CHAPTER THREE SOLOMON'S RULE ESTABLISHED 1 Kings 2:1 to 1 Kings 3:3 Twice in chapter two the sacred historian declares that Solomon was _established_ on the throne of David (1 Kings 2:12; 1 Kings 2:46), Solomon's rule was made secure because (1) he listened to the death-bed advice of his father (1... [ Continue Reading ]
I. DAVID'S LAST COUNSEL TO Song of Solomon 2:1-11 It is uncertain how much time elapsed between the events recorded in chapter 1 and the death of David recorded in chapter 2. After the Adonijah incident, and in his fortieth and final year of reign, David convoked a national assembly. Undoubtedly his... [ Continue Reading ]
C. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS 2:5-11 TRANSLATION (5) And also as for you, you know that which Joab son of Zeruiah did to me, which he did to two captains of the hosts of Israel, to Abner son of Ner and to Amasa the son of Jether both of whom he slew. He shed the blood of war in peace, and thereby put the... [ Continue Reading ]
II. ADONIJAH'S SECOND CONSPIRACY AGAINST SOLOMON 2:13-35 At the collapse of his first conspiracy, Solomon had magnanimously spared the life of Adonijah. The traitor was spared on condition that he _show himself a worthy man_ and not get involved in any political intrigue again. Adonijah should have... [ Continue Reading ]
B. THE PETITION MADE BY BATHSHEBA 2:19-21 TRANSLATION (19) Then Bathsheba went unto King Solomon to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And the king arose to meet her, bowed himself to Her, and sat upon his throne; then he had a throne set for the mother of the king, and she sat on his right hand.... [ Continue Reading ]
C. THE PUNISHMENT ORDERED BY SOLOMON 2:22-25 TRANSLATION (22) And King Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why are you asking for Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? You might as well ask the kingdom for himbecause he is my older brothereven for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Jo... [ Continue Reading ]
D. THE PLIGHT OF OTHER CONSPIRATORS 2:26-35 It would appear that Abiathar and Joab were again involved in the conspiracy to give the throne to Adonijah. At least this is the interpretation which Solomon put on their conduct. Thus it was in conjunction with the execution of Adonijah that Solomon (1)... [ Continue Reading ]
III. SHEMEI'S THOUGHTLESS CHALLENGE OF SOLOMON'S AUTHORITY 2:36-46 TRANSLATION (36) Now the king sent and called for Shimei, and he said to him, Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem, and dwell there; but do not go out from there anywhere. (37) For it shall come to pass in the day you go out, and... [ Continue Reading ]