Today I read 1 Kings 2, in which David’s last words were spoken to Solomon, David died, and Solomon heeded David’s advice. Today I was reminded that the first and most important thing to do is to follow God; relatives should alert their relatives and loved ones to possible dangers; and kings take care of the threats to their kingdoms.
Charged to Follow God
David’s most important information he said first, to follow God (1 Kings 2:1-4). David knew he was dying and said that it was part of life. David told his son Solomon to do what God had told them to do. Then David explained that God would keep His promise of their lineage on the throne if they follow God. We should remember that the first and most important thing to get across to our loved ones is that God is who we should follow and God can take care of us.
Advice Related to Enemies and Friends
David’s second most important thing to tell his son before death was of possible enemies and friends to be aware of and to take action (1 Kings 2:5-10). Zeruiah’s son Joab did violence in peacetime; Barzillai the Gileadite aided David; and Gera’s son Shimei cursed David. We should also insure that our children and loved ones know who our real enemies and friends are so they can address them accordingly.
Listening to His Father
Solomon listened to David’s advice from before he died and taking action by not leaving threats to harm him or the kingdom (2 Kings 2:11-46). David died and Solomon was king of Israel. Adonijah, who previously tried to make himself king of Israel, wanted king David’s Abishag as his wife. Adonijah got Bathsheba to ask Solomon for her. Solomon told his mother if he gave Abishag, Adonijah may want the kingdom next. Solomon had Jehoiada’s son Benaiah kill Adonijah that same day. Solomon sent the sickly priest Abiathar away to Anathoth. Joab heard and hid in the tabernacle of the Lord and refused to leave but Solomon had Benaiah kill him anyway. Solomon put Benaiah over the army to take over Joab’s place. He put priest Zadok in Abiathar’s place. Solomon had Shimei who cursed David make a house in Jerusalem and not travel or he would be killed. Shimei agree but traveled three years later to look for runaway servants, so Solomon had Benaiah kill him. We should look to Solomon as an example in how he took care of all the different threats in the army, in the church, and the one that cursed his father.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
What warning have you received from relatives or a loved one that helped protect you from danger?