I Kings 2
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Commentaries
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David leaves his dying charge with Solomon, relative to his own personal conduct, Kg1 2:1-4; to Joab, Kg1 2:5, Kg1 2:6; to Barzillai, Kg1 2:7; to Shimei, Kg1 2:8, Kg1 2:9. He dies, and Solomon is established in the kingdom, Kg1 2:10-12. Adonijah requests to have Abishag to wife, and is put to death by Solomon, Kg1 2:13-25. Abiathar the priest is banished to his estate at Anathoth, Kg1 2:26, Kg1 2:27. Joab, fearing for his life, flees to the horns of the altar, and is slain there by Benaiah, Kg1 2:28-34. Benaiah is made captain of the host in his stead, Kg1 2:35. Shimei is ordered to confine himself to Jerusalem, and never leave it on pain of death, Kg1 2:36-38. After three years he follows some of his runaway servants to Gath, and thereby forfeits his life, Kg1 2:39, Kg1 2:40. Solomon sends for him, upbraids him, and commands him to be slain by Benaiah, Kg1 2:41-46.
Open source ↗DAVID DIES. (Kg1 2:1-11) David . . . charged Solomon his son--The charge recorded here was given to Solomon just before his death and is different from the farewell address delivered in public some time before (Ch1 28:2-9). It is introduced with great solemnity.
Open source ↗Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die,.... The number of his days fixed and determined by the Lord, Job 14:5; and which might be perceived as drawing nigh, both by himself and others, through the growing infirmities of old age, decline of nature, and various symptoms of an approaching dissolution which were upon him; see Gen 47:29. Abarbinel observes, that he is called only David, not King David; because Solomon his son was now anointed king, and reigned in his stead; so in Kg1 1:10; but there is another reason given by some Jews (n), that no man, even a king, has power in the day of death; he is no king then, he has no rule over that, but that rules over him: and he charged Solomon his son; gave him his last and dying charge: saying; as follows. (n) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 96. fol. 83. 3.
Open source ↗The anointing of Solomon as king, which was effected by David's command (1 Kings 1), is only briefly mentioned in Ch1 23:1 in the words, "When David was old and full of days, he made his son Solomon king over Israel;" which serve as an introduction to the account of the arrangements made by David during the closing days of his life. After these arrangements have been described, there follow in 1 Chron 28 and 29 his last instructions and his death. The aged king gathered together the tribe-princes and the rest of the dignitaries and superior officers to a diet at Jerusalem, and having introduced Solomon to them as the successor chosen by God, exhorted them to keep the commandments of God, and urged upon Solomon and the whole assembly the building of the temple, gave his son the model of the temple and all the materials which he had collected towards its erection, called upon the great men of the kingdom to contribute to this work, which they willingly agreed to, and closed this last act of his reign with praise and thanksgiving to God and a great sacrificial festival, at which the assembled states of the realm made Solomon king a second time, and anointed him prince in the presence of Jehovah (Ch1 29:22). - A repetition of the anointing of the new king at the instigation of the states of the realm, accompanied by their solemn homage, had also taken place in the case of both Saul (2 Sam 11) and David (Sa2 2:4 and Sa2 5:3), and appears to have been an essential requirement to secure the general recognition of the king on the part of the nation, at any rate in those cases in which the succession to the throne was not undisputed. In order, therefore, to preclude any rebellion after his death, David summoned this national assembly again after Solomon's first anointing and asc…
Open source ↗David, that great and good man, is here a dying man (Kg1 2:1), and a dead man, Kg1 2:10. It is well there is another life after this, for death stains all the glory of this, and lays it in the dust. We have here, I. The charge and instructions which David, when he was dying, gave to Solomon, his son and declared successor. He feels himself declining, and is not backward to own it, nor afraid to hear or speak of dying: I go the way of all the earth, Kg1 2:2. Heb. I am walking in it. Note, Death is a way; not only a period of this life, but a passage to a better. It is the way of all the earth, of all mankind who dwell on earth, and are themselves earth, and therefore must return to their earth. Even the sons and heirs of heaven must go the way of all the earth, they must needs die; but they walk with pleasure in this way, through the valley of the shadow of death, Psa 23:4. Prophets, and even kings, must go this way to brighter light and honour than prophecy or sovereignty. David is going this way, and therefore gives Solomon directions what to do. 1. He charges him, in general, to keep God's commandments and to make conscience of his duty, Kg1 2:2-4. He prescribes to him, (1.) A good rule to act by - the divine will: "Govern thyself by that." David's charge to him is to keep the charge of the Lord his God. The authority of a dying father is much, but nothing to that of a living God. There are great trusts which we are charged with by the Lord our God - let us keep them carefully, as those that must give account; and excellent statutes, which we must be ruled by - let us also keep them. The written word is our rule. Solomon must himself do as was written in the law of Moses. (2.) A good spirit to act with: Be strong and show thyself a man, though in years but a child. Th…
Open source ↗2:1-12 David gave his final charge to Solomon in two sections: personal advice for spiritual living (2:2-4) and instructions about people David had dealt with (2:5-9).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin שְׁלֹמֹה (Shᵉlômôh, H8010) — Shelomah, David's successor בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term…
Open source ↗שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmereth, H4931) — watch, i.e. the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb חֻקָּה (chuqqâh, H2708) — {an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)} מִצְוָה (mitsvâh, H4687) — a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law) מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… עֵדוּת (ʻêdûwth, H5715) — testimony כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver שָׂכַל (sâkal, H7919) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֶמֶת (ʼemeth, H571) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness לֵבָב (lêbâb, H3824) — the heart (as the most interior organ); נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to…
Open source ↗יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יוֹאָב (Yôwʼâb, H3097) — Joab, the name of three Israelites בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… צְרוּיָה (Tsᵉrûwyâh, H6870) — Tserujah, an Israelitess עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold שַׂר (sar, H8269) — a head person (of any rank or class) צָבָא (tsâbâʼ, H6635) — a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army);… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity אַבְנֵר (ʼAbnêr, H74) — Abner, an Israelite נֵר (Nêr, H5369) — Ner, an Israelite עֲמָשָׂא (ʻĂmâsâʼ, H6021) — Amasa, the name of two Israelites יֶתֶר (Yether, H3500) — Jether, the name of five or six Israelites and of one Midianite הָרַג (hârag, H2026) — to smite with deadly intent
Open source ↗עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application חׇכְמָה (chokmâh, H2451) — wisdom (in a good sense) שֵׂיבָה (sêybâh, H7872) — old age יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… שְׁאוֹל (shᵉʼôwl, H7585) — Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories… שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm, H7965) — safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health,…
Open source ↗עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application חֵסֵד (chêçêd, H2617) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… בַּרְזִלַּי (Barzillay, H1271) — Barzillai, the name of three Israelites גִּלְעָדִי (Gilʻâdîy, H1569) — a Giladite or descendant of Gilad אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) שֻׁלְחָן (shulchân, H7979) — a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose בָּרַח (bârach, H1272) — to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֲבִישָׁלוֹם (ʼĂbîyshâlôwm, H53) — Abshalom, a son of David; also (the fuller form) a later Israelite אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or…
Open source ↗שִׁמְעִי (Shimʻîy, H8096) — Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… גֵּרָא (Gêrâʼ, H1617) — Gera, the name of six Israelites בֶּן־יְמִינִי (Ben-yᵉmîynîy, H1145) — a Benjaminite, or descendent of Benjamin בַּחֻרִים (Bachurîym, H980) — Bachurim, a place in Palestine קָלַל (qâlal, H7043) — to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively… מָרַץ (mârats, H4834) — properly, to press, i.e. (figuratively) to be pungent or vehement; to irritate קְלָלָה (qᵉlâlâh, H7045) — vilification יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) מַחֲנַיִם (Machănayim, H4266) — Machanajim, a place in Palestine יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… קִרְאָה (qirʼâh, H7125) — an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite) יַרְדֵּן (Yardên, H3383) — Jarden, the principal river of Palestine
Open source ↗נָקָה (nâqâh, H5352) — to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense)… חָכָם (châkâm, H2450) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful) אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application שֵׂיבָה (sêybâh, H7872) — old age יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… שְׁאוֹל (shᵉʼôwl, H7585) — Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories… דָּם (dâm, H1818) — blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice…
Open source ↗דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse שָׁכַב (shâkab, H7901) — to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose) אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application קָבַר (qâbar, H6912) — to inter עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere…
Open source ↗יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse מָלַךְ (mâlak, H4427) — to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity אַרְבָּעִים (ʼarbâʻîym, H705) — forty שָׁנֶה (shâneh, H8141) — a year (as a revolution of time) שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… חֶבְרוֹן (Chebrôwn, H2275) — Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites שְׁלוֹשִׁים (shᵉlôwshîym, H7970) — thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine
Open source ↗יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… שְׁלֹמֹה (Shᵉlômôh, H8010) — Shelomah, David's successor כִּסֵּא (kiççêʼ, H3678) — properly, covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application מַלְכוּת (malkûwth, H4438) — a rule; concretely, a dominion כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… מְאֹד (mᵉʼôd, H3966) — properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication,…
Open source ↗אֲדֹנִיָּה (ʼĂdônîyâh, H138) — Adonijah, the name of three Israelites בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… חַגִּית (Chaggîyth, H2294) — Chaggith, a wife of David בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) בַּת־שֶׁבַע (Bath-Shebaʻ, H1339) — Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… שְׁלֹמֹה (Shᵉlômôh, H8010) — Shelomah, David's successor אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm, H7965) — safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health,…
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting.
But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:
Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight.
Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.”
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom:
This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.