1 Kings 2:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

NIV: Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace.

NASB: So act as your wisdom dictates, and do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace.

CSB: Act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head descend to Sheol in peace.

NLT: Do with him what you think best, but don’t let him grow old and go to his grave in peace.

KJV: Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.

NKJV: Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace.

David is telling Solomon how to establish his kingdom politically. David had Solomon anointed king in the middle of Solomon's brother's self-coronation (1 Kings 1). The military commander Joab and the priest Abiathar support Solomon's brother. The new king needs to remove those who would challenge him before he can reign confidently.

David's first suggestion is to take out Joab. Joab murdered two generals in times of peace (2 Samuel 3:27; 20:8–10). David seems to tell Solomon he needs to execute Joab. Joab joined with David before David's 40-year reign began (1 Samuel 22:1). David says he has a "gray head," meaning he's old. He's fought even more than David, and his body is likely pretty beat up. Still, David doesn't want him to die of natural causes. He wants Joab to be properly punished for murder so his soul will not begin its journey to the afterlife in peace.

The king leaves the details to his son. This is the first indication that Solomon was naturally wise before God famously gave him a unique portion of wisdom (1 Kings 3:6–14). David knew Joab needed to die, but it seems he either didn't know how or didn't have the resolve.

Whether through Solomon's wisdom or coincidence, he doesn't address Joab until the old general insults him personally. Joab supported Solomon's brother's early claim to the throne (1 Kings 1:7). When Adonijah made another attempt to build support, Solomon had him executed (1 Kings 2:19–25). Joab realizes what's coming. He runs to the tabernacle in Gibeon and grabs hold of the "horns" on the altar. This is the act of a man who killed accidentally and wants a fair hearing (Exodus 21:14). Solomon doesn't need to investigate if Joab is guilty. Even when Joab refuses to let go of the altar, Solomon has Benaiah execute him (1 Kings 2:28–34).

First Kings 2:5–9 contains David's guidance to Solomon about politically establishing his kingdom. David has already explained that, to rule spiritually, Solomon needs to obey God (1 Kings 2:1–5). To rule without political barriers, Solomon needs to remove Joab for murder and Shimei for treason. But he also needs to honor the sons of Barzillai in payment for their father's loyalty and hospitality. Solomon will follow David's advice, but when a hint of a new rebellion arises, he must start demonstrating his strength towards his brother Adonijah and Abiathar the priest (1 Kings 2:13–27).

In 1 Kings 2, Solomon establishes his kingdom. David tells Solomon to follow God and to deal justly with his officials. After David dies, Solomon executes his rival Adonijah and the murderer Joab. He sends the conspiring priest Abiathar to house arrest and deals with the Benjamite Shimei, who cursed David. Benaiah becomes the military commander, and Zadok the lead priest. Next, Solomon will offer his famous prayer for wisdom (1 Kings 3:6–9).

David's reign ends as his health begins to fail. Watchful rivals try to take advantage of this, attempting to install their preferred heir to the throne (1 Kings 1). This fails, and Solomon is crowned. In 1 Kings 2, Solomon begins the work of inheriting God's covenant with David. Before David dies, he advises Solomon on how to follow God, respond to conspirators, and build the temple (1 Chronicles 22:6–19; 28:9–21). David also throws a more formal coronation ceremony (1 Chronicles 29:22–25). After dealing with the men who would take his crown, Solomon asks God for wisdom; God promises to add honor and wealth (1 Kings 3:6–14).

This was originally the first half of a combined text. First Kings records the end of David's reign and the rule of Solomon. After this, the kingdom is split in two. The northern nation of Israel no longer submits to the king of the southern nation, called Judah. The prophet Elijah first appears in this book. The kings mostly fail to honor the Lord. They participate in idolatry and other sins. This will eventually result in their conquest and exile, as depicted throughout the books of Chronicles.