Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are 1 Kings 1:1-53; Acts 4:1-37; Psalm 124:1-8; and Proverbs 16:24. The readings are the Contemporary English Version.
1 Kings 1:1-53 (Contemporary English Version)
1 Kings 1
David in His Old Age
1King David was now an old man, and he always felt cold, even under a lot of blankets. 2His officials said, "Your Majesty, we will look for a young woman to take care of you. She can lie down beside you and keep you warm." 3-4They looked everywhere in Israel until they found a very beautiful young woman named Abishag, who lived in the town of Shunem. [a] They brought her to David, and she took care of him. But David did not have sex with her.
Adonijah Tries To Become King
5-6Adonijah was the son of David and Haggith. He was Absalom's younger brother [b] and was very handsome. One day, Adonijah started bragging, "I'm going to make myself king!" So he got some chariots and horses, and he hired fifty men as bodyguards. David did not want to hurt his feelings, so he never asked Adonijah why he was doing these things. 7Adonijah met with Joab the son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest and asked them if they would help him become king. Both of them agreed to help. 8But Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, [c]and David's bodyguards all refused. 9Adonijah invited his brothers and David's officials from Judah to go with him to Crawling Rock [d] near Rogel Spring, where he sacrificed some sheep, cattle, and fat calves. [e] 10But he did not invite Nathan, Benaiah, David's bodyguards, or his own brother Solomon. 11When Nathan heard what had happened, he asked Bathsheba, Solomon's mother: Have you heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has made himself king? But David doesn't know a thing about it. 12You and your son Solomon will be killed, unless you do what I tell you. 13Go say to David, "You promised me that Solomon would be the next king. So why is Adonijah now king?"
14While you are still talking to David, I'll come in and tell him that everything you said is true.
15Meanwhile, David was in his bedroom where Abishag was taking care of him because he was so old. Bathsheba went in 16and bowed down.
"What can I do for you?" David asked.
17Bathsheba answered:
Your Majesty, you promised me in the name of the LORD your God that my son Solomon would be the next king. 18But Adonijah has already been made king, and you didn't know anything about it. 19He sacrificed a lot of cattle, calves, and sheep. And he invited Abiathar the priest, Joab your army commander, and all your sons to be there, except Solomon, your loyal servant.
20Your Majesty, everyone in Israel is waiting for you to announce who will be the next king. 21If you don't, they will say that Solomon and I have rebelled. They will treat us like criminals and kill us as soon as you die.
22Just then, Nathan the prophet arrived. 23Someone told David that he was there, and Nathan came in. He bowed with his face to the ground 24and said:
Your Majesty, did you say that Adonijah would be king? 25Earlier today, he sacrificed a lot of cattle, calves, and sheep. He invited the army commanders, Abiathar, and all your sons to be there. Right now they are eating and drinking and shouting, "Long live King Adonijah!" 26But he didn't invite me or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or Solomon. 27Did you say they could do this without telling the rest of us who would be the next king?
14While you are still talking to David, I'll come in and tell him that everything you said is true.
15Meanwhile, David was in his bedroom where Abishag was taking care of him because he was so old. Bathsheba went in 16and bowed down.
"What can I do for you?" David asked.
17Bathsheba answered:
Your Majesty, you promised me in the name of the LORD your God that my son Solomon would be the next king. 18But Adonijah has already been made king, and you didn't know anything about it. 19He sacrificed a lot of cattle, calves, and sheep. And he invited Abiathar the priest, Joab your army commander, and all your sons to be there, except Solomon, your loyal servant.
20Your Majesty, everyone in Israel is waiting for you to announce who will be the next king. 21If you don't, they will say that Solomon and I have rebelled. They will treat us like criminals and kill us as soon as you die.
22Just then, Nathan the prophet arrived. 23Someone told David that he was there, and Nathan came in. He bowed with his face to the ground 24and said:
Your Majesty, did you say that Adonijah would be king? 25Earlier today, he sacrificed a lot of cattle, calves, and sheep. He invited the army commanders, Abiathar, and all your sons to be there. Right now they are eating and drinking and shouting, "Long live King Adonijah!" 26But he didn't invite me or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or Solomon. 27Did you say they could do this without telling the rest of us who would be the next king?
Solomon Becomes King
28David said, "Tell Bathsheba to come here." She came and stood in front of him. 29-30Then he said, "The living LORD God of Israel has kept me safe. And so today, I will keep the promise I made to you in his name: Solomon will be the next king!" 31Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and said, "Your Majesty, I pray that you will live a long time!"
32Then David said, "Tell Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to come here."
When they arrived, 33he told them:
Take along some of my officials and have Solomon ride my own mule to Gihon Spring. 34When you get there, Zadok and Nathan will make Solomon the new king of Israel. Then after the ceremony [f] is over, have someone blow a trumpet and tell everyone to shout, "Long live King Solomon!" 35Bring him back here, and he will take my place as king. He is the one I have chosen to rule Israel and Judah. 36Benaiah answered, "We will do it, Your Majesty. I pray that the LORD your God will let it happen. 37The LORD has always watched over you, and I pray that he will now watch over Solomon. May the LORD help Solomon to be an even greater king than you."
38Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah left and took along the two groups of David's special bodyguards. [g] Solomon rode on David's mule as they led him to Gihon Spring. 39Zadok the priest brought some olive oil from the sacred tent and poured it on Solomon's head to show that he was now king. A trumpet was blown and everyone shouted, "Long live King Solomon!" 40Then they played flutes and celebrated as they followed Solomon back to Jerusalem. They made so much noise that the ground shook. 41Adonijah and his guests had almost finished eating when they heard the noise. Joab also heard the trumpet and asked, "What's all that noise about in the city?"
42Just then, Jonathan son of Abiathar came running up. "Come in," Adonijah said. "An important man like you must have some good news."
43Jonathan answered:
No, I don't! David has just announced that Solomon will be king. 44-45Solomon rode David's own mule to Gihon Spring, and Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and David's special bodyguards [h] went with him. When they got there, Zadok and Nathan made Solomon king. Then everyone celebrated all the way back to Jerusalem. That's the noise you hear in the city. 46Solomon is now king. 47And listen to this! David's officials told him, "We pray that your God will help Solomon to be an even greater king!"
David was in his bed at the time, but he bowed 48and prayed, "I praise you, LORD God of Israel. You have made my son Solomon king and have let me live to see it."
49Adonijah's guests shook with fear when they heard this news, and they left as fast as they could. 50Adonijah himself was afraid of what Solomon might do to him, so he ran to the sacred tent and grabbed hold of the corners of the altar for protection. [i] 51Someone told Solomon, "Adonijah is afraid of you and is holding onto the corners of the altar. He wants you to promise that you won't kill him."
52Solomon answered, "If Adonijah doesn't cause any trouble, I won't hurt him. But if he does, I'll have him killed." 53Then he sent someone to the altar to get Adonijah.
After Adonijah came and bowed down, Solomon said, "Adonijah, go home."
Footnotes:- 1 Kings 1:3 Shunem: A town in northern Israel, just north of Jezreel Valley.
- 1 Kings 1:5 brother: Since Absalom was dead, Adonijah was now David's oldest living son and would be next in line to be king.
- 1 Kings 1:8 Shimei, Rei: Or "Shimei his advisor."
- 1 Kings 1:9 Crawling Rock: Or "Zoheleth Rock."
- 1 Kings 1:9 sacrificed. . . calves: This was part of a ceremony where Adonijah was made the new king.
- 1 Kings 1:34 the ceremony: Part of this ceremony was pouring olive oil on Solomon's head to show that he was now king.
- 1 Kings 1:38 the two. . . bodyguards: The Hebrew text has "the Cherethites and the Pelethites," who were foreign soldiers hired by David to be part of his bodyguard.
- 1 Kings 1:44 David's special bodyguards: See the note at 1.38.
- 1 Kings 1:50 the corners. . . for protection: The four corners of some ancient altars looked like animal horns. Since the entire altar was sacred, anyone holding on to its corners was supposed to be safe from being killed.
32Then David said, "Tell Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to come here."
When they arrived, 33he told them:
Take along some of my officials and have Solomon ride my own mule to Gihon Spring. 34When you get there, Zadok and Nathan will make Solomon the new king of Israel. Then after the ceremony [f] is over, have someone blow a trumpet and tell everyone to shout, "Long live King Solomon!" 35Bring him back here, and he will take my place as king. He is the one I have chosen to rule Israel and Judah. 36Benaiah answered, "We will do it, Your Majesty. I pray that the LORD your God will let it happen. 37The LORD has always watched over you, and I pray that he will now watch over Solomon. May the LORD help Solomon to be an even greater king than you."
38Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah left and took along the two groups of David's special bodyguards. [g] Solomon rode on David's mule as they led him to Gihon Spring. 39Zadok the priest brought some olive oil from the sacred tent and poured it on Solomon's head to show that he was now king. A trumpet was blown and everyone shouted, "Long live King Solomon!" 40Then they played flutes and celebrated as they followed Solomon back to Jerusalem. They made so much noise that the ground shook. 41Adonijah and his guests had almost finished eating when they heard the noise. Joab also heard the trumpet and asked, "What's all that noise about in the city?"
