1 Kings 2:1-12 - David's Instructions For Solomon

¹ David was about to die. He called his son Solomon and gave him his last instructions: ² It is my time to die. I go the way of all people of the earth. Be strong and be a man. ³ Do what Jehovah your God orders you to do. Obey all his laws and commands, as written in the Law of Moses. That way wherever you go you may prosper in everything you do. ⁴ If you obey Jehovah he will keep the promise he made when he told me, 'Your descendants will rule Israel as long as they are careful to obey my commands faithfully with all their heart and being.'

⁵ Remember what Joab did to me by killing the two commanders of Israel's armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. You remember how he murdered them in time of peace. This was revenge for deaths they had caused in time of war. He killed innocent men. I bear the responsibility for what he did. I suffer the consequences. ⁶ You know what to do. You must not let him die a natural death.

⁷ But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai from Gilead and take care of them. They were kind to me when I was fleeing from your brother Absalom.

⁸ There is also Shimei son of Gera, from the town of Bahurim in Benjamin. He cursed me with a bitter curse the day I went to Mahanaim. When he met me at the Jordan River, I gave him my solemn promise in the name of Jehovah, saying, 'I will not have you killed by the sword.' ⁹ However you must not let him go unpunished. You know what to do. You must make sure he is put to death.

¹⁰ David died and was buried in David's City. ¹¹ He was king of Israel for forty years. He ruled seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. ¹² Solomon succeeded his father David as king. His royal power was firmly established.