1 Kings 2:1-11

1 Kings 2:1

I. In this passage we notice the calmness and quietude of spirit with which David looked forward to the termination of his earthly career. In order to place ourselves in the position which David occupied, (1) we must have sought and found pardoning mercy; (2) we must have the Spirit of adoption, so as to be able to say, "Abba, Father;" (3) we must be advancing in the practical experience of sanctifying grace.

II. Notice the special charge which David addresses to Solomon to show himself a man and to be strong in observing the requirements of the Divine law. The expression which first strikes the mind is "Show thyself a man." (1) It is plainly the path of manly effort to strive to serve God and to fulfil the requirements of His law. (2) It is implied in the words of David that Solomon would have numberless difficulties to contend with. "Show thyself a man" means Resist; fight; overcome. (3) Unless the Spirit of God is in the man, the pieces of armour are useless, and the conflict must end in defeat and ruin. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there only is liberty and power.

III. Notice the clear perception which David evidently had of the conditional nature of the promises made to Israel and to his own family in particular. The faithful observance of the law of Moses formed the condition upon which Israel was to be great and flourishing.

IV. In explanation of David's charge to Solomon to revenge himself on Joab and Shimei, we should remember (1) that he was there dictating to Solomon counsels of policy, not by Divine wisdom, but by his own mind; and whether these counsels were right or wrong, we must lay the responsibility of them upon David himself. (2) David lived under a darker dispensation than ours, and had not learned to forgive his enemies. (3) It may have been right and necessary for the public welfare that such dangerous men as Joab and Shimei should not be allowed to live.

A. D. Davidson, Lectures and Sermons,p. 349.

References: 1 Kings 2:8. Expositor,2nd series, vol. i., p. 245. 1 Kings 2:8; 1 Kings 2:9. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. iii., p. 175.