David’s Charge: Wisdom and Justice in Solomon’s Reign

Executive Summary ✨

1 Kings 2, “David’s Charge: Wisdom and Justice in Solomon’s Reign,” marks a pivotal transition in Israelite history. As David approaches death, he imparts final instructions to his son Solomon, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God’s law and the pursuit of justice. He charges Solomon to deal wisely with Joab and Shimei, individuals who had wronged him. The chapter then details Solomon’s consolidation of power, including the execution of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and the removal of Abiathar from the priesthood. These actions, while seemingly harsh, were necessary to establish stability and ensure a just and righteous kingdom, grounded in unwavering faith and shrewd leadership, ultimately pointing to the coming Messiah.

King David’s death and Solomon’s ascension represent a change of guard, a transfer of divinely ordained responsibility. This chapter, full of earthly challenges, reminds us that even in moments of transition, we are called to follow Christ. We must seek God’s wisdom in leadership, offer forgiveness where appropriate, and ensure justice prevails, reflecting the unchanging character of God. The stories found in the Bible are like website builders, they allow us to build faith.

Commentary Sections 📜

1 Kings 2:1-4 – David’s Charge to Solomon

KJV: Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

NKJV: Now the days of David drew near that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying: “I am about to go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”

David’s final words are not about military strategy or political alliances; they are a call to spiritual faithfulness. He acknowledges his mortality (“I go the way of all the earth”) and urges Solomon to “be strong” and “show yourself a man.” This isn’t merely about physical strength, but moral fortitude and unwavering commitment to God’s law. This echoes Deuteronomy 31:6-8, where Moses encourages Joshua. This verse is critical to understanding David’s vision for the kingdom, centered on obedience to God. Remember that David, though a mighty warrior, understood that true strength comes from God.

Practical Application: In our own lives, especially during times of transition or hardship, we must remember to draw strength from God’s Word. Personal prosperity, in God’s eyes, comes from obeying His commands.

1 Kings 2:5-9 – Dealing with Joab and Shimei

KJV: Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. And behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the Lord, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.

NKJV: Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he shed the blood of war in peacetime, and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his waist, and on his sandals that were on his feet. Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace. And see, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim; but he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace.”

These verses often cause discomfort. David instructs Solomon to deal justly (and severely) with Joab and Shimei for past transgressions. Joab murdered Abner and Amasa, betraying David and undermining the kingdom’s stability. Shimei cursed David publicly, undermining his authority. David’s instructions are not about personal vengeance, but about upholding justice and ensuring the safety and stability of the kingdom. While David had shown mercy earlier, he recognizes the need for Solomon to address these unresolved issues. This is not a call for unrestrained bloodlust, but for wise and discerning judgment. The book of Wisdom emphasizes the importance of wise rulers administering justice fairly, even when it is difficult.

St. Athanasius, in his *Against the Heathen*, writes about the importance of just rulers, saying: “Οἱ γὰρ ἄρχοντες εἰκόνες εἰσὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δεῖ αὐτοὺς μιμεῖσθαι τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ” (hoi gar archontes eikones eisi tou Theou, kai dei autous mimeisthai tēn dikaiosynēn autou – “For rulers are images of God, and they must imitate His justice”).

Practical Application: Justice is an essential aspect of God’s character and should be reflected in our lives and communities. Forgiveness is also important, but justice and accountability must not be ignored. We can seek wisdom to discern when mercy and justice intersect.

1 Kings 2:10-12 – David’s Death and Solomon’s Reign

KJV: So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

NKJV: So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David. The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.

David’s death marks the end of an era. His 40-year reign saw Israel rise to prominence and experience both great triumphs and devastating failures. The phrase “slept with his fathers” is a common biblical euphemism for death, emphasizing continuity and connection with previous generations. Solomon’s succession to the throne is presented as a natural and divinely ordained transition. The phrase “his kingdom was established greatly” highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to David. The location of David’s burial, the City of David, is archaeologically significant and speaks to the enduring legacy of his reign. We find the same legacy still alive today, as people find the best domain name for their businesses.

Practical Application: Our lives, like David’s, are finite. We should strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God, so that even after our death, our influence continues to inspire others.

1 Kings 2:13-25 – Adonijah’s Petition and Death

KJV: And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably. He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on. And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother’s: for it was his from the Lord. And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on. And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king. Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand. Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah: Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. Now therefore, as the Lord liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.

