1 Kings 2
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2
The last words of a person when death is eminent, conveys thoughts he holds most dear to him in all his life. When he was about to die, King David left several instructions for his son and successor to his throne – Solomon. At first glance, it would seem that King David was filled with murderous thoughts and revenge. But when we read more on the background of those he wanted dead, we are able to comprehend why.
First on the dying King David’s mind however, was his son Solomon (1 Kings 2:2-4). When life draws to a close, and we are writing our last chapter, who will be on our minds? (Assuming God gives us the grace of life all the way to old age) How did these family members and friends find a place in our hearts? Have we done enough for them to provide for their needs, loving them and sharing our faith with them? If we wish the best for our future generations and hope that they will carry on our ‘legacy’, then the most important thing we can leave them is not money, not housing property (valuable and of course a popular choice in Singapore), not land, not status but God and His commandments.
A person on his dying bed is able to see most clearly what is important in life and what the not so important things are. An irony isn’t it? When he does not have the means to continue life, he begins to see what he should have perhaps spent more time and invested more efforts in. Our faith for one still needs more nurturing. Then there is the passing on of our faith to our younger generations. Our family members need more of our care and love. God sustains life, He also reigns over death so we have hope of eternal life in heaven. Is there a better security than this we find in Him? When all things have passed away, and we ourselves are gone, we are assured when we know that our loved ones still have God to protect them.
The other thought on King David’s mind when he was about to die was for his son to avenge him and his righteous aides who have died under malicious people (1 Kings 2:5-6, 8-9). We may venture to think if this is necessary since King David is already dying and these people would not harm him further. Why not let bygones be bygones?
The fact of the matter is that these are evil and cunning people who have no qualms in committing malicious acts. If we look at our colleagues and friends around us today, everyone has their little idiosyncrasies, perhaps a bad habit or two, but we are still accommodating and accepting of such people as friends. However if someone has malicious intent, plots to backstab, and sins, that is when as children of light we need to expose the darkness, and not stride along with them in darkness (Eph 4:29-31, 5:8-12). King David had the well-being of his son in mind when he warned him against Joab, Adonijah, Abiathar and Shimei. They had caused much trouble and stirred up evil against David when he was in reign, they might do the same to Solomon when he takes the throne.
Lastly, King David did not forget the kindness of Barzillai and his family when they took David in as he fled from Absalom. He instructed Solomon to allow them the honour of eating at the king’s table. Friendship between the two families would continue as they came often to visit. And these are friends worth keeping.
Solomon acted according to his father’s instructions and thus prepared the path towards establishing his reign as king.