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
Abiathar’s dismissal 2:26-27Solomon granted Abiathar a parole for participating in Adonijah’s rebellion. By removing him from his office, he cut off Eli’s last descendant, thereby fulfilling God’s prophecy to Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Eli’s fertility ended because he had not obeyed God’s Law faithfully. The writer of Kings drew special attention to God bringing this to pass (1 Kings 2:27). 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
(27) That he might fulfil.—In these words is described, not the purpose, but the effect of Solomon’s action. The prophecy referred to is, of course, that of 1 Samuel 2:30-35; 1 Samuel 3:11-14, fulfilled by the degradation, in Abiathar’s person, of the house of Ithamar, and the exaltation, or restoration, in Zadok, of the house of Eleazar, to whom, as the elder son of Aaron, the primacy would have seemed naturally to belong. It seems clear from 1 Kings 2:35 that Abiathar had hitherto had some... 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
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
THE CORONATION OF SOLOMON THE OCCASION FOR SOLOMON’S CORONATION (1 Kings 1:10 ) The incident in the first four verses is recorded not for itself, but because of what grew out of it in Adonijah’s case (1 Kings 2:13-25 ). It was a custom in the Orient, and still is, to do this for hygienic reasons on the supposition “that the inhalation of young breath will give new vigor to a worn-out frame.” The event shows that Abishag was made a concubine or secondary wife to the king (1 Kings 2:22 ).... read more
David In View of Death 1 Kings 2:0 THE setting of David's sun was a gradual process, as is shown by the words, "Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die" ( 1Ki 2:1 ). A very pathetic utterance is found in the second verse, namely, "I go the way of all the earth." We cannot but stop here, and stand in amazement at the fact that a stronger king than David had arisen to claim his own. Could no exception be made in the case of the illustrious monarch of Israel, the sweetest of singers,... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 2:13-34
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