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
Joab’s execution 2:28-35Perhaps because Solomon had shown Adonijah mercy when he fled to the altar (1 Kings 1:50-52), Joab sought refuge from Solomon there too, for participating in Adonijah’s rebellion. Joab, however, was a murderer as well as a rebel. Consequently Solomon had him executed in obedience to the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:14). Manslayers, but not murderers, found sanctuary at the altar. David’s house shared the guilt for Joab’s murders as long as he remained alive (1 Kings 2:31). By... 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
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
II. SOLOMON’S GLORIOUS REIGN. HIS FAILURE AND END 1. The Righteous judgment of Solomon CHAPTER 2:12-46) 1. Solomon upon the throne (1 Kings 2:12 ) 2. Adonijah’s request (1 Kings 2:13-18 ) 3. Bath-sheba before Solomon (1 Kings 2:19-21 ) 4. Solomon’s answer and sentence upon Adonijah (1 Kings 2:22-24 ) 5. Adonijah executed (1 Kings 2:25 ) 6. Abiathar thrust out (1 Kings 2:26-27 ) 7. Joab and Shimei executed (1 Kings 2:28-46 ) “Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father;... read more
2:31 And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and {p} 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.(p) For it was lawful to take the wilful murderer from the altar, Exodus 21:14. read more
2:33 Their blood shall therefore return upon the {q} 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.(q) Joab will be justly punished for the blood that he has cruelly shed. read more
DAVID'S LAST WORDS TO SOLOMON (vs.1-9) As David was about to die, his words to Solomon have serious significance. Just as Paul (2 Timothy 4:1-6) and Peter (2 Peter 1:12-15) were concerned about the testimony of the Lord after their decease, so was David, for they were not moved by selfish motives, but by concern for God's glory among His people. David therefore urged Solomon, "be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man" (v.2). If he was to do this, he would have to keep the charge of... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 2:34
34. Benaiah . . . went up, and fell upon him—According to the terms of the statute ( :-), and the practice in similar cases ( :-), the criminal was to be dragged from the altar and slain elsewhere. But the truth is, that the sanctity of the altar was violated as much by the violence used in forcing the criminal from the place as in shedding his blood there; the express command of God authorized the former and therefore by implication permitted the latter. was buried in his own house—or family... read more