1 Kings 2:8 NIV

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Kings 2:8-9

1 Kings 2:8-9. Thou hast—Shimei—his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood— The reader will not forget who Shimei was; see 2 Samuel 16:5; 2 Samuel 19:16. It appears by the expression, Behold, thou hast with thee, that he was now in Jerusalem; and therefore David thought this a proper opportunity for confining him, that he might not spread disaffection to Solomon's government among those of his own tribe, or of any of the other tribes of Israel: a precaution the more necessary in the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 2:8

8. thou hast with thee Shimei—Though David promised him a pardon, which being enforced by the presence of a thousand followers, could not have been well refused, he warned his son against Shimei as a turbulent and dangerous character. It must not be supposed that in these dying instructions David was evincing a fierce, vindictive spirit. He is rather to be considered as acting in the character of a king and magistrate, in noticing crimes which he had not been in a condition to punish, and... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 2:1-9

3. David’s charge to Solomon 2:1-9David’s words here state succinctly the philosophy of history the writer of Kings set forth in this book. It is the philosophy David had learned and now commended to his son Solomon. Careful obedience to the Law of Moses would yield success in all areas of his son’s life (1 Kings 2:2). That obedience would constitute his manhood (1 Kings 2:1). Since God made man in the image of God, man can realize his manhood only by placing himself under God’s authority.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 2:1-12

A. Solomon’s Succession to David’s Throne 1:1-2:12The first segment of the writer’s story (1 Kings 1:1 to 1 Kings 2:12) continues the history of Israel’s monarchy where 2 Samuel ended. It records the final events in David’s reign that led to Solomon’s succession to the throne. It answers the question raised in 2 Samuel 9-20, namely, "Who will succeed David?" Similarly, Genesis 12-22 answers the question, "Who will be Abram’s heir?" read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 2:1-46

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Kings 2:8

(8) Thou hast with thee Shimei.—The most ungenerous charge is the virtual withdrawal of the pardon, freely granted to Shimei long before (2 Samuel 19:18-23). It is, perhaps, partly dictated by policy; for the notice of Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5-8; 2 Samuel 19:17) shows that he was powerful, and that he assumed a dangerous championship of the fallen house of Saul. But there are unmistakable traces of the old grudge rankling in David’s heart, reminding us of the bitterness of such psalms as Psalms... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Kings 2:1-11

3. David’s Charge to Solomon and David’s End CHAPTER 2:1-11 1. David’s charge (1 Kings 2:1-9 ) 2. David’s end (1 Kings 2:10-11 ) We call attention again to 1 Chronicles 28:0 and 29 where we find the record of the great assembly of all the princes of Israel and David’s great address to them. He then made known to all Israel that the LORD had chosen Solomon to occupy the throne. He speaks there of the covenant promise, that his son should build the house of the LORD and His courts. He... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 2:1-46

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

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 2:1-46

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

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Kings 2:1-46

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