DAVID'S DYING CHARGE

THE SECURING OF SOLOMON’S THRONE

1 Kings 2-1-3; 10-11;12

King James Version (KJV)

2 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

3 And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

David Dies

10 So David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.

11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

Solomon Is Established as King

12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

Final Acts of King David

I go the way of all the earth: David, son of Jesse – Israel’s greatest king, apart from the Messiah – recognized that he was but a man and shared the common destiny of all the earth. Knowing he would soon pass from this life, David gave a final charge to Solomon.

1 Chronicles 28 and 29. It specifically highlights Solomon’s duty to build the temple.

Be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man: Possibly King David recognized certain a weakness in Solomon. Or he knew Solomon would be tested in far greater ways than before. Whatsoever the precise reason was, the King knew Solomon needed strength and courage (prove yourself a man). Boundless responsibilities require great strength and courage.

The King and Father David recognized that Solomon would face great challenges, whether he knew it or not. Recall that this very same communication was used by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:9 as they encouraged one another in their battle against impossible odds.

WHAT ARE WE TO TAKE AWAY FROM THESE PASSAGES TODAY?

 Our King and Abba Father Lord Jesus would have us His children to keep the charge of the LORD our God: we CAN NOT be strong or courageous without obedient fellowship with God.

In Conclusion

David rested with his fathers: This expression will become conjoint throughout 1 and 2 Kings to pronounce the passing of a king from this world. Truly, David passed from this life to eternal rest and reward.

So, ended the earthly life of one of the greatest men ever to walk the earth. So, he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor. (1 Chronicles 29:28)

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.