Czech Study Bible Translation (CZ)

1Když se přiblížily dny, kdy měl David zemřít, vydal svému synu Šalomounovi příkaz: 2Já jdu cestou všeho pozemského. Posilni se a vzmuž se. 3Zachovávej řád Hospodina, svého Boha, choď po jeho cestách a zachovávej jeho ustanovení, příkazy, nařízení a svědectví, jak je napsáno v Mojžíšově zákoně, abys měl úspěch ve všem, co budeš dělat a kamkoliv se obrátíš, 4a aby Hospodin naplnil své slovo, které ke mně promluvil: Jestliže budou tvoji synové dbát na svou cestu a chodit přede mnou věrně, celým svým srdcem a celou svou duší, nebude ti vyhlazen muž z izraelského trůnu. 5Ty také víš, co mi udělal Jóab, syn Serújin, co udělal dvěma velitelům izraelské armády, Abnérovi, synu Nérovu, a Amasovi, synu Jeterovu: Zabil je a prolil válečnou krev v míru a vložil válečnou krev na pás na svých bedrech a na boty na svých nohách. 6Učiň podle své moudrosti a nenech sestoupit jeho šediny v pokoji do podsvětí. 7Prokaž milosrdenství synům Barzilaje Gileádského, ať jsou mezi těmi, kdo jedí u tvého stolu, protože tak mi byli nablízku, když jsem utíkal před tvým bratrem Abšalómem. 8Hle, je u tebe Šimeí, syn Gérův, Benjamínec z Bachurímu. Ten mě proklínal hroznou kletbou v den, kdy jsem šel do Machanajimu. Pak mi vyšel vstříc k Jordánu a přísahal jsem mu při Hospodinu: Neusmrtím tě mečem. 9Nyní však ho nenech bez trestu. Vždyť jsi moudrý muž a víš, co mu máš udělat: Nech sestoupit jeho šediny do podsvětí v krvi. 10David pak ulehl se svými otci a byl pohřben v Městě Davidově. 11Doba, po kterou David kraloval nad Izraelem, byla čtyřicet let. V Chebrónu kraloval sedm let a v Jeruzalémě kraloval třicet tři let. 12A Šalomoun usedl na trůn svého otce Davida a jeho království se velice upevnilo. 13Potom Adónijáš, syn Chagítin, přišel k Bat-šebě, matce Šalomounově. Zeptala se: Přicházíš v pokoji? Odpověděl: V pokoji. 14Nato pravil: Chtěl bych ti něco říct. Řekla: Mluv. 15Řekl: Ty víš, že mně připadlo kralování, na mě byla zaměřena přízeň celého Izraele, abych kraloval, ale pak se odvrátilo kralování a připadlo mému bratru, protože mu připadlo od Hospodina. 16O jednu věc tě nyní žádám. Neodmítni mě. Řekla mu: Mluv. 17Řekl: Promluv, prosím, s králem Šalomounem, neboť tebe neodmítne. Ať mi dá za ženu Abíšagu Šúnemitskou. 18Bat-šeba řekla: Dobře. Promluvím o tobě s králem. 19Potom šla Bat-šeba ke králi Šalomounovi, aby s ním mluvila o Adónijášovi. Král vstal a šel jí naproti, poklonil se jí a usedl na svůj trůn. Nechal nachystat trůn pro královu matku a ona usedla po jeho pravici. 20Řekla: O jednu malou věc tě žádám. Neodmítni mě. Král jí řekl: Žádej, má matko, neodmítnu tě. 21Řekla: Ať je dána Abíšag Šúnemitská za ženu tvému bratru Adónijášovi. 22Král Šalomoun své matce odpověděl: Proč žádáš Abíšagu Šúnemitskou pro Adónijáše? Žádej pro něj království! Vždyť on je můj bratr, starší nežli já. Pro něho a pro kněze Ebjátara a pro Jóaba, syna Serújina! 23Nato král Šalomoun přísahal při Hospodinu slovy: Tak ať mi učiní Bůh, a ještě přidá, jestliže Adónijáš nevyslovil tuto věc ke své smrti. 24A nyní jakože živ je Hospodin, který mě určil a nechal mě usednout na trůn mého otce Davida a postavil mi dům, jak promluvil, Adónijáš dnes bude usmrcen. 