David Instructs Solomon
1 Kings 2:1–9FocusSolomon's throne secured
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
interpretation 1 Kings 2:23
KJVThen king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
Read it in context
The Execution of Adonijah
Start reading at 1 Kings 2:13 (1 Kings 2:13 to 1 Kings 2:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
- 2:13 And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.
- 2:14 He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.
- 2:15 And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD.
- 2:16 And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.
- 2:17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.
- 2:18 And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.
- 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
- 2:20 Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.
- 2:21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.
- 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.
- 2:23 Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
- 2:24 Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.
- 2:25 And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
- 2:26 And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the LORD God before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.
- 2:27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 1:1–2:46): David's household, Adonijah's supporters, Nathan, Bathsheba, Solomon, and the royal officials are involved in the succession and establishment of Solomon's rule. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Execution of Adonijah. Read 1 Kings 2:13 through 1 Kings 2:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins in David's last days, follows Solomon's reign, and continues into the divided kingdoms and the ministries associated with Elijah. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and the temple are central early; later events move through Judah, the northern kingdom, and neighboring regions. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Execution of Adonijah (1 Kings 2:13 to 1 Kings 2:27). Start reading at 1 Kings 2:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom while declaring that a greater than Solomon is present. The comparison directs attention to Jesus without endorsing Solomon's later unfaithfulness. See 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Distinguish outward prosperity and impressive religious buildings from covenant faithfulness. Attend to the reasons the narrative gives for its evaluations of kings and prophets. interpretation
Cited: 1 Kings 2:13, 1 Kings 2:27, 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42
Who wrote it, and how we know
Jeremiah (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. It cites older court records as sources.
1 Kings 11:411 Kings 14:19
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Jeremiah.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The account ends during the exile, which sets the earliest possible date.
Related passages
- God 1 Kgs 20:10 Ruth 1:17 1 Sam 14:44 2 Sam 3:9,35 2 Sam 19:13 2 Kgs 6:31
- spoken Ps 64:8 Ps 140:9 Prov 18:6-7 Eccl 10:12 Luke 19:22
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 2
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
David’s Reign and Death
1 Kings 2:10–12FocusSolomon's throne secured
Connection to the wholeThe struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
interpretation FocusSolomon's throne secured
Connection to the wholeThe struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
interpretation The Execution of Joab
1 Kings 2:28–35FocusSolomon's throne secured
Connection to the wholeThe struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
interpretation The Execution of Shimei
1 Kings 2:36–46FocusSolomon's throne secured
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author.
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
FocusSolomon's throne secured
Connection to the wholeThe struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
interpretation Solomon's kingdom and temple
1 Kings 3:1–10:29FocusWisdom, worship, and wealth
Connection to the wholeSolomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life.
interpretation The kingdom divided
1 Kings 11:1–16:34FocusUnfaithfulness and rival kingdoms
Connection to the wholeSolomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
interpretation Prophetic confrontation and royal choices
1 Kings 17:1–22:53FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.