Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the Lord, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.
So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath–sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.
He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.
And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the Lord.
And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.
And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.
And Bath–sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.
Bath–sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.
Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.
Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Now therefore, as the Lord liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.
And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.
So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord; that he might fulfil the word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.
Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.
And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the Lord, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.
And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.
And the Lord shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the Lord.
So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.
And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.
And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the Lord, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.
Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the Lord, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?
The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the Lord shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;
And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord for ever.
So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.
I Kings 2 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history as David, nearing his death, imparts final instructions to Solomon, his son and successor. This chapter reveals not only the transfer of power but also the complex dynamics of justice, mercy, and the enduring consequences of past actions. It also highlights the crucial importance of obedience to God's Word for the stability and prosperity of the kingdom. This chapter, while seemingly focused on political maneuvering, offers profound insights into God's sovereignty, justice, and the enduring impact of our choices. Let's delve into the key themes and events of I Kings 2, keeping in mind the SEO keyword "I Kings 2".
David's Charge to Solomon (I Kings 2:1-4)
As David approached his final days, he entrusted Solomon with the weighty responsibility of leading Israel. His charge was twofold, encompassing both spiritual and practical guidance (I Kings 2:1-4).
First and foremost, David emphasized the importance of a steadfast relationship with God. He urged Solomon to "be strong, and show yourself a man" (I Kings 2:2), which meant adhering to God's commands and walking in His ways. This involved keeping God's statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as outlined in the law of Moses (I Kings 2:3). David understood that Solomon's success and the stability of his reign depended entirely on his obedience to God's Word. Putting God's Word at the center of his reign would guarantee success in everything.
David then reminded Solomon of the covenant God had made with him, promising an eternal dynasty (see 2 Samuel 7:8-16). However, this promise was conditional, contingent upon Solomon and his descendants faithfully walking before God (I Kings 2:4). While Solomon and his lineage would ultimately fall short, leading the people into idolatry, God's ultimate plan would not be thwarted. He would send his perfect Son, Jesus Christ, born of the line of David, to fulfill the demands of God's law, offer atonement for sin, and reign forever on David's throne (see Isaiah 9:6-7).
Justice and Righteousness: Correcting Past Injustices (I Kings 2:5-9)
David's impending death also prompted him to address outstanding matters of justice and to reward those who had remained faithful. He tasked Solomon with rectifying past wrongs, particularly concerning Joab and Shimei.
David could not forget Joab, the commander of his army, who had committed treacherous murders of Abner and Amasa (I Kings 2:5). Joab's guilt clung to him, and David, though having tolerated Joab's actions due to his loyalty, recognized the need for justice. David charged Solomon with the responsibility of bringing Joab to account for his crimes (I Kings 2:6). Joab had proven to be fierce and self-serving, and his words and actions could not be trusted; he would be a liability to Solomon.
In contrast, David instructed Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, who had provided for David during his exile (I Kings 2:7). Bringing the aged man’s family to Solomon’s table was David’s way of charging Solomon with taking care of their needs.
David also addressed the case of Shimei, who had cursed David during his flight from Absalom (I Kings 2:8). While Shimei had apologized, David remained wary of his opportunism and considered him a threat. David instructed Solomon to ensure that Shimei would answer for his actions (I Kings 2:9).
The Reign of David Ends (I Kings 2:10-12)
David's reign, spanning forty years, came to an end with his death and burial in Jerusalem (I Kings 2:10-11). With David's passing, Solomon's kingdom was firmly established (I Kings 2:12).
The Elimination of Threats: Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei (I Kings 2:13-46)
Solomon's early reign was marked by the need to secure his throne and eliminate potential threats. This involved dealing with Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei.
Adonijah, who had previously attempted to seize the throne, approached Bathsheba with a seemingly innocent request: to marry Abishag, David's concubine (I Kings 2:13-17). However, Solomon recognized this as a veiled attempt to legitimize his claim to the throne. He understood that acquiring a woman from the king’s harem was to have grounds for claiming the crown. Solomon saw immediately that Adonijah’s request was really a plot against the throne. As a result, Solomon ordered Adonijah's execution (I Kings 2:25).
This event also reveals a deeper dimension: the consequences of David's past sins. God was still judging David and his family for his earlier sins of adultery and murder (see 2 Samuel 11:1–12:23). The loss of Adonijah represented the fourth "lamb" that David had to pay for his sins, highlighting the enduring impact of even forgiven sin.
Solomon also dealt with Abiathar, the priest who had supported Adonijah's rebellion (I Kings 2:26). While Solomon spared Abiathar's life, he banished him from the priesthood, fulfilling a prophecy against Eli's family (I Kings 2:27; see 1 Samuel 2:27-33).
Joab, fearing for his life after the execution of Adonijah and the banishment of Abiathar, sought refuge at the tabernacle (I Kings 2:28). However, Solomon ordered his execution for the murders he had committed during David's reign (I Kings 2:29-35). The king didn’t want the crimes of Joab to taint David’s throne and dynasty.
Finally, Solomon addressed the case of Shimei, who had been confined to Jerusalem (I Kings 2:36-46). When Shimei violated this restriction, Solomon ordered his execution, solidifying his control over the kingdom.
Conclusion
I Kings 2 presents a complex narrative of power, justice, and the consequences of choices. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's Word for the stability of the kingdom. It also serves as a reminder that even forgiven sins can have lasting consequences. As Solomon consolidated his reign, he not only secured his throne but also set the stage for the subsequent chapters, which will explore his wisdom, administration, and the glory of his kingdom.
Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the Lord, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.
So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath–sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.
He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.
And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the Lord.
And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.
And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.
And Bath–sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.
Bath–sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.
Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.
Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Now therefore, as the Lord liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.
And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.
So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord; that he might fulfil the word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.
Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.
And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the Lord, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.
And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.
And the Lord shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the Lord.
So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.
And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.
And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the Lord, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.
Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the Lord, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?
The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the Lord shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;
And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord for ever.
So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.
I Kings 2 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history as David, nearing his death, imparts final instructions to Solomon, his son and successor. This chapter reveals not only the transfer of power but also the complex dynamics of justice, mercy, and the enduring consequences of past actions. It also highlights the crucial importance of obedience to God's Word for the stability and prosperity of the kingdom. This chapter, while seemingly focused on political maneuvering, offers profound insights into God's sovereignty, justice, and the enduring impact of our choices. Let's delve into the key themes and events of I Kings 2, keeping in mind the SEO keyword "I Kings 2".
David's Charge to Solomon (I Kings 2:1-4)
As David approached his final days, he entrusted Solomon with the weighty responsibility of leading Israel. His charge was twofold, encompassing both spiritual and practical guidance (I Kings 2:1-4).
First and foremost, David emphasized the importance of a steadfast relationship with God. He urged Solomon to "be strong, and show yourself a man" (I Kings 2:2), which meant adhering to God's commands and walking in His ways. This involved keeping God's statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as outlined in the law of Moses (I Kings 2:3). David understood that Solomon's success and the stability of his reign depended entirely on his obedience to God's Word. Putting God's Word at the center of his reign would guarantee success in everything.
David then reminded Solomon of the covenant God had made with him, promising an eternal dynasty (see 2 Samuel 7:8-16). However, this promise was conditional, contingent upon Solomon and his descendants faithfully walking before God (I Kings 2:4). While Solomon and his lineage would ultimately fall short, leading the people into idolatry, God's ultimate plan would not be thwarted. He would send his perfect Son, Jesus Christ, born of the line of David, to fulfill the demands of God's law, offer atonement for sin, and reign forever on David's throne (see Isaiah 9:6-7).
Justice and Righteousness: Correcting Past Injustices (I Kings 2:5-9)
David's impending death also prompted him to address outstanding matters of justice and to reward those who had remained faithful. He tasked Solomon with rectifying past wrongs, particularly concerning Joab and Shimei.
David could not forget Joab, the commander of his army, who had committed treacherous murders of Abner and Amasa (I Kings 2:5). Joab's guilt clung to him, and David, though having tolerated Joab's actions due to his loyalty, recognized the need for justice. David charged Solomon with the responsibility of bringing Joab to account for his crimes (I Kings 2:6). Joab had proven to be fierce and self-serving, and his words and actions could not be trusted; he would be a liability to Solomon.
In contrast, David instructed Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, who had provided for David during his exile (I Kings 2:7). Bringing the aged man’s family to Solomon’s table was David’s way of charging Solomon with taking care of their needs.
David also addressed the case of Shimei, who had cursed David during his flight from Absalom (I Kings 2:8). While Shimei had apologized, David remained wary of his opportunism and considered him a threat. David instructed Solomon to ensure that Shimei would answer for his actions (I Kings 2:9).
The Reign of David Ends (I Kings 2:10-12)
David's reign, spanning forty years, came to an end with his death and burial in Jerusalem (I Kings 2:10-11). With David's passing, Solomon's kingdom was firmly established (I Kings 2:12).
The Elimination of Threats: Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei (I Kings 2:13-46)
Solomon's early reign was marked by the need to secure his throne and eliminate potential threats. This involved dealing with Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei.
Adonijah, who had previously attempted to seize the throne, approached Bathsheba with a seemingly innocent request: to marry Abishag, David's concubine (I Kings 2:13-17). However, Solomon recognized this as a veiled attempt to legitimize his claim to the throne. He understood that acquiring a woman from the king’s harem was to have grounds for claiming the crown. Solomon saw immediately that Adonijah’s request was really a plot against the throne. As a result, Solomon ordered Adonijah's execution (I Kings 2:25).
This event also reveals a deeper dimension: the consequences of David's past sins. God was still judging David and his family for his earlier sins of adultery and murder (see 2 Samuel 11:1–12:23). The loss of Adonijah represented the fourth "lamb" that David had to pay for his sins, highlighting the enduring impact of even forgiven sin.
Solomon also dealt with Abiathar, the priest who had supported Adonijah's rebellion (I Kings 2:26). While Solomon spared Abiathar's life, he banished him from the priesthood, fulfilling a prophecy against Eli's family (I Kings 2:27; see 1 Samuel 2:27-33).
Joab, fearing for his life after the execution of Adonijah and the banishment of Abiathar, sought refuge at the tabernacle (I Kings 2:28). However, Solomon ordered his execution for the murders he had committed during David's reign (I Kings 2:29-35). The king didn’t want the crimes of Joab to taint David’s throne and dynasty.
Finally, Solomon addressed the case of Shimei, who had been confined to Jerusalem (I Kings 2:36-46). When Shimei violated this restriction, Solomon ordered his execution, solidifying his control over the kingdom.
Conclusion
I Kings 2 presents a complex narrative of power, justice, and the consequences of choices. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's Word for the stability of the kingdom. It also serves as a reminder that even forgiven sins can have lasting consequences. As Solomon consolidated his reign, he not only secured his throne but also set the stage for the subsequent chapters, which will explore his wisdom, administration, and the glory of his kingdom.