1 Kings 2:8-18

8 "There is also Shimei son of Gera, from the town of Bahurim in Benjamin. He cursed me bitterly the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he met me at the Jordan River, I gave him my solemn promise in the name of the Lord that I would not have him killed. ¹

9 But you must not let him go unpunished. You know what to do, and you must see to it that he is put to death."

10 David died and was buried in David's City.

11 He had been king of Israel for forty years, ruling seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. ²

12 Solomon succeeded his father David as king, and his royal power was firmly established. ³

13 Then Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, went to Bathsheba, who was Solomon's mother. "Is this a friendly visit?" she asked. "It is," he answered,

14 and then he added, "I have something to ask of you." "What is it?" she asked.

15 He answered, "You know that I should have become king and that everyone in Israel expected it. But it happened differently, and my brother became king because it was the Lord's will.

16 And now I have one request to make; please do not refuse me." "What is it?" Bathsheba asked.

17 He answered, "Please ask King Solomon - I know he won't refuse you - to let me have Abishag, the young woman from Shunem, as my wife." ⁴

18 "Very well," she answered. "I will speak to the king for you."

1 Kings 2:8-18 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

• 1. 2.8 2 Samuel 16.5-13; 19.16-23.
• 2. 2.11 2 S 5.4, 5;1 Chronicles 3.4.
• 3. 2.121 Chronicles 29.23.
• 4. 2.17 1 Kings 1.3, 4.