25Pak poslal král Šalomoun Benajáše, syna Jójadova; ten proti němu zasáhl, takže Adonijáš zemřel. 26Knězi Ebjátarovi král řekl: Jdi do Anatótu, na svá pole, neboť jsi hoden smrti, ale dnes tě nedám usmrtit, protože jsi nosil truhlu Panovníka Hospodina před mým otcem Davidem a byl jsi pokořován vším tím, čím byl pokořován můj otec. 27Šalomoun vyhnal Ebjátara, takže nebyl Hospodinovým knězem, aby se naplnilo Hospodinovo slovo, které promluvil o domu Élího v Šílu. 28Když se dostala ta zpráva k Jóabovi (Jóab se totiž postavil za Adónijáše, ačkoliv za Abšalóma se nepostavil), utekl Jóab do Hospodinova stanu a chytil se rohů oltáře. 29Králi Šalomounovi bylo oznámeno, že Jóab utekl do Hospodinova stanu a je u oltáře. Šalomoun poslal Benajáše, syna Jójadova, se slovy: Jdi a zasáhni proti němu. 30Benajáš vešel do Hospodinova stanu a řekl mu: Toto praví král: Odejdi. Odpověděl: Ne. Ať zemřu zde. Benajáš přinesl králi zprávu: Takto promluvil Jóab, toto mi odpověděl. 31Král mu odpověděl: Učiň, jak řekl. Zasáhni proti němu a pohřbi ho. Tak odstraníš ode mě a z domu mého otce bezdůvodně prolitou krev, kterou prolil Jóab. 32Hospodin vrátí na jeho hlavu krev, kterou prolil, když zasáhl proti dvěma mužům spravedlivějším a lepším, nežli je on, a zabil je mečem, aniž by o tom můj otec David věděl — totiž Abnéra, syna Nérova, velitele izraelské armády, a Amasu, syna Jeterova, velitele judské armády. 33Jejich krev ať se vrátí navěky na hlavu Jóabovu a na hlavu jeho potomstva. Ale Davidovi, jeho potomstvu, jeho domu a jeho trůnu ať je navěky pokoj od Hospodina. 34Benajáš, syn Jójadův, šel, zasáhl proti němu a usmrtil ho. Pak byl pohřben ve svém domě v pustině. 35Na jeho místo ustanovil král nad armádou Benajáše, syna Jójadova, a kněze Sádoka král ustanovil namísto Ebjátara. 36Král dal zavolat Šimeího a řekl mu: Postav si v Jeruzalémě dům, pobývej tam a nikam odtud nevycházej. 37I stane se, že v den, kdy vyjdeš a přejdeš přes potok Kidrón, to věz, že jistě zemřeš a tvá krev bude na tvé hlavě. 38Šimeí králi řekl: Dobře jsi promluvil. Jak můj pán a král řekl, tak tvůj otrok učiní. Šimeí pak pobýval v Jeruzalémě po mnoho dní. 39I stalo se po třech letech, že Šimeímu utekli dva otroci k Akíšovi, synu Maakovu, králi Gatu. Šimeímu oznámili: Hle, tvoji otroci jsou v Gatu. 40Šimeí vstal, osedlal svého osla a vydal se do Gatu k Akíšovi hledat své otroky. Pak Šimeí přišel a přivedl z Gatu své otroky. 41Šalomounovi bylo oznámeno, že Šimeí šel z Jeruzaléma do Gatu a vrátil se. 42Král dal zavolat Šimeího a řekl mu: Což jsem tě nezapřísahal při Hospodinu a nevaroval tě slovy: V den, kdy vyjdeš a půjdeš někam, to věz, že jistě zemřeš? Odpověděl jsi mi: Dobře jsi promluvil, uposlechnu. 43Proč jsi nedbal na přísahu Hospodinu a na příkaz, který jsem ti dal? 44Král dále Šimeímu řekl: Ty znáš a svědomí ti dosvědčuje všechno zlo, které jsi spáchal vůči mému otci Davidovi. Hospodin obrátil tvé zlo na tvou hlavu. 45Ale král Šalomoun bude požehnaný a trůn Davidův bude pevně stát před Hospodinem navěky. 46Král vydal příkaz Benajášovi, synu Jójadovu, ten šel a zasáhl proti němu, takže zemřel. Tak se království v Šalomounově ruce upevnilo.


