These last words of David to his son Solomon are intriguing. When I thought I was to die, I gave my last words to my oldest son. They were,
Joshua, lead our family in the ways of God. Continue to trust Him in all you do. He will guide you into all that is good and right; follow Him. Protect your sister throughout her years with the love of God. His love guides and protects us, we need to do the same for others. I look forward to seeing what God is doing in your life. As I look from Heaven to see my oldest son, I desire to see a man of God changing the world for Him. Press on in His Word!
David’s were a little different. He gave the words of encouragement we would expect him to give. He had done this previous in 1 Chronicles too. He gives the same advice Moses gave to Joshua, be strong and of good courage for God is with you as you follow Him. Good advice for all of us.
What is intriguing is the next bit of advice. He gives Solomon some names and then advises him to act wisely in the matter. With Joab and Shimei his implication was to kill them. With Barzillai his advice was to honor him. These choices and decisions Solomon was to make were intended to give him a strong start in his reign. He needed to know what intrigue there was in the court and needed to establish his reign as just and swift. We will see how he goes exacts just and swift retribution in this chapter.
David dies. Solomon follows David’s advice and establishes his throne. He wisely executes three people. Adonijah, his brother, Joab, his general, and Shimei were all executed by their own words.
Adonijah was warned in our previous study (1 Kings 1) not to attempt to usurp the throne again or he would die. His words in verses 13-18 seem innocent enough. However, because Abishag lay with David, although not in a sexual manner, she was given the rights of a wife. So, whoever married her would have the right to claim the throne. This innocent request, if granted, would give Adonijah the right to the throne. Solomon saw this and put him to death for breaking his promise from chapter 1.49-53. Benaiah executed Adonijah.
To fulfill the prophecy given in 1 Samuel 2.31-35, Solomon banishes Abiathar but does not kill him.
Joab, in fear for his life, runs to the safety of the altar as did Adonijah in 1 Kings 1. Because of Joab’s killing of Abner 2 Samuel 3 and Amasa in 2 Samuel 20, Solomon orders his execution. Benaiah executed Joab at the altar.
Solomon gave Shimei opportunity to live if he stayed in Jerusalem. He agreed. Three years later, thinking Solomon forgot, he left Jerusalem. The terms were if Shimei stayed in Jerusalem, he would live; if he left, he would die. He left. Shimei hears Benaiah’s footsteps. Benaiah executed Shimei.
Any morals here? Compromises need to be taken care of sooner than later.
God’s will was accomplished in this chapter. He wanted Solomon to be king, not Adonijah. Adonijah’s request was deceptive. He knew that request would give him the throne, so God took his life. I think Solmon’s actions throughout this chapter show him obediently following his father’s last words, and so the Lord blessed him and his reign.