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 2:39
KJVAnd it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.
Read it in context
The Execution of Shimei
Start reading at 1 Kings 2:36 (1 Kings 2:36 to 1 Kings 2:46).
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 unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
- 2:36 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
- 2:37 For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.
- 2:38 And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
- 2:39 And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.
- 2:40 And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
- 2:41 And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.
- 2:42 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.
- 2:43 Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?
- 2:44 The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;
- 2:45 And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever.
- 2:46 So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.
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 Shimei. Read 1 Kings 2:36 through 1 Kings 2:46 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. 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 Shimei (1 Kings 2:36 to 1 Kings 2:46). Start reading at 1 Kings 2:36. 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 2:36, 1 Kings 2:46, 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
- A. M. 2993. B.C. 1011. Achish 1 Sam 21:10 1 Sam 27:2-3
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 FocusSolomon'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.