPLES - "Time To Clean House"

David felt Solomon should dispose of some old problems. David remembered how Joab killed Abner and Amasa in cold blood. "Let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace." Solomon sent Benaiah to execute Joab. David also reminded Solomon of Shimei's cursing the king. "Hold him not guiltless." Solomon promised Shimei that if he ever left Jerusalem, he would die. He did, so Solomon had him slain. Sooner or later, righteousness demands a house-cleaning.

1 Kings 2:12 - "Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly."

PROPHECIES - "Asking For Trouble"

Adonijah should have recognized how fortunate he was to be alive after stealing his father's [and his brother's] throne. But he did not. He foolishly asked Bathsheba to petition Solomon to give him David's concubine, Abishag. That was the last straw. Solomon sent Benaiah to execute him. Ignoring prophetic destiny is asking for trouble.

1 Kings 2:15 - "Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD."