For June 26, 2026
Tearing Down the Kingdom by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
YOUTH, INEXPERIENCE, AND POWER are not a good mix. David had been anointed king over Israel by Samuel when he was still quite young; by the time he became king he was battle-hardened, blood-stained, and politically adroit. Under David Israel prospered, becoming a nation even as the historical frictions of tribalism remained in uneasy alliance throughout his reign. Solomon grew up in the halls of power and in the midst of familial and political intrigue. He was made king as David lay on his deathbed—the elders came to David, and pleaded with him to relinquish the crown as a clear signal to the rising schisms in the factions vying for power, even as another son of David was proclaiming himself king. Solomon began by listening carefully to his elders, grew in wisdom, and ultimately established Israel as the preeminent nation in that geopolitical region.