42Just then, Jonathan son of Abiathar came running up. "Come in," Adonijah said. "An important man like you must have some good news."
43Jonathan answered:
No, I don't! David has just announced that Solomon will be king. 44-45Solomon rode David's own mule to Gihon Spring, and Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and David's special bodyguards [h] went with him. When they got there, Zadok and Nathan made Solomon king. Then everyone celebrated all the way back to Jerusalem. That's the noise you hear in the city. 46Solomon is now king. 47And listen to this! David's officials told him, "We pray that your God will help Solomon to be an even greater king!"
David was in his bed at the time, but he bowed 48and prayed, "I praise you, LORD God of Israel. You have made my son Solomon king and have let me live to see it."
49Adonijah's guests shook with fear when they heard this news, and they left as fast as they could. 50Adonijah himself was afraid of what Solomon might do to him, so he ran to the sacred tent and grabbed hold of the corners of the altar for protection. [i] 51Someone told Solomon, "Adonijah is afraid of you and is holding onto the corners of the altar. He wants you to promise that you won't kill him."
52Solomon answered, "If Adonijah doesn't cause any trouble, I won't hurt him. But if he does, I'll have him killed." 53Then he sent someone to the altar to get Adonijah.
After Adonijah came and bowed down, Solomon said, "Adonijah, go home."
Footnotes:
- 1 Kings 1:3 Shunem: A town in northern Israel, just north of Jezreel Valley.
- 1 Kings 1:5 brother: Since Absalom was dead, Adonijah was now David's oldest living son and would be next in line to be king.
- 1 Kings 1:8 Shimei, Rei: Or "Shimei his advisor."
- 1 Kings 1:9 Crawling Rock: Or "Zoheleth Rock."
- 1 Kings 1:9 sacrificed. . . calves: This was part of a ceremony where Adonijah was made the new king.
- 1 Kings 1:34 the ceremony: Part of this ceremony was pouring olive oil on Solomon's head to show that he was now king.
- 1 Kings 1:38 the two. . . bodyguards: The Hebrew text has "the Cherethites and the Pelethites," who were foreign soldiers hired by David to be part of his bodyguard.
- 1 Kings 1:44 David's special bodyguards: See the note at 1.38.
- 1 Kings 1:50 the corners. . . for protection: The four corners of some ancient altars looked like animal horns. Since the entire altar was sacred, anyone holding on to its corners was supposed to be safe from being killed.
Acts 4:1-37 (Contemporary English Version)
Acts 4:1-37 (Contemporary English Version)
Acts 4
Peter and John Are Brought in Front of the Council
1The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. 2These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. 3It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. 4But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about five thousand followers of the Lord. 5The next morning the leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses met in Jerusalem. 6The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest's family. 7They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle while they questioned them. They asked, "By what power and in whose name have you done this?"
8Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders:
9You are questioning us today about a kind deed in which a crippled man was healed. 10But there is something we must tell you and everyone else in Israel. This man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You put Jesus to death on a cross, but God raised him to life. 11He is the stone that you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. 12Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.
13The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. 14But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.
15The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16"What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn't happen. 17But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus." 18So they called the two apostles back in and told them that they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.
19Peter and John answered, "Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard."
21-22The officials could not find any reason to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. The man who was healed by this miracle was more than forty years old, and everyone was praising God for what had happened.
1The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. 2These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. 3It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. 4But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about five thousand followers of the Lord. 5The next morning the leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses met in Jerusalem. 6The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest's family. 7They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle while they questioned them. They asked, "By what power and in whose name have you done this?"
8Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders:
9You are questioning us today about a kind deed in which a crippled man was healed. 10But there is something we must tell you and everyone else in Israel. This man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You put Jesus to death on a cross, but God raised him to life. 11He is the stone that you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. 12Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.
13The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. 14But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.
15The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16"What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn't happen. 17But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus." 18So they called the two apostles back in and told them that they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.
19Peter and John answered, "Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard."
21-22The officials could not find any reason to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. The man who was healed by this miracle was more than forty years old, and everyone was praising God for what had happened.
8Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders:
9You are questioning us today about a kind deed in which a crippled man was healed. 10But there is something we must tell you and everyone else in Israel. This man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You put Jesus to death on a cross, but God raised him to life. 11He is the stone that you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. 12Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.
13The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. 14But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.
15The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16"What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn't happen. 17But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus." 18So they called the two apostles back in and told them that they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.
19Peter and John answered, "Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard."