NKJV: Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. So she said, “Do you come peaceably?” And he said, “Peaceably.” Moreover he said, “I have something to say to you.” And she said, “Say it.” Then he said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over, and has become my brother’s; for it was his from the Lord. And now I am asking one petition of you; do not refuse me.” She said to him, “Say it.” Then he said, “Please speak to King Solomon, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.” So Bathsheba said, “Very well, I will speak for you to the king.” Bathsheba therefore went to King Solomon, to speak to the king for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, bowed down to her, and sat down on the his throne; and he had a seat set for the king’s mother, and she sat on his right hand. Then she said, “I desire one small petition of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Ask it, my mother; for I will not refuse you.” So she said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.” And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, “Now why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also—for he is my older brother! Yes, for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!” Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this!” So King Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he struck him down, and he died.

Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag, David’s concubine, was not a simple romantic gesture. In that culture, possessing the king’s concubine was tantamount to claiming the throne. Solomon recognizes this as a veiled attempt to usurp his authority. Solomon’s response is swift and decisive, executing Adonijah to protect the kingdom. This demonstrates Solomon’s wisdom and his willingness to act decisively to preserve the stability of the realm. Solomon’s wisdom here is not only strategic but reflects a deep understanding of the political landscape and the potential threats to his reign. The deuterocanonical Book of Sirach speaks of the importance of a wise ruler for the stability of the kingdom.

Practical Application: We must be discerning in our actions and motives, recognizing that seemingly harmless requests can sometimes have ulterior motives. Wisdom and discernment are essential for navigating complex situations and protecting what is valuable.

1 Kings 2:26-27 – Abiathar’s Banishment

KJV: And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted. So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord; that he might fulfil the word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

NKJV: And to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth, to your own fields; for you are deserving of death, but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord God before my father David, and because you were afflicted every time my father was afflicted.” So Solomon removed Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, that he might fulfill the word of the Lord which He spoke concerning the house of Eli at Shiloh.

Abiathar, the priest, had supported Adonijah’s bid for the throne. While deserving of death, Solomon shows mercy, sparing his life because of his past loyalty to David and his service to God. However, Abiathar is removed from his priestly office, fulfilling the prophecy against the house of Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-36). This highlights God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness in fulfilling His word. Anathoth was a Levitical city north of Jerusalem. Solomon’s actions here demonstrate a balance between justice and mercy, recognizing both Abiathar’s transgression and his past service.

Practical Application: Even when we deserve punishment, God’s mercy can temper justice. We should strive to show mercy to others, even when they have wronged us, while also upholding God’s righteous standards.

1 Kings 2:28-35 – Joab’s Execution

KJV: Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the Lord, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me. And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father. And the Lord shall return his blood upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah. Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the Lord. So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

NKJV: Now news came to Joab, for Joab had defected to Adonijah, though he had not defected to Absalom. And Joab fled to the tabernacle of the Lord, and took hold of the horns of the altar. And King Solomon was told, “Joab has fled to the tabernacle of the Lord; there he is, by the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” So Benaiah went to the tabernacle of the Lord, and said to him, “Thus says the king, ‘Come out!’” And he said, “No, but I will die here.” And Benaiah brought back word to the king, saying, “Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.” And the king said to him, “Do as he has said, and strike him down and bury him, that you may take away from me and from the house of my father the guilt of the blood which Joab shed without cause. So the Lord will return his blood on his own head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the army of Judah, whom he killed with the sword when my father David did not know it. Their blood shall therefore return on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever. But upon David and his descendants, upon his house and upon his throne, there shall be peace forever from the Lord.” So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and struck him down, and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. The king appointed Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the army in Joab’s place, and the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.

Joab’s attempt to seek sanctuary at the altar demonstrates his understanding of the sanctity of that place. However, Solomon recognizes that the altar cannot be a refuge for a murderer. Joab’s crimes were too heinous to be overlooked. Solomon’s actions are not a violation of the altar’s sanctity, but a commitment to justice. The altar was meant for atonement, not for shielding those who refused to repent and make restitution. This passage underscores the principle that justice must prevail, even in sacred spaces. The desert mentioned here could be an area in the Judean Desert where criminals would attempt to flee to, and hide.

Practical Application: We cannot hide from our sins or expect to escape the consequences of our actions. True repentance involves acknowledging our wrongdoings and seeking to make amends. God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

1 Kings 2:36-46 – Shimei’s Disobedience and Death

KJV: And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither. For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head. And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish, son of Maachah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath. And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath. And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again. And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the Lord, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, that on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good. Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the Lord, and the commandment that I have charged thee with? The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the Lord shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head; And king Solomon commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

