1 Kings 2
David’s Final Words to Solomon
2:1 When David was close to death,1 he told2 Solomon his son:
2:2 “I am about to die.3 Be strong and become a man!
2:3 Do the job the
2:5 “You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me – how he murdered two commanders of the Israelite armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether.14 During peacetime he struck them down like he would in battle;15 when he shed their blood as if in battle, he stained his own belt and the sandals on his feet.16 2:6 Do to him what you think is appropriate,17 but don’t let him live long and die a peaceful death.18
2:7 “Treat fairly19 the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and provide for their needs,20 because they helped me21 when I had to flee from your brother Absalom.
2:8 “Note well, you still have to contend with Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim,22 who tried to call down upon me a horrible judgment when I went to Mahanaim.23 He came down and met me at the Jordan, and I solemnly promised24 him by the
2:10 Then David passed away29 and was buried in the city of David.30 2:11 David reigned over Israel forty years; he reigned in Hebron seven years, and in Jerusalem31 thirty-three years.
Solomon Secures the Throne
2:12 Solomon sat on his father David’s throne, and his royal authority32 was firmly solidified.
2:13 Haggith’s son Adonijah visited Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. She asked, “Do you come in peace?” He answered, “Yes.”33
2:14 He added,34 “I have something to say to you.” She replied, “Speak.”
2:15 He said, “You know that the kingdom35 was mine and all Israel considered me king.36 But then the kingdom was given to my brother, for the
2:19 So Bathsheba visited King Solomon to speak to him on Adonijah’s behalf. The king got up to greet42 her, bowed to her, and then sat on his throne. He ordered a throne to be brought for the king’s mother,43 and she sat at his right hand. 2:20 She said, “I would like to ask you for just one small favor.44 Please don’t refuse me.”45 He said,46 “Go ahead and ask, my mother, for I would not refuse you.” 2:21 She said, “Allow Abishag the Shunammite to be given to your brother Adonijah as a wife.” 2:22 King Solomon answered his mother, “Why just request Abishag the Shunammite for him?47 Since he is my older brother, you should also request the kingdom for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”
2:23 King Solomon then swore an oath by the
2:26 The king then told Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your property53 in Anathoth. You deserve to die,54 but today I will not kill you because you did carry the ark of the sovereign
2:28 When the news reached Joab (for Joab had supported58 Adonijah, although he had not supported Absalom), he59 ran to the tent of the
2:36 Next the king summoned73 Shimei and told him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem74 and live there – but you may not leave there to go anywhere!75 2:37 If you ever do leave and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will certainly die! You will be responsible for your own death.”76 2:38 Shimei said to the king, “My master the king’s proposal is acceptable.77 Your servant will do as you say.”78 So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.79
2:39 Three years later two of Shimei’s servants ran away to King Achish son of Maacah of Gath. Shimei was told, “Look, your servants are in Gath.”
2:40 So Shimei got up, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to find his servants; Shimei went and brought back his servants from Gath.
2:41 When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had then returned,
2:42 the king summoned80 Shimei and said to him, “You will recall81 that I made you take an oath by the
So Solomon took firm control of the kingdom.90