1 Kings 2:1-4
David is about to experience what every man will experience; it is appointed for men to die once, and after this the judgment. David didn't receive any special treatment. We know that David wasn't always the best father, so before he leaves this earth he gave Solomon some final instructions. The final words of a dying man often convey the lessons and learnings that came from life experiences in their great adventure. David told Solomon to:
- Walk in the ways of God.
- This is pattern the conduct of your life on God's ways.
- Keep His statutes,
- A statute is a regulation.
- Keeping His commandments
- These are instructions 'to do'
- Keep His judgments
- His decisions of right and wrong
- Keep His testimonies.
- Solemn statements of God
These words all deal with different aspects of obedience. He could not do one thing well and diregard others. David described a life defined by, and lived for God. He advised Solomon that if he did this God would bless him; he would prosper and this line would always be on the throne. This requred Solomon walk with God with all his heart and all his soul; something that David was unable to do. To some degree David is telling Solomon, "Do as I say, not as I did." Yet, with all of David's faults and sin, we can't forget that God called him a man after his Own heart. This reflects the love and faithfulness of God toward his imperfect creation; not based on how they deserve based on performance, but based on the fact they desire a relationship with Him.
1 Kings 2:5-9
David wanted Solomon to start out right; to begin his reign in justice. Joab was guilty of murder. He had killed Abner (2 Kings 3:27) and Amasa (2 Kings 20:9-10). These men were killed in peacetime as if they were in war. Solomon was to act wisely and not let Joab go to Sheol in peace.
Barzillai is next on David's list. This was an old man that befriended and helped David when he had to flee Jerusalem from Absalom. David offered him a place at his table but Barzillai wouldn't go but instead asked that this honor would be for his son. David now extended this to all his sons.
Then David reminded Solomon of Shimei who had cursed him while he was running from Absalom. David had sworn not to put him to death when Shimei met him on his way back to Jerusalem after Absalom's death. David made peace with those who had rebelled against him so that the division would heal and they would be one nation. Now, David is advising Solomon to bring justice.
1 Kings 2:10-12
David died after ruling over Israel for 40 years. What a life he had and then he rested with his fathers. Solomon then sat on the throne without dispute because David was wise in anointing him previously. Thi sis a fulfillment of the promise God had made.
1 Kings 2:13-18
It doesn't take any time at all before Adonijah makes a move toward the throne. He went to Bathsheba and asked her to approach Solomon about giving Abishag to him. Adonijah makes a statement that the kingship was his. If he were to take possession the king's harem – especially Abishag – then it would support his claim as king. This was likely a setup to dethrone Solomon.
We see a different side of Bathsheba here. She is active in supporting and protecting the throne. She agrees to take this request to Solomon, but likely only that she may reveal to Solomon what Adonijah is thinking.
1 Kings 2:19-25
Bathsheba asked for this 'small' request. But it was no small request at all, it was completely out of the question outrageous. Bathsheba may have been being sarcastic and Solomon responds with sacrasm telling to go ahead and ask for the kingdom also. With Adonijah's intentions known and with Joab and Abiathar, among others, to stoke the fires of rebellion, it was important that Solomon put this down. Solomon decided Adonijah had to die that day and sent Benaiah to kill him.
1 Kings 2:26-27
I think its noteworthy that Solomon starts with the priest in establishing those with whom he would surround himself. Solomon remvoes Abiathar from the the temple and sends him into exitle. He made sure Abiathar knew he thought he deserved death but he would not kill him at this time. The implication was that there might be a later time, or next time.
1 Kings 2:28-35
Joab found out that Adonijah was dead and he fled to the temple and threw himself on the altar seeking mercy. Joab was seeking mercy and maybe forgiveness from God but only because justice had caught up with him. Solomon sent Benaiah to deal with him. Solomon gave his reasons; the vengeance for the blood of the 2 generals of David's army. Benaiah killed Joab. Benenaiah then became commander of the army and Zadock was appointed priest.
1 Kings 2:36-46
Shimiei was confined to Jerusalem since he had done nothing directly to Solomon. He was under house arrest; Solomon was keeping him close by so as to make sure he didn't get out of line. He understood that if he left Jerusalem, he would be killed. If Shimiei was trustworthy, there was nothing to worry about, but if he wasn't and Solomon found out about it it would mean execution. This was a wise move and revealed "once a snake, always a snake". Benaiah killed him.
©2016 Doug Ford
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