1 Kings 2 -- Not Vengeance But Righteousness

My commentary explained that the first acts of Solomon as king after David's death were not acts of vengeance.

David was a realist and he conveyed information to Solomon before his death because "he wanted to be certain that the new kingdom didn't inherit old problems.  Some of his first words to Solomon were, 'Put the Lord first,' and 'Be strong and show yourself a man.'  Solomon was a young man who had lived a sheltered life, so he needed this admonition."

"David knew that there were perils lurking in the shadows in the kingdom and he warned Solomon to act immediately and deal with two dangerous men ... Joab had asserted his own will and been guilty of murdering innocent men ... Joab killed Abner because Abner had killed Asahel.  Joab also killed David's son Absalom, even though he knew David wanted him taken alive.  He murdered Amasa, whom David had appointed leader of his forces, and he supported Adonijah in his quest for the throne," my commentary said.

Solomon also had to deal with a former supporter of Saul who had cursed David -- Shimei.  He placed him under house arrest, warning him never to leave Jerusalem, to which Shimei agreed, but three years later he broke the agreement and Solomon ordered him killed.

Solomon's half-brother Adonijah had set his sights on the throne but finally supported Solomon out of fear.  However, he asked Solomon's mother to intercede with Solomon and grant him ownership of the young woman who'd kept David warm during his last years.  What seemed like a harmless request had huge implications, because possession of the former king's concubines amounted to possessing the throne, and Solomon ordered him killed.  My commentary said that his death "was the final payment of the fourfold debt David had incurred" from his statement to Nathan.

Solomon also removed Abiathar as high priest, for he had supported Adonijah.  This fulfilled the prophecy given to Eli that his family would not continue in the priesthood (1 Sam. 2:27-36).

Here's the real take away from the events of this chapter:  "It's important to understand that Solomon wasn't simply acting in revenge in the place of his father David.  Solomon explained that the death of Joab took away the stain of innocent blood that Joab had shed when he killed Abner and Amasa.  The shedding of innocent blood polluted the land (Num. 35:30-34) and the victim's blood cried out to God for vengeance ... Solomon was indeed a man of peace and he achieved that peace by bringing about righteousness in the land."

Father, help me and those I love to obey Your will and never find ourselves out of it.  Remind us of the importance of righteousness and obedience, and help us to obey.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford