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 2:32
KJVAnd the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
Read it in context
The Execution of Joab
Start reading at 1 Kings 2:28 (1 Kings 2:28 to 1 Kings 2:35).
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.
- 2:28 Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
- 2:29 And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.
- 2:30 And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the LORD, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.
- 2:31 And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.
- 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
- 2:33 Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the LORD.
- 2:34 So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
- 2:35 And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
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 Joab. Read 1 Kings 2:28 through 1 Kings 2:35 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 Joab (1 Kings 2:28 to 1 Kings 2:35). Start reading at 1 Kings 2:28. 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 2:28, 1 Kings 2:35, 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
- return 1 Kgs 2:44 Gen 4:11 Judg 9:24,57 Ps 7:16
- two men 2 Sam 3:27 2 Sam 20:10
- more righteous 1 Sam 15:28 2 Sam 4:11 2 Chr 21:13 Esth 1:19
- my father 2 Sam 3:26,37
- Abner 2 Sam 3:27
- Amasa 2 Sam 20:10
- Jether 1 Kgs 2:5 2 Sam 17:25
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 FocusSolomon'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.