Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 2
Albert Barnes Commentary
1 Kings 2
Albert Barnes Commentary
1 Kings 2
"Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying," — 1 Kings 2:1 (ASV)
The events related in 1 Chronicles 28–29 had occurred in the interval between the last chapter and this one.
"I am going the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man;" — 1 Kings 2:2 (ASV)
David appears to have in mind the divine address to Joshua. Without slavishly imitating it, he reproduces several of its key expressions and ideas (compare the parallel account in Joshua).
Solomon’s youth was clearly one of the main difficulties of his position. If he was about nineteen or twenty and known for his peaceful disposition (1 Chronicles 22:9), then having to rule over the warlike and turbulent Hebrew nation—with a strong party opposing him and adult brothers ready to lead it—was clearly a very difficult task. Therefore, though a boy in years, he is exhorted to show himself a man in spirit.
"and keep the charge of Jehovah thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, [and] his commandments, and his ordinances, and his testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself." — 1 Kings 2:3 (ASV)
The “statutes” have been explained to be the positive ordinances of the Law; the “commandments” the moral precepts, such as not to steal; the “judgments” the laws belonging to civil government; and the “testimonies” the laws directing the commemoration of certain events .
"That Jehovah may establish his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel." — 1 Kings 2:4 (ASV)
That the Lord may continue his word: The original promise given to David indirectly through Nathan (2 Samuel 7:11–17), though apparently unconditional, was later made conditional upon continued obedience. David reminds Solomon of this to impress upon him a powerful motive to remain faithful and obedient.
"Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did unto me, even what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet." — 1 Kings 2:5 (ASV)
In his final instructions regarding certain key individuals, David was anxious for the security of his young successor’s kingdom. He allowed old resentments to resurface and was willing to seek vengeance indirectly through a deputy, even though his own conscience had previously restrained him from taking revenge himself.
We must not expect Gospel morality from the saints of the Old Testament, for they were simply the most righteous people of their respective times and cultures. The maxim of “those in ancient times,” whether Jews or Gentiles, was to “love your friends and hate your enemies” . In this regard, David was perhaps not ahead of his time.
Besides his two murders, Joab’s chief offense against David was undoubtedly his killing of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14). Another serious crime was his support for Adonijah’s treasonous plot (1 Kings 1:7). But beyond these blatant offenses, Joab seems to have provoked David through many smaller actions, becoming a constant thorn in his side. He treated the king with little respect, taking important steps without his orders (2 Samuel 3:26), arguing with him harshly and rudely (2 Samuel 2:24–25), almost betraying his secrets (2 Samuel 11:19–21), and disobeying commands he disliked (1 Chronicles 21:6). David tolerated Joab’s influence but bristled under it, finding this “son of Zeruiah” to be “too hard” for him.
Put the blood of war upon his girdle... This means that the blood of Amasa splattered all over the girdle to which Joab’s sword was attached, and the sandals on his feet were reddened with stains as the corpse fell.
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