1 Kings 2:1-4

David’s Charge to Solomon

1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.
2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man,
3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go
4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

1 Kings 2:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KING 2

This chapter gives an account of the charge David gave to his son Solomon, a little before his death, to walk in the ways of the Lord, 1Ki 2:1-4; and of some instructions delivered to him concerning some particular persons he should either show favour to, or execute justice on, 1Ki 2:5-9; and the next account in it is concerning his death and burial, and the years of his reign, 1Ki 2:10,11; after which it relates an address of Bathsheba to Solomon in favour of Adonijah, which was refused, and the issue of it was his death, 1Ki 2:12-25; and the deposition of Abiathar from the priesthood, 1Ki 2:26,27; and the putting of Joab to death for his treason and murders, 1Ki 2:28-34; in whose post Benaiah was put, as Zadok was in the place of Abiathar, 1Ki 2:35; and lastly the confinement of Shimei in Jerusalem, who had cursed David, 1Ki 2:36-38; who upon transgressing the orders given him was put to death, 1Ki 2:39-46.

Cross References 7

  • 1. S Genesis 27:2; S Numbers 27:13; Genesis 47:29; Deuteronomy 31:14
  • 2. Joshua 23:14
  • 3. Deuteronomy 31:7,23; S Joshua 1:6
  • 4. S Deuteronomy 4:6; S Deuteronomy 10:12; S Deuteronomy 17:14-20; S Joshua 1:7
  • 5. 1 Chronicles 22:13
  • 6. S 2 Samuel 7:13,25; 1 Kings 8:25; 2 Chronicles 23:3
  • 7. 2 Kings 18:3-6; 2 Kings 20:3; Psalms 26:1-3; Psalms 132:12
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