Love’s Sacred Song Read Online Free

weight fall onto the wooden stool beside David’s bed. “Abba, you say I have wisdom to know what to do with General Joab, and that I’ll know how to deal with Shimei. But what makes you think I have this wisdom? Until a few days ago, you were still officially king of Israel, and I was one of the advisor princes. City elders were deciding disputes among the people, and you still passed down national rulings through your royal officials. What makes you think I will suddenly have the wisdom to secure this kingdom under my reign?” The final words came out in more of a whine than Solomon intended, but truth be told, he’d wanted to ask Abba that question for weeks.
    King David smiled through chattering teeth. Abishag’s large, doe eyes blinked from one king to the other, seemingly waiting for someone to rule on something.
    “Well?” Solomon said, chuckling. “Are you going to let me in on whatever you find so amusing?”
    “Have I ever told you your real name, Solomon?”
    A slight gasp escaped Bathsheba’s lips, and Solomon’s world tilted a little. “My real name?” He couldn’t stem his tears when he saw Ima Bathsheba reach for David’s quaking hand. Abba and Ima had always known a deeper love than had David with his other wives.
    “Your ima and I named you Solomon, which means peace, and that name was confirmed when Yahweh spoke to me and said you would build His temple and reign in peace over Israel. But on the night you were born, Nathan the prophet delivered a message from the Lord, giving you a special name.”
    “Ima? What is he saying?” Solomon asked, but Ima Bathsheba’s gaze was fixed on her husband.
    Adoration, memories, perhaps some regret—all were etched into the fine lines of Ima’s beautiful face. “After our first son died, your abba comforted me,” she said, “and you were born a year later. We named you Solomon in hopes that your life would be characterized by peace rather than the turmoil that surrounded our union—”
    “My lord,” the prophet Nathan interrupted, “Jehovah sent word to your parents through me that you were to be called Jedidiah, loved of the Lord.”
    “What? Jedidiah?” The word sounded strange in his ears. “I don’t understand. Why am I hearing this name for the first time?”
    Nathan looked first at David and then at Bathsheba. “Because though your parents have known since your birth that you are beloved of the Lord, such knowledge among the princes would have placed your life in grave danger.”
    A sob escaped Solomon’s lips before he could muffle it.
    “Last year,” David said, “when we held the temple preparation assembly, I announced four things in the hearing of all Israel. You are God’s choice as Israel’s king and will be the builder of His temple. Your reign will be characterized by peace, and most astounding of all—Yahweh will be your Abba.” A single tear slid down King David’s cheek. “You are Jedidiah, my son, and with His love will come the wisdom to rule His people.”
    A fierce cough shook the old king’s body, and Solomon reached for a steaming cloth. David pushed it away, fighting for words. “Remember those in Israel who must be dealt with before our nation can live in peace—before you can live in peace.” Tears blurred Solomon’s vision as Abba David continued his charge. “Shalom-on. Establish your throne . . . and then . . . seek peace, for yourself and for Israel.” The old king shivered uncontrollably, and Abishag’s slender form curled tightly around him. “Live your name, my son, Shalom-on.” He struggled to say more, but his words were choked off by a weak cough and a gasp for life’s breath.
    Nathan and Zadok emerged from the corner, their prayers silenced by Jehovah’s whisper to the prophet’s spirit. Bathsheba’s quiet sobs turned to wails as she saw their approach. She too must have sensed the inevitable coming quickly.
    Solomon leaned in to kiss his abba’s cheek, his face now almost