NKJV: Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there anywhere. For it shall be that on the day you go out and cross the Brook Kidron, you shall surely know that you shall surely die; your blood shall be on your own head.” And Shimei said to the king, “The saying is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. Now it happened at the end of three years, that two slaves of Shimei ran away to Achish the son of Maacah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, “Look, your slaves are in Gath!” So Shimei arose, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to seek his slaves. And Shimei went and brought his slaves from Gath. And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned. Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord, and warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and travel anywhere, you shall surely die’? And you said to me, ‘The word that I have heard is good.’ Why then did you not keep the oath of the Lord and the commandment that I gave you?” The king also said to Shimei, “You know all the wickedness which your heart acknowledges, that you did to my father David; therefore the Lord will return your wickedness on your own head.” Then the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, who went out and struck him down, and he died. So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

Solomon’s restriction on Shimei was a test of his loyalty and repentance. By confining him to Jerusalem, Solomon gave Shimei an opportunity to demonstrate his obedience. Shimei’s violation of this oath after three years revealed his true character. His journey to Gath, a Philistine city, was a symbolic rejection of Solomon’s authority and a breach of his sworn oath. The Brook Kidron was a geographical boundary marking the edge of Jerusalem, the breaking of the order being a transgression. Solomon’s execution of Shimei was not arbitrary, but a consequence of Shimei’s disobedience and a fulfillment of the oath he had made. This act solidified Solomon’s authority and further established the stability of his kingdom.

Practical Application: Our words and commitments have weight and should not be taken lightly. We must be true to our promises and honor our oaths, recognizing that God holds us accountable for our actions. True repentance involves a change of heart and a commitment to obedience.

Solomon’s Reign: Wisdom and Justice 👑

Solomon’s reign, after the deaths of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and the banishment of Abiathar, becomes firmly established, setting the stage for a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity. It also reminds us of the divine standard by which rulers are judged. While some actions may appear ruthless, they must be understood within the context of maintaining justice, security, and honoring divine promises. This section explores some critical lessons gleaned from Solomon’s initial acts as king.

• The Importance of Justice: Solomon’s actions demonstrated a commitment to justice and righteousness. He ensured that those who had threatened the stability of the kingdom were held accountable for their actions.
• The Wisdom of Discernment: Solomon’s decisions were often based on wisdom and discernment. He could see beyond the surface and recognize the hidden motives behind people’s actions.
• The Need for Decisiveness: Solomon was not afraid to act decisively when necessary. He understood that hesitation could lead to further instability and chaos.
• The Balance of Mercy and Justice: While Solomon upheld justice, he also showed mercy when appropriate. He spared Abiathar’s life because of his past service to David.
• The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Solomon’s actions often fulfilled prophecies, demonstrating God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness to His word.
• The Establishment of Peace: By addressing the threats to his kingdom, Solomon paved the way for a period of peace and prosperity.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why was it necessary for Solomon to execute Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei?

A: These individuals posed significant threats to Solomon’s authority and the stability of the kingdom. Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag was a veiled attempt to claim the throne, while Joab had committed heinous murders and Shimei had cursed David, undermining his authority. Their actions jeopardized the peace and security of the realm.

Q: Was Solomon justified in executing Joab, even though he sought refuge at the altar?

A: Yes, Solomon was justified. The altar was meant for atonement, not for shielding those who refused to repent of their sins. Joab’s crimes were too grievous to be overlooked, and his attempt to seek refuge at the altar did not absolve him of his guilt.

Q: What is the spiritual significance of Abiathar’s banishment from the priesthood?

A: Abiathar’s banishment fulfilled a prophecy against the house of Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-36), demonstrating God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word. It also symbolized the removal of a corrupt priesthood and the establishment of a new order under Solomon.

Q: How can we apply the lessons from 1 Kings 2 to our lives today?

A: We can apply these lessons by striving to live justly, discerning motives, honoring our commitments, and seeking wisdom in our decisions. We must also remember the importance of repentance and the need to uphold God’s righteous standards.

Conclusion ✨

1 Kings 2, “David’s Charge: Wisdom and Justice in Solomon’s Reign,” offers profound insights into leadership, justice, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. Solomon’s reign, marked by a complex interplay of mercy and judgment, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wisdom in governance and the need to uphold righteousness in all aspects of life. While the actions described in this chapter may seem harsh by modern standards, they must be understood within their historical and cultural context, reflecting the challenges of establishing a stable and just society in a turbulent world. Ultimately, the chapter points to the coming of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose reign will be characterized by perfect justice, unwavering love, and everlasting peace.

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1 Kings 2, David, Solomon, Adonijah, Joab, Shimei, Abiathar, justice, wisdom, kingdom, Coptic Orthodox, biblical commentary, Old Testament

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Explore 1 Kings 2: David’s final instructions and Solomon’s Reign! A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on wisdom, justice, and God’s sovereign plan.