Matthew Henry - Complete Commentary
 1   David, that great and good man, is here a dying man (1Kgs 2:1), and a dead man, 1Kgs 2:10. It is well there is another life after this, for death stains all the glory of this, and lays it in the dust. We have here,
I. The charge and instructions which David, when he was dying, gave to Solomon, his son and declared successor. He feels himself declining, and is not backward to own it, nor afraid to hear or speak of dying: I go the way of all the earth, 1Kgs 2:2. Heb. I am walking in it. Note, Death is a way; not only a period of this life, but a passage to a better. It is the way of all the earth, of all mankind who dwell on earth, and are themselves earth, and therefore must return to their earth. Even the sons and heirs of heaven must go the way of all the earth, they must needs die; but they walk with pleasure in this way, through the valley of the shadow of death, Pss 23:4. Prophets, and even kings, must go this way to brighter light and honour than prophecy or sovereignty. David is going this way, and therefore gives Solomon directions what to do.
1. He charges him, in general, to keep God's commandments and to make conscience of his duty, (1Kgs:2:2-4). He prescribes to him, (1.) A good rule to act by - the divine will: Govern thyself by that. David's charge to him is to keep the charge of the Lord his God. The authority of a dying father is much, but nothing to that of a living God. There are great trusts which we are charged with by the Lord our God - let us keep them carefully, as those that must give account; and excellent statutes, which we must be ruled by - let us also keep them. The written word is our rule. Solomon must himself do as was written in the law of Moses. (2.) A good spirit to act with: Be strong and show thyself a man, though in years but a child. Those that would keep the charge of the Lord their God must put on resolution. (3.) Good reasons for all this. This would effectually conduce, [1.] To the prosperity of his kingdom. It is the way to prosper in all thou doest, and to succeed with honour and satisfaction in every undertaking. [2.] To the perpetuity of it: That the Lord may continue and so confirm his word which he spoke concerning me. Those that rightly value the treasure of the promise, that sacred depositum, cannot but be solicitous to preserve the entail of it, and very desirous that those who come after them may do nothing to cut it off. Let each, in his own age, successively, keep God's charge, and then God will be sure to continue his word. We never let fall the promise till we let fall the precept. God had promised David that the Messiah should come from his loins, and that promise was absolute: but the promise that there should not fail him a man on the throne of Israel was conditional - if his seed behave themselves as they should. If Solomon, in his day, fulfil the condition, he does his part towards the perpetuating of the promise. The condition is that he walk before God in all his institutions, in sincerity, with zeal and resolution; and, in order hereunto, that he take heed to his way. In order to our constancy in religion, nothing is more necessary than caution and circumspection.
2. He gives him directions concerning some particular persons, what to do with them, that he might make up his deficiencies in justice to some and kindness to others. (1.) Concerning Joab, 1Kgs 2:5 David was now conscious to himself that he had not done well to spare him, when he had made himself once again obnoxious to the law, but the murder of Abner first and afterwards of Amasa, both of them great men, captains of the hosts of Israel. He slew them treacherously ( shed the blood of war in peace ), and injuriously to David: Thou knowest what he did to me therein. The murder of a subject is a wrong to the prince, it is a loss to him, and is against the peace of our sovereign lord the king. These murders were particularly against David, reflecting upon his reputation, he being, at that time, in treaty with the victims, and hazarded his interest, which they were very capable of serving. Magistrates are the avengers of the blood of those they have the charge of. It aggravated Joab's crime that he was neither ashamed of the sin nor afraid of the punishment, but daringly wore the girdle and shoes that were stained with innocent blood, in defiance of the justice both of God and the king. David refers him to Solomon's wisdom (1Kgs 2:6), with an intimation that he left him to his justice. Say not, He has a hoary head; it is a pity it should be cut off, for it will shortly fall of itself. No, let it not go down to the grave in peace. Though he has been long reprieved, he shall be reckoned with at last; time does not wear out the guilt of any sin, particularly that of murder. (2.) Concerning Barzillai's family, to whom he orders him to be kind for Barzillai's sake, who, we may suppose, by this time, was dead, 1Kgs 2:7. When David, upon his death-bed, was remembering the injuries that had been done, he could not forget the kindnesses that had been shown, but