E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 2:24
as = according as. promised . Compare 2 Samuel 7:12 , 2 Samuel 7:13 . read more
as = according as. promised . Compare 2 Samuel 7:12 , 2 Samuel 7:13 . read more
1 Kings 2:25. Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada— It was formerly very customary among princes to employ their officers, or greatest confidants, in such executions. Among the Romans, the soldiers were always the persons who carried to prison, to torture, or to execution, such as were found guilty of any offence; and this Tertullian makes an argument to dissuade Christians from engaging in the wars, lest thereby they should be obliged to imprison, punish, or execute... read more
Adonijah’s execution 2:13-25Adonijah’s professed acceptance of Solomon’s succession overcame Bathsheba’s initial fear of him. He convinced her that he only wanted permission to marry King David’s former nurse. But Solomon saw deeper into Adonijah’s intent. Even though David had not had sexual relations with Abishag, she was part of his harem, one of the women who ministered to his most intimate needs."Although Abishag had been only David’s nurse, in the eyes of the people she passed as his... read more
B. The Foundation of Solomon’s Reign 2:13-4:34The writer noted that Solomon’s sole reign began well. The things most responsible were God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon (the central section), his political decisions (the first section), and his administrative ability (the third section). read more
1. Solomon’s purges 2:13-46Solomon wrote that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13; Psalms 111:10). At the very beginning of his reign he gave evidence of being wise by the way he dealt with his political enemies. His wise decisions at this time resulted in peace and prosperity for Israel for the next 40 years (971-931 B.C.). read more
David’s last Will and TestamentThe recital of David’s last charge to Solomon and his death is followed by an account of the execution of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei.3, 4. Cp. Deuteronomy 17; 2 Samuel 7.5. Abner.. Amasa] For Abner see 1 Chronicles 9:36; 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 2-3 for Amasa see 2 Samuel 17:25 (Cp. 1 Chronicles 2), 2 Samuel 19:13; 2 Samuel 20:4-13. Joab’s slaying of Abner may be palliated, though not justified, in consideration of his kinship with Asahel, whom Abner had killed;... read more
(24) As the Lord liveth, which hath . . .—There is something characteristic in this adjuration, as compared with that of David in 1 Kings 1:29. In David we always see the living man, whose soul longs after God with a vivid personal devotion. Solomon is emphatically the king, sitting on the throne of David, with his house established for ever. In the majesty of his royalty his individual character is to us almost entirely merged. read more
(25) Sent by the hand of Benaiah.—The chief of the body-guard is the chief of “the executioners” (see 1 Kings 1:38), apparently, in the case of great criminals, carrying out the sentence of condemnation with his own hand. (Comp. Judges 8:20-21.) read more
AVENGING JUSTICE1 Kings 2:13-46.The wrath of a king is "as messengers of death."- Proverbs 16:14THE reign of Solomon began with a threefold deed of blood. An Eastern king, surrounded by the many princes of a polygamous family, and liable to endless jealousies and plots, is always in a condition of unstable equilibrium; the death of a rival is regarded as his only safe imprisonment. On the other hand, it must be remembered that Solomon allowed his other brethren and kinsmen to live; and, in... read more
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 2:1-46
Opponents of Solomon executed (2:1-46)As he saw his death approaching, David passed on to Solomon advice aimed at ensuring stability to his reign and good government for God’s people. The first and most important point was a reminder to be faithful to God. God’s promises of a prosperous kingdom and a lasting dynasty required David and his successors to be obedient to God’s will. Without obedience, there was no guarantee of blessing (2:1-4; 1 Chronicles 22:6-16).David’s second piece of advice to... read more