The final words of a great leader were an important part of Biblical culture. Genesis 49 provides the last words of Jacob, laying out the will of God for his sons. Deuteronomy 33 gives the final blessing of Moses on the tribes of Israel. Joshua 23 contains the charge that Joshua left with Israel. The spiritual last will and testament of Samuel is recorded in 1 Samuel 12. David’s final words to Solomon follow the basic Biblical pattern of pointing to the theological foundations of relationship with the Lord. This passage presents David’s last words and marks the transition of power.

1 – A dying man’s advice (vs. 1-10)

Parents, would you like an opportunity just before you die to give your children some last instructions? David’s advice for Solomon can be summarised as follows:-

• Follow the teachings of God.
• Watch your life.
• Stay faithful.
• Have a few people killed!

2 – A horrible history?

This is one of those passages that some would like to pass over and those who are opposed to God will describe as barbaric. All scripture is there for a reason and is useful. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17. There are practical things that are required for a king to secure his kingdom. There are enemies to the kingdom who opposed David and Solomon. David had spared them but Solomon recommends that they now be killed.

3 – Securing a kingdom

The day is coming when God will redeem his people and all things. See Ephesians 1:7 & 4:30. God intends us to be redeemed people today. See Titus 2:14. We can reject the world’s message of Eros and make it the way God intended it to be. Here are four things we can do to redeem Eros:-

• Eliminate enemies – It is logical. There are those who want to wreck what God is doing with the kingdom in Israel. The opposition needs to be eliminated or else they will rise against Solomon’s leadership and kingdom.
• Obey the law and be a man. There was three ways he could show himself to be a man:-

1. Man of the Word. See Deuteronomy 17:18-20. Solomon was to get his own personal copy to follow. This goes against the world’s culture.
2. Man of integrity. Our lives have to ring true. Our actions have to show what we believe. We are to watch our lives. We need to avoid hypocrisy.
3. Man of commitment. We are to be committed with all our heart. God does not want us to be half-hearted.

David’s concern is not that Solomon will never obey the Lord’s instructions. What he wants is for Solomon to develop consistency – dependability, reliability – faithfulness in his obedience to God. The Lord had promised David that if his descendants would live with such consistent faithfulness there would always be a descendant of his on the throne of Israel. If that promise was to be fulfilled Solomon would have to be first one to keep the conditions.

Unfortunately, Solomon later became compromised. He was compromised in his worship, wealth and women. The kingdom would soon be lost when he died. The kingdom under a man could never succeed but the kingdom under Jesus will succeed for all eternity!

Categories: 1 Kings