leaves it as a charge upon his son to return them. Note, the kindnesses we have received from our friends must not be buried either in their graves or ours, but our children must return them to theirs. Hence, perhaps, Solomon fetched that rule (Prov 27:10), Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. Paul prays for the house of Onesiphorus, who had often refreshed him. (3.) Concerning Shimei, 1Kgs 2:8, 1Kgs 2:9. [1.] His crime is remembered: He cursed me with a grievous curse; the more grievous because he insulted him when he was in misery and poured vinegar into his wounds. The Jews say that one thing which made this a grievous curse was that, besides all that is mentioned (2 Sa. 16), Shimei upbraided him with his descent from Ruth the Moabitess. [2.] His pardon is not forgotten. David owned he had sworn to him that he would not himself put him to death, because he seasonably submitted, and cried Peccavi - I have sinned, and he was not willing, especially at that juncture, to use the sword of public justice for the avenging of wrongs done to himself. But, [3.] His case, as it now stands, is left with Solomon, as one that knew what was fit to be done and would do as he found occasion. David intimates to him that his pardon was not designed to be perpetual, but only a reprieve for David's life: Hold him not guiltless; do not think him any true friend to thee or thy government, nor fit to be trusted. He has no less malice than he had then, though he has more sense to conceal it. He is still a debtor to the public justice for what he did then; and, though I promised him that I would not put him to death, I never promised that my successor should not. His turbulent spirit will soon give thee an occasion, which thou shouldst not fail to take, for the bringing of his hoary head to the grave with blood. This proceeded not from personal revenge, but a prudent zeal for the honour of the government and the covenant God had made with his family, the contempt of which ought not to go unpunished. Even a hoary head, if a guilty and forfeited head, ought not to be any man's protection from justice. The sinner, being a hundred years old, shall be accursed, Isa 65:20.
II. David's death and burial (1Kgs 2:10): He was buried in the city of David, not in the burying place of his father, as Saul was, but in his own city, which he was the founder of. There were set the thrones, and there the tombs, of the house of David. Now David, after he had served his own generation, by the will of God, fell asleep, and was laid to his fathers, and saw corruption, Acts 13:36, and see Acts 2:29. His epitaph may be taken from 2Sam 23:1. Here lies David the son of Jesse, the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, adding his own words (Pss 16:9), My flesh also shall rest in hope. Josephus says that, besides the usual magnificence with which his son Solomon buried him, he put into his sepulchre a vast deal of money; and that 1300 years after (so he reckons) it was opened by Hircanus the high priest, in the time of Antiochus, and 3000 talents were taken out for the public service. The years of his reign are here computed (1Kgs 2:11) to be forty years; the odd six months which he reigned above seven years in Hebron are not reckoned, but the even sum only.

 12   Here is, I. Solomon's accession to the throne, 1Kgs 2:12. He came to it much more easily and peaceably than David did, and much sooner saw his government established. It is happy for a kingdom when the end of one good reign is the beginning of another, as it was here.
II. His just and necessary removal of Adonijah his rival, in order to the establishment of his throne. Adonijah had made some bold pretensions to the crown, but was soon obliged to let them fail and throw himself upon Solomon's mercy, who dismissed him upon his good behaviour, and, had he been easy, he might have been safe. But here we have him betraying himself into the hands of Solomon's justice, and falling by it, the righteous God leaving him to himself, that he might be punished for his former treason and that Solomon's throne might be established. Many thus ruin themselves, because they know not when they are well off, or well done to; and sinners, by presuming on God's patience, treasure up wrath to themselves. Now observe,
1. Adonijah's treasonable project, which was to marry Abishag, David's concubine, not because he was in love with her, but because, by her, he hoped to renew his claim to the crown, which might stand him in stead, or because it was then looked upon as a branch of the government to have the wives of the predecessor, 2Sam 12:8. Absalom thought his pretensions much supported by lying with his father's concubines. Adonijah flatters himself that if he may succeed him in his bed, especially with the best of his wives, he may by that means step up to succeed him in his throne. Restless and turbulent spirits reach high. It was but a small game to play at, as it should seem, yet he hoped to make it an after-game for the kingdom, and now to gain that by a wife which he could not gain by force.
