David’s Instructions to Solomon

Robert Kupferschmid, an 81-year old man with no flying experience was flying with a 52 year old pilot friend in a Cessna 172 when the pilot suddenly slumped over and died at the controls. The single-engine plane began to nose-dive and Kupferschmid grabbed the controls and somehow … More

Instruction

David knew that he would soon die so he made plans to counsel his successor. His instructions to Solomon were two fold:

1. Solomon’s relationship to God (vv. 1-4) - His two main exhortations were: “Be strong... and show yourself a man” and “Keep the charge of the Lord your God."  He reminded his son that prosperity and the Lord’s blessing depended on strict observance of the Mosaic Law.

2. Solomon’s dealings with men (vv. 5-9) - In David’s mind some matters remained to be settled before his death. Joab and Shimei needed to be brought to justice and put to death. Joab (David’s nephew) because he had murdered Abner, Saul and Ishbosheth’s captain (II Sam. 2:22-23). He had killed Absalom against David’s wishes (II Sam. 18:5, 14) and he had supported Adonijah’s attempt to seize the throne (1:7). Shimei had violated Exodus 22:28, “Thou shalt not curse the ruler of thy people,” when he cursed David as he fled Jerusalem (II Sam. 16:5-8). David gave Solomon this advise not because he was vindictive, but because he was determined that Solomon’s throne be established upon a foundation of justice. David died and was buried in Jerusalem. He had reigned a total of 40 years.

Application

Barzilla stands for those who are loyal to God and unselfishly give glory to him and others. I need to be sure that my leadership is not self-serving but God serving?

I Kings 2:1-12 (English Standard Version)


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