The God-ordained consequences of David’s sin and cover-up would include conflict and violence in David’s family. David was well aware of that when another son was born to Bathsheba—the first son died soon after birth. So what did he name the child? Solomon. Shalom. Peace.
That’s what Solomon’s name means, and David surely intended it either as a prayer or a prophetic declaration over his son. Yes, the family would be in turmoil for years to come, as one son attempted a coup and brothers fought against brothers. And Solomon, a treasured child whom both David and God dearly loved, would grow up under the shadow of civil war. But Solomon was called higher. So with the prospect of a tumultuous future, David named his son Peace.
That’s not a bad approach to our tumultuous situations. Even when the future looks stressful, we have license from God to speak peace, joy, hope, or any other virtue into them. We may not understand the full import of our declarations, but they nevertheless serve a prophetic purpose. Solomon went on to preside over Israel’s golden age—an era of peace. Our words clearly affect reality.
Take full advantage of opportunities to declare truth and kingdom values into your situations. Speak peace into turmoil, hope into despair, and joy into discouragement. Claim your future for God’s purposes.
