1 Kings 2:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

NIV: "But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

NASB: However, show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for they assisted me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

CSB: "Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite and let them be among those who eat at your table because they supported me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

NLT: Be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Make them permanent guests at your table, for they took care of me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

KJV: But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

NKJV: “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

Some of David's instructions to Solomon about becoming king are to resolve lingering issues from his own rule. David had apparently decided that he would not hold Joab accountable for his murders during his own reign. Yet he intends to have Joab's sentence carried out after his own death (1 Kings 2:5–6).

Here, David tells Solomon to keep a promise made to a man called Barzillai the Gileadite. Barzillai gave shelter and provisions to David and others who fled from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27–29). David offered to give the eighty-year-old man a place in Jerusalem with him. Barzillai respectfully refused, and David promised to give his relative Chimham a place at his table in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:31–39). Now David tells Solomon to continue to honor that promise.

The section finishes with David's charge to Solomon to deal with the Benjaminite Shimei. As David fled Jerusalem, before he met with Barzillai, Shimei cursed him and accused him of taking the crown from his kinsman Saul. Either Joab or Shimei could inspire a revolt against Solomon, but David trusts Barzillai's sons.

First and Second Kings highlight the idolatry of God's people and His resultant judgment. Readers can take heart in encountering a passage that underscores the importance of honoring good men.

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.