King David Enthroned, by Jerry Miles Harston

June 20–26

2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11

“Thy Kingdom Shall Be Established for Ever”

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Record Your Impressions

King David’s reign started out with so much promise. His undaunted faith in defeating Goliath was legendary. As king, he secured Jerusalem as his capital and united Israel (see 2 Samuel 5). The kingdom had never been stronger. And yet David gave in to temptation and lost his spiritual power.

The reign of David’s son Solomon likewise started out with so much promise. His divinely received wisdom and discernment were legendary. As king, he extended Israel’s borders and built a magnificent temple to the Lord. The kingdom had never been stronger. And yet Solomon foolishly allowed his heart to be turned away to other gods.

What can we learn from these tragic stories? Perhaps one lesson is that regardless of our past experiences, our spiritual strength depends on the choices we make today. We can also see in these accounts that it isn’t our own strength or courage or wisdom that will save us—it is the Lord’s. These stories show us that Israel’s true hope—and ours—is not in David, Solomon, or any other mortal king, but in another “son of David”: Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1), the Eternal King who will “forgive the sin of [His] people” if we “turn again to [Him]” (1 Kings 8:33–34).

For an overview of the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, see “Samuel, books of” and “Kings, books of” in the Bible Dictionary.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

2 Samuel 5:17–25

The Lord can give me direction.

Once David was able to unite Israel (see 2 Samuel 5:1–5), he had to defend his people from the Philistines. As you read 2 Samuel 5:17–25, consider how David’s example can help you in the challenges you face (see also 1 Samuel 23:2, 10–11; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1). How are you seeking the Lord’s direction in your life? How are you being blessed by acting on the revelation you receive?

See also 1 Chronicles 12; Richard G. Scott, “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 45–47.

2 Samuel 7

What is the “house” the Lord promised to David?

When David offered to build a house, meaning a temple, for the Lord (see 2 Samuel 7:1–3), the Lord responded that in fact David’s son would build it (see verses 12–15; see also 1 Chronicles 17:1–15). The Lord also said that He in turn would build David a “house,” meaning a posterity, and that his throne would last forever (see 2 Samuel 7:11, 16, 25–29; Psalm 89:3–4, 35–37). This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Eternal King, who was a descendant of David (see Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32–33; John 18:33–37).

2 Samuel 11; 12:1–14

I should always be on guard against sin.

David’s faithfulness to the Lord in the past did not make him immune to temptation when he “walked upon the roof of the king’s house” and “saw a woman washing herself” (2 Samuel 11:2). Consider what lessons you can learn from his experiences. Questions like these might help you study this account:

• What choices did David make that led him down an increasingly sinful path? What righteous choices could he have made instead?

• How might the adversary be trying to lead you down sinful paths in your own life? What choices could you make now to return to safety?

See also 2 Nephi 28:20–24; “To Look Upon” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

1 Kings 3:1–15

The gift of discernment helps me distinguish between right and wrong.

If the Lord said to you, “Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5), what would you ask for? What impresses you about Solomon’s request? Ponder why “an understanding heart” to “discern between good and bad” (verse 9) is a valuable gift. What can you do to seek this gift?

See also 2 Chronicles 1; Moroni 7:12–19; David A. Bednar, “Quick to Observe,” Ensign, Dec. 2006, 30–36.

1 Kings 8:12–61

The temple is the house of the Lord.

For hundreds of years, God’s presence was represented by the portable tabernacle that Moses built. Although David had wanted to build God a more permanent dwelling place, God instead chose David’s son Solomon to build the temple of the Lord. As you read Solomon’s prayer and the words he spoke to his people upon completing the temple, notice how he felt about the Lord and His house. You could also make a list of the blessings Solomon asked for in his prayer. What do you notice about these blessings? How are you blessed by the Lord’s house in our day?

See also 2 Chronicles 6.

Barranquilla Colombia Temple

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

2 Samuel 5:19, 23.When have we “inquired of the Lord” for guidance and direction? How has He answered us?

2 Samuel 7:16.When the Lord told David, “Thy throne shall be established forever,” He was referring to a future king in David’s family line who would reign forever: Jesus Christ. Perhaps your family would enjoy creating homemade crowns while discussing why you are grateful that Jesus Christ is your Eternal King.

2 Samuel 11.Reading about David’s tragic sins might be a good opportunity to discuss the dangers of pornography, unclean thoughts, and immorality. The following resources could be useful in your discussion: the October 2019 issue of the Ensign or Liahona, the Church’s Addressing Pornography resources (ChurchofJesusChrist.org/addressing-pornography), and the videos “What Should I Do When I See Pornography?” and “Watch Your Step” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Family members could make a plan about what they will do when they encounter pornography.

1 Kings 11:9–11.What are some “other gods” (verse 10) that could turn our hearts away from the Lord? How can we keep our hearts centered on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “More Holiness Give Me,” Hymns, no. 131.

Improving Our Teaching

Focus on principles that will bless your family. As you prayerfully study the word of God, ask yourself, “What do I find here that will be especially meaningful to my family?” (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 17).

Illustration of Solomon’s temple, by Sam Lawlor