1 Kings 2:1-46

David's last Will and Testament

The 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; 2 Samuel 7.

5. Abner.. Amasa] For Abner see 1 Chronicles 9:36; 1 Samuel 14:50; 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 2-3 for Amasa see 2 Samuel 17:25 (Cp. 1 Chronicles 2), 2 Samuel 19:13; 2 Samuel 20:4. Joab's slaying of Abner may be palliated, though not justified, in consideration of his kinship with Asahel, whom Abner had killed; but his assassination of Amasa was due merely to the mortification he had sustained when the latter displaced him in the king's favour. He had thus been guilty of murder, which, if unavenged, would bring guilt on the land: cp. 2 Samuel 1:21. David may also have thought it expedient to remove Joab in order to safeguard Solomon's throne, which could never be secure so long as so capable and unscrupulous an officer was alive. The blood of war.. girdle] The LXX has 'innocent blood,' which the sense requires.