by Doc Adkins
“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying…” 1 Kings 2:1
June! The beginning of Summer and a wonderful time to see God at His best. It’s also the month we celebrate Father’s Day. (Just an early reminder to my girls and maybe yours too.) I love being a dad. I have “daddy’s girls” right where they want me and I wouldn’t want to be any place else.
When we are young most of us don’t see the importance of our parent’s advice whether it is fatherly or motherly. Sometimes it is only when we get a little older that we see that a lot of what advice they have given to us makes sense.
In 1 Kings 2:1-10, we see some advice, a charge really, that David gave to his son Solomon before David died. There’s so many good things that he says in this passage. Good advice whether you are a “momma’s boy” or “daddy’s girl”.
- Be Strong and manly. (vs. 2)
David knew he was dying so I guess it makes sense that he told his son to be strong. I’m sure the women don’t want to be manly or “shew thyself a man” as the verse says but we can take from this to be the best godly woman you are able to be and teach the daughters to be godly women. - Keep the charge of the Lord. (vs. 3, 4)
In these verses David encourages Solomon to strive to do everything he can to keep his life centered on the Lord. He talks about walking in His ways, keeping His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies.David had some ups and downs in his own spiritual life so he knew the importance of a close relationship with the Lord.
- Show wisdom. (vs. 5, 6)
David encourages Solomon to use wisdom when dealing with Joab and the things that specific situation entailed in verses 5 and 6.I think wisdom is something we all want for our children. I know I want my girls to use wisdom in their choices and decisions.
- Show kindness. (vs. 7)
In verse 7 David urges Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai who had shown kindness to him. Kindness is one of those things that lack in so many people today. I know raising kind children should be one of our goals.
- Judge well. (vs. 8,9)
David reminds Solomon of how to deal with Shimei, a man whose life David had spared at one point and time. You really have to go back and read through 2 Samuel 16 and 19 to really understand what the whole situation was about. I’m not going into detail here but judging and carrying out judgment was to be a big part of Solomon’s role as King.Even in our daily lives knowing how to judge in wisdom is so important. Also knowing that sometimes punishment has to be carried out is important as well.
Conclusion:
When we go on down to verse 10 of 1 Kings 2, we see that David died so these things he said to Solomon were probably some of the last words David spoke.
I think that David’s words to Solomon in this passage ended up being one of the most enduring father-son talks. This was right before David’s death and it was from the heart. David had learned many lessons in his life and I think he wanted his son, Solomon, to learn to keep his life in tune with the Lord so that his life would be the best it could be.
“Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.” 1 Chronicles 29:26, 27
So, do you take what your Heavenly Father tells you to heart?