David surrounded himself with many “mighty men.” He trained them for his kingdom and their own benefit. Towards the end of his life, David felt that the time had come to have all these men publicly submit to his son Solomon. “Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it. But God said to me … ‘It is your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts’” (1 Chr. 28:2–3, 6). David’s desire to build such a house was because of his vow “to the Mighty One of Jacob,” to find a dwelling place for Him (Ps. 132:1–5). This was his great wish since the days of his youth (v. 6), and it corresponded with God’s desire and plans for His people.

Submission to Solomon was part of David’s plans to promote God’s interests, and it was needed for the construction of the temple. Submission to Solomon was for the benefit of David’s mighty men, as well as the whole nation. Today, we submit to God’s rights and those of the Lord Jesus. Doing so, we will be blessed.

After David’s death, some of his own sons forsook this initial submission: notably, Adonijah. Church history demonstrates similar developments, as some leaders started to promote their own interests, or those of a party or denomination (cf. Acts 20:29–31). Sadly, such failures to submit to Christ’s rights in the assembly can be traced throughout history. True submission to the rights of our Lord is a matter of love and obedience. It implies the challenge to always be alert and exercised to know and do His will.