1 Kings 2:1-9

1 Kings 2:1-9

[1] Now the days  of David  drew nigh  that he should die;  and he charged  Solomon  his son,  saying,  [2] I go  the way  of all the earth:  be thou strong  therefore, and shew thyself a man;  [3] And keep  the charge  of the LORD  thy God,  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  [4] That the LORD  may continue  his word  which he spake  concerning me, saying,  If thy children  take heed  to their way,  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.  [5] Moreover thou knowest  also what Joab  the son  of Zeruiah  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.  [6] Do  therefore according to thy wisdom,  and let not his hoar head  go down  to the grave  in peace.  [7] 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.  [8] 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  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.  [9] 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. 

What does 1 Kings 2:1-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

David"s words here state succinctly the philosophy of history the writer of Kings set forth in this book. It is the philosophy David had learned and now commended to his son Solomon. Careful obedience to the Law of Moses would yield success in all areas of his son"s life ( 1 Kings 2:2). That obedience would constitute his manhood ( 1 Kings 2:1). Since God made man in the image of God, man can realize his manhood only by placing himself under God"s authority. "Statutes," "commandments," "ordinances," and "testimonies" are all different kinds of precepts in the Law. Solomon"s faithful obedience would also ensure an unbroken line of rulers ( 1 Kings 2:4; implied in 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Compare other important farewell addresses such as those by Jacob ( Genesis 47:29 to Genesis 49:33) and Joshua ( Joshua 23:1-16), as well as God"s charge to Joshua ( Joshua 1:1-9).
David also gave Solomon advice concerning certain men. Solomon should execute Joab for his murders ( 2 Samuel 3:22-30; 2 Samuel 20:8-10). David had been merciful to Joab who was living on borrowed time because of his service to David. Nevertheless he deserved to die so justice would prevail. Evidently David had reason to believe Shimei the Benjamite would threaten the throne again (cf. 2 Samuel 16:11). If he did, Solomon was to execute him ( 1 Kings 2:9; cf. 1 Kings 2:36-46). We see here ( 1 Kings 2:1-9) another instance of the theme that punishment comes on those who resist the Lord"s anointed and blessing follows those who serve him.
"David was wrong in passing on responsibility to Solomon to execute the judgment he himself should have ordered at the time. This was to cause his son and successors much trouble and feuding." [1]