FocusSolomon'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 2:3
KJVAnd keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
Read it in context
David Instructs Solomon
Start reading at 1 Kings 2:1 (1 Kings 2:1 to 1 Kings 2:9).
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.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
- 2:1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
- 2:2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
- 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
- 2:4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
- 2:5 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
- 2:6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
- 2:7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
- 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
- 2:9 Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.
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? David Instructs Solomon. Read 1 Kings 2:1 through 1 Kings 2:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. 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 David Instructs Solomon (1 Kings 2:1 to 1 Kings 2:9). Start reading at 1 Kings 2:1. 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 2:1, 1 Kings 2:9, 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
- And keep Deut 29:9 Josh 1:7 Josh 22:5 1 Chr 22:12-13 1 Chr 28:8-9 1 Chr 29:19
- statues Deut 4:1,5,8 Deut 5:1 Deut 6:1-2
- testimonies Deut 4:45 Ps 19:7 Ps 119:2,111,138
- written Deut 17:18-20 Mal 4:4
- that thou Deut 29:9
- prosper Josh 1:7-8 1 Sam 18:5,14,30 2 Chr 31:20-21 Ps 1:2-3 Ps 119:98-100 Prov 3:1-4
- whithersoever 2 Sam 8:6,14 2 Kgs 18:7
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 The Execution of Adonijah
1 Kings 2:13–27FocusSolomon'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.