1Ki 2:1-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Kgs 2:1-12: 2:1-12 David gave his final charge to Solomon in two sections: personal advice for spiritual living (2:2-4 ) and instructions about people David had dealt with (2:5-9 ).

Summary for 1Kgs 2:1-12: 2:1-12 ^a David gave his final charge to Solomon in two sections: personal advice for spiritual living (2:2-4 ^b) and instructions about people David had dealt with (2:5-9 ^c).
Summary for 1Kgs 2:2-4: 2:2-4 ^d David’s advice to Solomon combined the spiritual and ethical standards of Deuteronomy, the standards of the covenant through Moses (see Lev 18:4-5 ^e; Deut 5:33 ^f; 6:4-5 ^g; 8:6 ^h; 10:12 ⁱ), and the promises of the covenant with David (2 Sam 7:12-16 ^j, 25 ^k). If Solomon would keep God’s standards of righteousness, the promises would be transmitted to his heir, who in turn could claim God’s blessings and convey them to subsequent generations (Ps 89:3-4 ^l, 20 ^m, 24 ⁿ, 27-37 ^o).

• The preeminent heir of David, the Messiah, would embody true righteousness (Isa 11:1-5 ^p), receive the full benefits of the covenant (Jer 33:14-16 ^q), and enact a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah (Jer 31:31-34 ^r; Ezek 34:24-31 ^s; 37:24-28 ^t). The New Testament reveals Jesus as that son of David who has come (Matt 1:1 ^u; Rom 1:1-4 ^v); he will come again to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and bless all people (Luke 1:67-79 ^w; Gal 3:26-29 ^x; Rev 3:21 ^y). 2:2 ^z Take courage and be a man: God and Moses had given this same charge to Joshua at the time of the conquest (Deut 31:6-7 ^aa; Josh 1:6-7 ^ab, 9 ^ac). Joshua and Hezekiah gave this admonition to Israelite forces when facing enemies (Josh 1:16-18 ^ad; 10:24-28 ^ae; 2 Chr 32:7 ^af). David had learned the value of godly courage (Pss 27:13-14 ^ag; 31:23-24 ^ah). When Paul urged Christians to be courageous (literally be men) and strong (1 Cor 16:13 ^ai), he used the same words as the Greek Old Testament uses for the charges by Moses, Joshua, Hezekiah, and the Lord. An interesting parallel is found in the account of Bishop Polycarp’s martyrdom. As he was led into the stadium facing execution, Polycarp heard a voice from heaven saying, “Be strong, Polycarp, be a man!” (Martyrdom of Polycarp 9:1).
Summary for 1Kgs 2:5-6: 2:5-6 ^aj Joab had supported David’s bid for kingship but had become too ambitious. He had murdered former military rivals Abner (2 Sam 3:22-30 ^ak) and Amasa (2 Sam 20:10 ^al), as well as David’s son Absalom (2 Sam 18:1-18 ^am). A party to David’s murder of Uriah the Hittite (2 Sam 11:14-27 ^an), Joab had grown very powerful (2 Sam 20:23 ^ao), and his backing of Adonijah posed a serious threat to Solomon.
Summary for 1Kgs 2:7-9: 2:7-9 ^ap Barzillai unwaveringly supported David during his trouble with Absalom, while Shimei openly opposed David (2 Sam 16:5-13 ^aq; 19:6-23 ^ar). 2:7 ^as at your table: As he had done for Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9:6-13 ^at), David provided for Barzillai and his family. This privilege assured their continued loyalty.
2:8 ^au Mahanaim was David’s refuge during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam 17:24 ^av). The Egyptian pharaoh, Shishak, invaded it during Rehoboam’s reign (see 1 Kgs 14:25 ^aw).