Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood." But do not let him go unpunishedThis phrase reflects the justice and retribution that were integral to the ancient Israelite understanding of law and order. The Hebrew root for "unpunished" is often associated with the idea of leaving someone without consequences for their actions. In the context of King David's final instructions to Solomon, it underscores the importance of upholding justice as a divine mandate. Historically, this reflects the broader Ancient Near Eastern legal traditions where kings were seen as enforcers of divine justice. for you are a wise man
The acknowledgment of Solomon's wisdom is prophetic and foundational for his reign. The Hebrew word for "wise" (חָכָם, chakam) is deeply connected to the idea of skillful living and discernment. Solomon's wisdom is a central theme in the biblical narrative, and it is this wisdom that will guide him in making difficult decisions. This phrase also foreshadows Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which becomes a defining characteristic of his rule. You will know what you ought to do to him
This phrase emphasizes the expectation of discernment and moral responsibility. The Hebrew concept of "knowing" (יָדַע, yada) goes beyond intellectual understanding to include experiential knowledge and insight. Solomon is expected to act with both justice and mercy, guided by his God-given wisdom. This reflects the biblical principle that leaders are accountable to God for their actions and decisions. to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood
This phrase is a vivid expression of the consequences of wrongdoing. "Gray head" symbolizes old age and the culmination of one's life journey. "Sheol" in Hebrew thought is the realm of the dead, a place of shadowy existence. The phrase "in blood" indicates a violent end, suggesting that the individual's actions have warranted such a fate. This reflects the biblical theme of divine justice, where the wicked ultimately face the consequences of their actions. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and injustice. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe aging king of Israel who is giving final instructions to his son Solomon. David is known for his heart after God, but also for his complex and sometimes troubled reign. 2. SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, who is about to ascend to the throne of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon is tasked with establishing his kingdom and dealing with unfinished business from David's reign. 3. JoabThe son of Zeruiah, David's nephew, and commander of his army. Joab is a complex figure known for his loyalty to David but also for his violent and sometimes treacherous actions. 4. SheolIn Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence. It is often used to describe the grave or the afterlife. 5. David's Final InstructionsThis event marks the transition of power from David to Solomon, with David providing guidance on how to secure the kingdom and deal with past grievances. Teaching Points The Importance of JusticeDavid's instruction to Solomon emphasizes the need for justice, even when it involves difficult decisions. As believers, we are called to uphold justice in our own lives, reflecting God's character. Wisdom in LeadershipSolomon is recognized for his wisdom, which is essential for effective leadership. We should seek God's wisdom in our decisions, especially when they impact others. Dealing with Unresolved IssuesDavid's directive to Solomon to address past wrongs reminds us of the importance of resolving conflicts and not leaving issues unaddressed, which can lead to greater problems. The Consequences of SinJoab's actions had long-lasting consequences, illustrating the biblical principle that sin often leads to death and destruction. We must be mindful of our actions and their potential impact. Legacy and ResponsibilityDavid's final words to Solomon highlight the responsibility of leaving a godly legacy. We should consider how our actions today will affect future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's instruction to Solomon about Joab reflect the biblical principle of justice, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives? 2. In what ways does Solomon's wisdom play a crucial role in his ability to lead Israel, and how can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decisions? 3. What unresolved issues in your life might need addressing, and how can you seek God's guidance in resolving them? 4. How do the consequences of Joab's actions serve as a warning about the impact of sin, and what steps can you take to avoid similar pitfalls? 5. What kind of legacy are you building through your actions and decisions, and how can you ensure it aligns with biblical values? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 42:38The concept of bringing someone's "gray head down to Sheol" is echoed in Jacob's fear of losing Benjamin, highlighting the sorrow associated with death and the grave. 2 Samuel 3:27 and 20:10 These passages recount Joab's murders of Abner and Amasa, providing context for David's instructions to Solomon regarding Joab's punishment. Proverbs 1:7Solomon's wisdom is a central theme, and this verse underscores the importance of fearing the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, which is crucial for Solomon's reign. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Acquit, Age, Blood, Bring, Clear, Free, Goes, Grave, Gray, Guiltless, Hair, Hast, Hoar, Hoary, Hold, Innocent, Ought, Oughtest, Punishment, Sheol, Underworld, Unpunished, Wilt, Wisdom, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:9 9040 grave, the
9540 Sheol 1 Kings 2:1-12 5087 David, reign of Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 2:9 NIV1 Kings 2:9 NLT1 Kings 2:9 ESV1 Kings 2:9 NASB1 Kings 2:9 KJV
1 Kings 2:9 Commentaries
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