2. The means he used to compass this. he durst not make suit to Abishag immediately (he knew she was at Solomon's disposal, and he would justly resent it if his consent were not first obtained, as even Ishbosheth did, in a like case, 2Sam 3:7), nor durst he himself apply immediately to Solomon, knowing that he lay under his displeasure; but he engaged Bathsheba to be his friend in this matter, who would be forward to believe it a matter of love, and not apt to suspect it a matter of policy. Bathsheba was surprised to see Adonijah in her apartment, and asked him if he did not come with a design to do her a mischief, because she had been instrumental to crush his late attempt. No, says he, I come peaceably (1Kgs 2:13), and to beg a favour (1Kgs 2:14), that she would use the great interest she had in her son to gain his consent, that he might marry Abishag (1Kgs 2:16, 1Kgs 2:17), and, if he may but obtain this, he will thankfully accept it, (1.) As a compensation for his loss of the kingdom. He insinuates (1Kgs 2:15), Thou knowest the kingdom was mine, as my father's eldest son, living at the time of his death, and all Israel set their faces on me. This was false; they were but a few that he had on his side; yet thus he would represent himself as an object of compassion, that had been deprived of a crown, and therefore might well be gratified in a wife. If he may not inherit his father's throne, yet let him have something valuable that was his father's, to keep for his sake, and let it be Abishag. (2.) As his reward for his acquiescence in that loss. He owns Solomon's right to the kingdom: It was his from the Lord. I was foolish in offering to contest it; and now that it is turned about to him I am satisfied. Thus he pretends to be well pleased with Solomon's accession to the throne, when he is doing all he can to give him disturbance. His words were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart.
3. Bathsheba's address to Solomon on his behalf. She promised to speak to the king for him (1Kgs 2:18) and did so, 1Kgs 2:19. Solomon received her with all the respect that was due to a mother, though he himself was a king: He rose up to meet her, bowed himself to her, and caused her to sit on his right hand, according to the law of the fifth commandment. Children, not only when grown up, but when grown great, must give honour to their parents, and behave dutifully and respectfully towards them. Despise not thy mother when she is old. As a further instance of the deference he paid to his mother's wisdom and authority, when he understood she had a petition to present to him, he promised not to say her nay, a promise which both he and she understood with this necessary limitation, provided it be just and reasonable and fit to be granted; but, if it were otherwise, he was sure he should convince her that it was so, and that then she would withdraw it. She tells him her errand at last (1Kgs 2:21): Let Abishag be given to Adonijah thy brother. It was strange that she did not suspect the treason, but more strange that she did not abhor the incest, that was in the proposal. But either she did not take Abishag to be David's wife, because the marriage was not consummated, or she thought it might be dispensed with to gratify Adonijah, in consideration of his tame submission to Solomon. This was her weakness and folly: it was well that she was not regent. Note, Those that have the ear of princes and great men, as it is their wisdom not to be too prodigal of their interest, so it is their duty never to use it for the assistance of sin or the furtherance of any wicked design. Let not princes be asked that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request or appear in a bad cause.
4. Solomon's just and judicious rejection of the request. Though his mother herself was the advocate, and called it a small petition, and perhaps it was the first she had troubled him with since he was king, yet he denied it, without violation of the general promise he had made, 1Kgs 2:20. If Herod had not had a mind to cut off John Baptist's head, he would not have thought himself obliged to do it by a general promise, like this, made to Herodias. The best friend we have in the world must not have such an interest in us as to bring us to do a wrong thing, either unjust or unwise. (1.) Solomon convinces his mother of the unreasonableness of the request, and shows her the tendency of it, which, before, she was not aware of. His reply is somewhat sharp: Ask for him the kingdom also, 1Kgs 2:22. To ask that he may succeed the king in his bed is, in effect, to ask that he may succeed him in his throne; for that is it he aims at. Probably he had information, or cause for a strong suspicion, that Adonijah was plotting with Joab and Abiathar to give him disturbance, which warranted him to put this construction upon Adonijah's request. (2.) He convicts and condemns Adonijah for his pretensions, and both with an oath. He convicts him out of his own mouth, 1Kgs 2:23. His own tongue shall fall upon him; and a heavier load a man needs not fall under. Bathsheba may be imposed upon, but Solomon cannot; he plainly sees what Adonijah aims at, and concludes, He has spoken this word against his own life; he is snared in the words of his own lips; now he shows what he would be at. He condemns him to die immediately: He shall be put to death this day, 1Kgs 2:24. God had himself declared with an oath that he would establish David's throne (Pss 89:35), and therefore Solomon pledges the same assurance to secure that establishment, by cutting off the enemies of it. As God liveth, that establisheth the government, Adonijah shall die, that would unsettle it. Thus the ruin of the enemies of Christ's kingdom is as sure as the stability of his kingdom, and both are as sure as the being and life of God, the founder of it. The warrant is immediately signed for his execution, and no less a man than Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, general of the army, is ordered to be the executioner, 1Kgs 2:25. It is strange that Adonijah may not be heard to speak for himself: but Solomon's wisdom did not see it needful to examine the matter any further; it was plain enough that Adonijah aimed at the crown, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious turbulent spirits commonly prepare for themselves the instruments of death. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown.

