As we conclude our study of 1 Kings, you may wonder if anyone in a power position is ever worthy of the title. This book records a history filled with defeat and disappointment. There are bright spots indeed, but overall, this was a dark time in Israel’s history. The kingdom Saul founded and David expanded, declined under the leadership of David’s descendants and their rivals. Even the few righteous among them were not strong enough to turn the nation back to faithful worship. Where does that leave us? We must remember the promise God made to David: “Your throne will be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16). God’s commitment to an eternal throne for a descendant of David is established here as we watch Him work through the reigns of human and fallible leaders in 1 Kings. Recall when David challenged his son Solomon with these words: “If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.” (1 Kings 2:4). Against this backdrop of wickedness, compromise, and faithlessness, we see the steadfast commitment of God to His people and His promise. Even at the height of their sinfulness, God never abandoned them but worked to bring Israel back to Himself. When the people gave into false worship, God gave them leaders who would fail them so they would long for His righteous leadership and for a leader committed to righteousness. The prophet Jeremiah, who followed this period, recalled this promise and it encouraged him at a time when Jerusalem was about to be completely destroyed. “For thus says the LORD: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel” (Jer. 33:17). >> As believers, we know that Jesus, the Son of David, is the final fulfillment of God’s perfect plan. We don’t put our trust in earthly kings, but in the righteous Leader who laid down His life so we will enjoy fellowship in the kingdom of God forever.