1 Kings 2 - Introduction

II.

The narrative in this chapter still continues much in the same graphic style and detail as in the previous chapter. During the interval between the two Chapter s we have in 1 Chronicles 28, 29 the record of a great assembly of the “princes of Israel” and the whole realm — a solemn farewell of David to the people, with charge to aid in building the Temple, followed by offerings for it; and the making of “Solomon king the second time” (1 Chronicles 29:22). This possibly represented his accession to the royalty not only over Judah, but over the rest of Israel, with formal acceptance by the representatives of all the tribes. (Comp. 1 Kings 12:1, in respect of the accession of Rehoboam.) In this detailed record it is specially noticed (1 Chronicles 28:2) that the old king “stood up on his feet,” as though the excitement of the great occasion had renewed for a time his strength, and enabled him to rise from his bed. It is also recorded that “all the sons of David,” who had apparently favoured Adonijah, submitted themselves to Solomon the king (1 Chronicles 29:24).