1 KINGS 2

THE DEATH OF DAVID + REIGN OF SOLOMON

David shares his final words of advice and instruction with Solomon, encouraging him to follow God’s commands and keep the law. David wants Solomon to be strong and prosperous, letting God establish his plans.

Although David was a righteous king, David instructs Solomon to kill those who had opposed him throughout his reign, including Shimei and Joab.

After David’s final instruction to Solomon, he dies and is buried in Jerusalem. After David’s death, Solomon’s kingship is firmly established.

Adonijah wants to take Abishag, David’s servant who kept him warm, as a wife. Solomon sees this action as disrespectful or an attempt to overthrow him as king. Adonijah already attempted to take the kingship from Solomon once and Solomon is not taking any risks. Solomon has Adonijah killed, as well as Shimei and Joab as David instructed.