David's Final Charge to Solomon
[ READ ] 1 Kings 2:1–12
David's Instructions to Solomon
1 When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
5 “Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. 6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.”
The Death of David
10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
1 When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
5 “Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. 6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.”
The Death of David
10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
I have two daughters, and I know that the first four verses are David’s instructions to his son. But regardless of gender, these are terrific commandments. Imagine living your life with these charges in your head:
+ Walk in His ways
+ Keep His statutes
+ Be strong
+ Show yourself
How much stronger would the church be? We’ve talked a lot about the church as a collection of broken sinners, individuals within a broader community. How much different would the church look if those individuals walked strong in the confidence of Christ, keeping His statutes and standing firm in His ways?
What’s stopping us?
- Brandon Beylo
+ Walk in His ways
+ Keep His statutes
+ Be strong
+ Show yourself
How much stronger would the church be? We’ve talked a lot about the church as a collection of broken sinners, individuals within a broader community. How much different would the church look if those individuals walked strong in the confidence of Christ, keeping His statutes and standing firm in His ways?
What’s stopping us?
- Brandon Beylo
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ David offers a textbook example of how to live at the end of your life and the power of the spoken word to the ones you love.
+ David offers a textbook example of how to live at the end of your life and the power of the spoken word to the ones you love.
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ What are some ways you can instill this type of encouragement to your loved ones and friends?
+ How can we stand firm in His statutes during our everyday, quiet life? At work, at home, etc.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ What are some ways you can instill this type of encouragement to your loved ones and friends?
+ How can we stand firm in His statutes during our everyday, quiet life? At work, at home, etc.
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for our sins. I pray that you give me the strength to Stand Firm in your Statutes. Help me to never be ashamed of the Gospel, of your story, and of who you are in my life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for our sins. I pray that you give me the strength to Stand Firm in your Statutes. Help me to never be ashamed of the Gospel, of your story, and of who you are in my life.
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
yourself:
+ Talk today’s message over with someone who is discipling you, and someone you are discipling.
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
yourself:
+ Talk today’s message over with someone who is discipling you, and someone you are discipling.
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