David Encourages Solomon. I kings 2

 

1 Kings 2 David Encourages Solomon

 

David said, “I go the way of all the earth, be thou strong and show yourself a man.”

Solomon was not quite like his father. David was a man. Solomon was not much of a man. David was rugged. Solomon had been brought up in the palace.  All Solomon knew about was women.

David urges Solomon to stay close to the Lord and to the word of God. What David left to him enabled Solomon to become one of the great kings of the earth. Solomon is probably one of the best-known kings who has ever lived. The peace that Solomon enjoyed during his reign was a peace that had been made by David during his reign. Now David has died and gone to be with his child.

Shimei was still alive. David told Solomon to keep a watchful eye on him and if he reveals any treachery, Solomon was to deal with him accordingly. Solomon deals with Shimei, but only after he disobeys and reveals that he is a traitor.

Even though Solomon is now on the throne, Adonijah has not given up about wanting to be king. He comes to Bathsheba still harboring this thought. He says, since the kingdom has been taken away from me, I have only one small request. “I would like Abishag for my wife.”  She was the one that nursed David during his last days. Bathsheba in her simplicity, felt that Adonijah’s request for Abishag was reasonable, Solomon’s wisdom instantly sees the plot. Adonijah’s death was brutal, but if he lived, he would have continued to connive and plot in an attempt to seize the throne.

Abiathar, was removed from his priestly office and sent home in disgrace because he had participated in the rebellion. This ended the line of Eli.

When Joab heard about what happened to Abiathar and Adonijah, he ran to the tabernacle of the Lord and caught hold of the horns of the altar for sanctuary. Benaiah, went after Joab and asked him to come outside but Joab refused. Therefore, he was executed because of his part in the rebellion.

Solomon had removed most of the contenders to the throne. Now he could reign in peace.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.