21-22The officials could not find any reason to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. The man who was healed by this miracle was more than forty years old, and everyone was praising God for what had happened.
Peter and Others Pray for Courage
23As soon as Peter and John had been set free, they went back and told the others everything that the chief priests and the leaders had said to them. 24When the rest of the Lord's followers heard this, they prayed together and said: Master, you created heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25And by the Holy Spirit you spoke to our ancestor David. He was your servant, and you told him to say:
"Why are all the Gentiles
so furious?
Why do people
make foolish plans?
26The kings of earth
prepare for war,
and the rulers
join together
against the Lord
and his Messiah."
27Here in Jerusalem, Herod [a] and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant [b] Jesus, your chosen Messiah. 28They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen. 29Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus.
31After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
23As soon as Peter and John had been set free, they went back and told the others everything that the chief priests and the leaders had said to them. 24When the rest of the Lord's followers heard this, they prayed together and said: Master, you created heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25And by the Holy Spirit you spoke to our ancestor David. He was your servant, and you told him to say:
"Why are all the Gentiles
so furious?
Why do people
make foolish plans?
26The kings of earth
prepare for war,
and the rulers
join together
against the Lord
and his Messiah."
27Here in Jerusalem, Herod [a] and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant [b] Jesus, your chosen Messiah. 28They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen. 29Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus.
31After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
"Why are all the Gentiles
so furious?
Why do people
make foolish plans?
26The kings of earth
prepare for war,
and the rulers
join together
against the Lord
and his Messiah."
27Here in Jerusalem, Herod [a] and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant [b] Jesus, your chosen Messiah. 28They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen. 29Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus.
31After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
Sharing Possessions
32The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. 33In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers, [c] 34and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. 36-37Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "one who encourages others."
32The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. 33In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers, [c] 34and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. 36-37Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "one who encourages others."
Psalm 124:1-8 (Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 124
(A song by David for worship.)
Thanking the LORD for Victory
1The LORD was on our side! Let everyone in Israel say:
2"The LORD was on our side!
Otherwise, the enemy attack
3would have killed us all,
because it was furious.
4We would have been swept away
in a violent flood
5of high and roaring waves."
6Let's praise the LORD!
He protected us from enemies
who were like wild animals,
7and we escaped like birds
from a hunter's torn net.
8The LORD made heaven and earth,
and he is the one
who sends us help.
2"The LORD was on our side!
Otherwise, the enemy attack
3would have killed us all,
because it was furious.
4We would have been swept away
in a violent flood
5of high and roaring waves."
6Let's praise the LORD!
He protected us from enemies
who were like wild animals,
7and we escaped like birds
from a hunter's torn net.
8The LORD made heaven and earth,
and he is the one
who sends us help.
Proverbs 16:24 (Contemporary English Version)
24Kind words are like honey--
they cheer you up
and make you feel strong.
they cheer you up
and make you feel strong.
Thought for the Day
“and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. I pray that you and all of God's people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” (Ephesians 3:17-19 - Contemporary English Version) When we trust that we're loved by God, our outlook changes. For example, when we believe that the creator of the universe loves us and he demonstrated that love through Jesus Christ, we're able to face the future with confidence and to feel a new source of strength as we live in the present.
Quote for the Day
Irish journalist, humorist and television personality, Patrick Campbell wrote, “There can be a fundamental gulf of gracelessness in a human heart which neither our love nor our courage can bridge.”
A Joke for Today
After twenty years of shaving himself every morning, a man in a small southern town decided he had been doing that long enough. He told his wife that from then on he’d let the local barber shave him each day.
The man went to the barbershop which was owned by the pastor of the local Baptist church. The barber’s wife, whose name was Grace, shaved him and sprayed him with lilac water. “That will be twenty dollars,” she said. The man thought the price was a bit high and wondered how he’d continue to foot such a bill, but he paid for the service and went off to work.
The next morning, the man looked in the mirror and saw that his face was as smooth as it had been when he left the barber shop the day before. Not bad, he thought. At least I don’t need to get a shave every day.
The next morning, the man’s face was still smooth. Two weeks later, the man was still unable to find any trace of whiskers on his face. He couldn’t understand it, so he returned to the barber shop.“I thought twenty dollars was high for a shave,” he told the barber’s wife, “but you must have done a great job. It’s been two weeks and my whiskers still haven’t started growing back.”
The woman’s face showed no surprise. “Well, of course,” she said. “You were shaved by Grace. Once shaved, always shaved.”
A Prayer Request
As Christians, we can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Below is the need that we're laying before God today.
That people put the needs of others before their own wants.
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