 26   Abiathar and Joab were both aiding and abetting in Adonijah's rebellious attempt, and it is probable were at the bottom of this new motion made of Adonijah for Abishag, and it should seem Solomon knew it, 1Kgs 2:22. This was, in both, an intolerable affront both to God and to the government, and the worse because of their high station and the great influence their examples might have upon many. They therefore come next to be reckoned with. They are both equally guilty of the treason, but, in the judgment passed upon them, a difference is made and with good reason.
I. Abiathar, in consideration of his old services, is only degraded, 1Kgs 2:26, 1Kgs 2:27. 1. Solomon convicts him, and by his great wisdom finds him guilty: Thou art worthy of death, for joining with Adonijah, when thou knewest on whose head God intended to set the crown. 2. He calls to mind the respect he had formerly shown to David his father, and that he had both ministered to him in holy things ( had borne before him the ark of the Lord ), and also had tenderly sympathized with him in his afflictions and been afflicted in them all, particularly when he was in exile and distress both by Saul's persecution and Absalom's rebellion. Note, Those that show kindness to God's people shall have it remembered to their advantage one time or other. 3. For this reason he spares Abiathar's life, but deposes him from his offices, and confines him to his country seat at Anathoth, forbids him the court, the city, the tabernacle, the altar, and all inter-meddling in public business, with an intimation likewise that he was upon his good behaviour, and that though Solomon did not put him to death at this time he might another time, if he did not conduct himself well. But, for the present, he was only thrust out from being priest, as rendered unworthy that high station by the opposition he had given to that which he knew to be the will of God. Saul, for a supposed crime, had barbarously slain Abiathar's father, and eighty-five priests, their families, and city. Solomon spares Abiathar himself, though guilty of a real crime. Thus was Saul's government ruined and Solomon's established. As men are to God's ministers, they will find him to them. 4. The depriving of Abiathar was the fulfilling of the threatening against the house of Eli (1Sam 2:30), for he was the last high priest of that family. It was now above eighty years since the ruin was threatened; but God's judgments, though not executed speedily, will be executed surely.
II. Joab, in consideration of his old sins, is put to death.
1. His guilty conscience sent him to the horns of the altar. He heard that Adonijah was executed and Abiathar deposed, and therefore, fearing his turn would be next, he fled for refuge to the altar. Many that, in the day of their security, care not for the service of the altar, will be glad of the protection of it in the day of their distress. Some think Joab designed thereby to devote himself for the future to a constant attendance upon the altar, hoping thereby to obtain his pardon, as some that have lived a dissolute life all their days have thought to atone for their crimes by retiring into a monastery when they are old, leaving the world when it has left them and no thanks to them.
