1 Kings 2 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

1. David’s last advice to Solomon (2:1–12)
2. Solomon’s punishment of Adonijah (2:13–25)
3. Solomon’s punishment of Abiathar (2:26–27)
4. Solomon’s punishment of Joab (2:28–35)
5. Solomon’s punishment of Shimei (2:36–46)

The author says in 2:12, “And Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was established greatly.” He says similarly in 2:46, “And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.” These two statements introduce and conclude the four accounts in which Solomon deals with the men who could have been a threat to him (Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei). Try to translate the statements in such a way that your readers will recognize their similarity and understand that the author uses them to mark off this group of accounts.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

David’s final instructions to Solomon

This chapter begins with David giving Solomon his final instructions. This was the equivalent of a final will and testament. David’s words to Solomon are a summary of his life’s wisdom, and they are also a transfer of the spiritual and political responsibilities of the kingship. David charges Solomon to follow Yahweh’s laws, reminding him that the covenant promises that Yahweh made to his family were conditional on their obedience. David also gives specific instructions regarding several individuals. He tells Solomon to punish people who had harmed him and his kingdom but to reward people who had helped him. This demonstrates that in this culture, a king had the right to issue decrees that would be carried out even after his death. Consider how your language indicates that a person is speaking from a position of power and authority, but also consider how a father would speak to a son even if he were in royal authority over him.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Phrases the author uses to conclude accounts of kings’ reigns

In 2:10–11, the author describes the death and burial of David and says for how many years he ruled as king. This is the first instance in the book of these particular phrases that the author will use regularly to conclude accounts of kings’ reigns. So that your readers will appreciate their role, be careful to translate these phrases consistently in each of their occurrences.