Read the Passage: 1 Kings 2

Exhortation of Solomon (2:1–9)

1 Kings 1:28–40 recorded the inauguration of Solomon as king of Israel, for David had publicly identified Solomon as his successor. Observe that Solomon’s ascension to the throne is somewhat surprising, for David’s earlier promise to Bathsheba that Solomon would be king (cf. 1 Kings 1:17, 29–30) is not recorded in Scripture. In fact, prior to these events, Solomon is only mentioned two times in the Bible, with both citations being merely a genealogical record of his birth (cf. 2 Sam. 5:14; 12:24). Recall that 2 Sam. 23:1–7 recorded David’s last written words, and 1 Kings 1:1–4 reported David’s failing health. Given that his death was near, in 1 Kings 2:1–9 David spoke to Solomon about his position and he instructed Solomon concerning how to deal with those who had tried to usurp the throne. David’s exhortation here constitutes his last spoken words in Scripture.

In this passage, David exhorted Solomon to obey God so “that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn” (1 Kings 2:3). This can be viewed as a general principle that reflects the teachings of the Mosaic law (cf. Deut. 28:18–20), as well as a specific promise that was given by God to David (cf. 2 Sam. 7:12–16). In 1 Kings 2:5–6 David instructed Solomon concerning Joab. Here David said, “Do according to your wisdom” (1 Kings 2:6), yet by referring to Joab’s murder of Abner and Amasa, David was reminding Solomon that murder is a capital offense. Next, David exhorted Solomon to treat the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite with kindness, for Barzillai had shown David lavish kindness in a time of need (cf. 2 Sam. 17:27–29). Finally, David instructed Solomon to put to death Shimei the son of Gera, for Shimei had cursed David when he had fled from Absalom.

Death of David (2:10–12)

According to 1 Kings 2:11, David had served as king of Judah for 7 years, and then he was king over all of Israel for 33 years, for a combined 40 year reign (cf. 2 Sam. 5:5). However, since he was now 70 years old, it was time for David “to go the way of all the earth” (1 Kings 2:2), thus “David rested with his fathers” (1 Kings 2:10). Given the great events of David’s reign, the short description of David’s death may seem anticlimactic. Note the later record of David’s passing in 1 Chronicles is also brief, yet that narrative adds David “died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor” (1 Chron. 29:26). Observe that the present passage also specifies, “Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established” (1 Kings 2:12). The idea here is that, unlike some political transitions, the change from David to Solomon was smooth.

Execution of Conspirators (2:13–46)

1 Kings 2:13–25 narrates the death of Adonijah. While Adonijah’s royal coup made him worthy of death, at 1 Kings 1:50–52 Solomon had displayed mercy toward his brother, as he declared, “If he proves himself a worthy man, not one hair of him shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” The event that led to Adonijah’s death is that at 1 Kings 2:15–17 he asked Bathsheba to petition King Solomon that he be given Abishag the Shunammite as a wife. While Bathsheba may not have understood the danger in this request, Solomon immediately recognized Adonijah’s treachery. The issue is that possession of the royal harem was a claim of kingship; thus, in requesting Abishag as a wife, Adonijah was making a underhanded claim for the throne. This treachery was all Solomon needed to confirm Adonijah’s wicked character and to order his execution.

When Solomon first ascended to the throne, Adonijah had fled to the tabernacle and clung to the horns of the altar in an attempt to gain mercy. 1 Kings 2:28–35 records that in an attempt to see his own life spared, Joab likewise fled to the tabernacle and clung the horns of the altar. This seems to have been prompted by Joab learning that Solomon had exiled Abiathar the high priest, even as he told him that he was “deserving of death” (1 Kings 2:26). Yet, unlike Adonijah and Abiathar, Joab was not only guilty of treason, but also he had murdered Abner and Amasa. Therefore, Solomon did not show mercy to Joab, for justice dictated that Joab be executed. Finally, 1 Kings 1:36–46 records the death of Shimei. In this narrative, Solomon agreed to spare Shimei’s life as long as he stayed in Jerusalem. Yet, Shimei violated the terms of this agreement and was executed.

Application Questions:

1. If you knew that your death was imminent, what advice or instructions would you give to those closest to you?
2. Does obedience to God’s Word always result in prosperity and success (cf. 1 Kings 2:3)?
3. In instructed Solomon to kill Joab and Shimei, was David acting out of vengeance or out of justice?
4. Why are many transitions in leadership tumultuous? What are some essential traits for an effective leader?
5. In what ways can we see the wisdom of Solomon displayed in his interaction with his enemies?