2. Solomon ordered him to be put to death there for the murder of Abner and Amasa; for these were the crimes upon which he thought fit to ground the sentence, rather than upon his treasonable adherence to Adonijah. Joab was indeed worthy of death for turning after Adonijah, in contempt of Solomon and his designation to the throne, though he had not turned after Absalom, 1Kgs 2:28. Former fidelity will not serve to excuse any after treachery; yet, besides that, Joab had merited well of the house of David, to which and to his country he had done a great deal of good service in his day, in consideration of which, it is probable, Solomon would have pardoned him his offence against him (for clemency gives great reputation and establishment to an infant government), and would have only displaced him as he did Abiathar; but he must die for the murders he had formerly been guilty of, which his father had charged Solomon to call him to an account for. The debt he owed to the innocent blood that was shed, by answering its cries with the blood of him that shed, he could not pay himself, but left it to his son to pay it, who, having power wherewithal, failed not to do it. On this he grounds the sentence, aggravating the crime (1Kgs 2:32), that he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, that had done him no wrong nor meant him any, and, had they lived, might probably have done David better service (if the blood shed be not only innocent, but excellent, the life more valuable that common lives, the crime is the more heinous), that David knew not of it, and yet the case was such that he would be suspected as privy to it; so that Joab endangered his prince's reputation in taking away the life of his rivals, which was a further aggravation. For these crimes, (1.) He must die, and die by the sword of public justice. By man must his blood be shed, and it lies upon his own head (1Kgs 2:32), as theirs does whom he had murdered, 1Kgs 2:33. Woe to the head that lies under the guilt of blood! Vengeance for murder was long in coming upon Joab; but, when it did come, it remained the longer, being here entailed upon the head of his seed for ever (1Kgs 2:33), who, instead of deriving honour, as otherwise they might have done, from his heroic actions, derived guilt, and shame, and a curse, from his villainous actions, on account of which they fared the worse in this world. The seed of such evil doers shall never be renowned. (2.) He must die at the altar, rather than escape. Joab resolved not to stir from the altar (1Kgs 2:30), hoping thereby either to secure himself or else to render Solomon odious to the people, as a profaner of the holy place, if he should put him to death there. Benaiah made a scruple of either killing him there or dragging him thence; but Solomon knew the law, that the altar of God should give no protection to wilful murderers. Exod 21:14, Thou shalt take him from my altar that he may die, may die a sacrifice. In case of such sins as the blood of beasts would atone for the altar was a refuge, but not in Joab's case. He therefore orders him to be executed there, if he could not be got thence, to show that he feared not the censure of the people in doing his duty, but would rectify their mistake, and let them know that the administration of justice is better than sacrifice, and that the holiness of any place should never countenance the wickedness of any person. Those who, by a lively faith, take hold on Christ and his righteousness, with a resolution, if they perish, to perish there, shall find in him a more powerful protection than Joab found at the horns of the altar. Benaiah slew him (1Kgs 2:34), with the solemnity, no doubt, of a public execution. The law being thus satisfied, he was buried in his own house in the wilderness, privately, like a criminal, not pompously, like a soldier; yet no indignity was done to his dead body. It is not for man to lay the iniquity upon the bones, whatever God does.
3. Solomon pleased himself with this act of justice, not as it gratified any personal revenge, but as it was the fulfilling of his father's orders and a real kindness to himself and his own government. (1.) Guilt was hereby removed, 1Kgs 2:31. By returning the innocent blood that had been shed upon the head of him that shed it, it was taken away from him and from the house of his father, which implies that the blood which is not required from the murderer will be required from the magistrate, at least there is danger lest it should. Those that would have their houses safe and built up must put away iniquity far from them. (2.) Peace was hereby secured (1Kgs 2:33) upon David. He does not mean his person, but, as he explains himself in the next words, Upon his seed, his house, and his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the Lord; thus he expresses his desire that it may be so and his hope that it shall be so. Now that justice is done, and the cry of blood is satisfied, the government will prosper. Thus righteousness and peace kiss each other. Now that such a turbulent man as Joab is removed there shall be peace. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness, Prov 25:5. Solomon, in this blessing of peace upon his house and throne, piously looks upward to God as the author of it. It shall be peace from the Lord, and peace for ever from the Lord. The Lord of peace himself give us that peace which is everlasting.

 35   Here is, I. The preferment of Benaiah and Zadok, two faithful friends to Solomon and his government, 1Kgs 2:35. Joab being put to death, Benaiah was advanced to be general of the forces in his room, and, Abiathar being deposed, Zadok was made high priest in his room, and therein was fulfilled the word of God, when he threatened to cut off the house of Eli (1Sam 2:35), I will raise me up a faithful priest, and will build him a sure house. Though sacred offices may be disgraced, they shall not be destroyed, by the mal-administration of those that are entrusted with them, nor shall God's work ever stand still for want of hands to carry it on. No wonder that he who was a king so immediately of God's making was empowered to make whom he though fit high priest; and he exercised this power with equity, for the ancient right was in Zadok, he being of the family of Eleazar, whereas Eli and his house were of Ithamar.
