1 Kings 2

2 of all the earth. That is, all mankind (Gen. xi. 9; Josh. xxiii. 14). A fuller account of the closing scenes in David’s life is given in 1 Chron. xxviii., xxix., a narrative which is probably to be placed between the preceding and the present chapters.

3 statutes. Ceremonial laws; commandments, moral laws; judgements, civil laws; testimonies, laws for special services in memorial of Jehovah’s dealings with the people.

4 may continue. Rather, “may establish” (R.V.).

5 shed the blood of war in peace. i.e., he shed in peace blood which should only be shed in war, or “taking vengeance during peace for blood shed during war” (Moffatt).

6 let not his hoar head, etc. i.e., although his grey hairs might otherwise entitle him to honour, let him not go unpunished.

7 show kindness, etc. The dying king felt the claims of gratitude to be not less sacred than those of justice.

came. This word is used of showing kindness. See the narrative in 2 Sam. xix. 31-40.

8. Bahurim. Between Jerusalem and the Jordan (2 Sam. iii. 16; xvii. 18).

Shimei. David’s injunction evidently amounts to this—that Shimei was so dangerous a person that he must be closely watched, and on the first act of disobedience be put to death. Shimei might have preserved his life on certain conditions, which he acknowledged to be reasonable, and yet violated on a very slight pretext: see vers. 39, 40.

9 but . . . bring thou down. Rather, “and . . . thou shalt bring down” (R.V.).

10 a seat. The same word has just before been rendered “throne”: see R.V.

on his right hand. The place of honour among the Israelites (see Psa. xlv. 9; cx. 1), as also among the Greeks and Romans.

20 one small petition. Bath-sheba, no doubt, was interested in the personal aspects of the case, and did not understand the gravity of such a request.

22 ask for him the kingdom also. See note on 2 Sam. iii. 7. Adonijah’s former offence had been overlooked; but it seems that, after his first alarm had subsided, his hopes revived; and Solomon saw in this application (see ver. 15) the first development of a further design upon the crown, between his brother and the two great officials mentioned.

24 hath made me a house. “House” here means “family”; the royal succession.

26 thou art worthy of death. As an accomplice in Adonijah’s treason.

hast been afflicted, etc. In the hardships and dangers which he had shared with David: see 1 Sam. xxii. 20-23; 2 Sam. xv. 24-29.

27 that he might fulfil the word of the Lord. This passage (which is similar to many others) does not mean that Solomon did this in order to fulfil the prophecy; but that, being led to do it by Abiathar’s rebellion, he thus fulfilled the word of the Lord.

28. Then tidings came, etc. Rather, “And the tidings came” (R.V.).

tabernacle. i.e., tent (R.V.), as in i. 39.

30. Nay; but I will die here. Joab probably supposed that Solomon would be unwilling to shed blood in a holy place. But by the law (Exod. xxi. 14) even the altar could not protect a murderer.

34, the wilderness. i.e., the Wilderness, or great open pasture-lands, of Judah, mentioned in the Gospels. Joab’s being buried with his fathers seems out of respect to his past achievements.

37. Kidron. Solomon specifies the brook Kidron by way of example, meaning the immediate neighbourhood: see ver. 42. The road to Gath was in the opposite direction; but the spirit of the prohibition was violated.

44 shall return. Heb., “hath returned”: the doom being spoken of as already inflicted.