II. The course that was taken with Shimei. He is sent for, by a messenger, from his house at Bahurim, expecting perhaps no better than Adonijah's doom, being conscious of his enmity to the house of David; but Solomon knows how to make a difference of crimes and criminals. David had promised Shimei his life for his time. Solomon is not bound by that promise, yet he will not go directly contrary to it. 1. He confines him to Jerusalem, and forbids him, upon any pretence whatsoever, to go out of the city any further than the brook Kidron, 1Kgs 2:36, 1Kgs 2:37. He would suffer him to continue at his country seat lest he should make mischief among his neighbours, but took him to Jerusalem, where he kept him prisoner at large. This might make Shimei's confinement easy to himself, for Jerusalem was beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, the royal city, the holy city (he had no reason to complain of being shut up in such a paradise); it would also make it the more safe for Solomon, for there he would have him under his eye and be able to watch his motions; and he plainly tells him that if he ever go out of the rules he shall certainly die for it. This was a fair trial of his obedience, and such a test of his loyalty as he had no reason to complain of. He has his life upon easy terms: he shall live if he will but be content to live at Jerusalem. 2. Shimei submits to the confinement, and thankfully takes his life upon those terms. He enters into recognizance (1Kgs 2:38), under the penalty of death, not to stir out of Jerusalem, and owns that the saying is good. Even those that perish cannot but own the conditions of pardon and life unexceptionable, so that their blood, like Shimei's, must rest upon their own heads. Shimei promised, with an oath, to keep within his bounds, 1Kgs 2:42. 3. Shimei forfeits his recognizance, which was the thing Solomon expected; and God was righteous in suffering him to do it, that he might now suffer for his old sins. Two of his servants (it seems, though he was a prisoner, he lived like himself, well attended) ran from him to the land of the Philistines, 1Kgs 2:39. Thither he pursued them, and thence brought them back to Jerusalem, 1Kgs 2:40. For the keeping of it private he saddled his ass himself, probably went in the night, and came home he thought undiscovered. Seeking his servants, says bishop Hall, he lost himself; those earthly things either are, or should be, our servants. How commonly do we see men run out of the bounds set by God's law, to hunt after them, till their souls incur a fearful judgment! 4. Solomon takes the forfeiture. Information is given him that Shimei has transgressed, 1Kgs 2:41. The king sends for him, and, (1.) charges him with the present crime (1Kgs 2:42, 1Kgs 2:43), that he had put a great contempt upon the authority and wrath both of God and the king, that he had broken the oath of the Lord and disobeyed the commandment of his prince, and by this it appeared what manner of spirit he was of, that he would not be held by the bonds of gratitude or conscience. Had he represented to Solomon the urgency of the occasion, and begged leave to go, perhaps Solomon might have given him leave; but to presume either upon his ignorance or his connivance was to affront him in the highest degree. (2.) He condemns him for his former crime, cursing David, and throwing stones at him in the day of his affliction: The wickedness which thy heart is privy to, 1Kgs 2:44. There was no need to examine witnesses for the proof of the fact, his own conscience was instead of a thousand witnesses. That wickedness which men's own hearts alone are privy to is enough, if duly considered, to fill them with confusion, in expectation of its return upon their own heads; for if the heart be privy to it, God is greater than the heart and knoweth all things. Others knew of Shimei's cursing David, but Shimei himself knew of the wicked principles of hatred and malice against David which he displayed in cursing him and that his submission was but feigned and forced. (3.) He blessed himself and his government (1Kgs 2:45.): King Solomon shall be blessed, notwithstanding Shimei's impotent curses, which perhaps, in fury and despair, he now vented freely: Let them curse, but bless thou. And the throne of David shall be established, by taking away those that would undermine it. It is a comfort, in reference to the enmity of the church's enemies, that, how much soever they rage, it is a vain thing they imagine. Christ's throne is established, and they cannot shake it. (4.) He gives orders for the execution of Shimei immediately, 1Kgs 2:46. All judgment is committed to the Lord Jesus, and, though he be King of peace, he will be found a King of righteousness; and this will shortly be his word of command concerning all his enemies, that would not have him to reign over them: Bring them forth, and slay them before me; the reproaches of those that blasphemed him will fall on themselves, to their eternal condemnation.