1 Kings 2:13-46

TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

King Solomon Righteously Purges All Opposition to the Throne

BACKGROUND NOTES

You cannot know peace in your heart if there is opposition to Christ in your life.

When Solomon became king, he had two men executed. Who were they and why were they executed?
King Solomon did the right thing in bringing evil doers to justice. Is there a parallel here for today?
Why did Adonijah ask for permission to marry Abishag?
By whom and how was this request thwarted?
King Solomon replaced two traitors. Name them and their replacements.
Why did King Solomon show mercy to Shimei, a man who had cursed David? Why did King Solomon later execute Shimei?

The two men were Joab and Shimei. Each was guilty of a crime that was punishable by death.
Yes. Civil authorities today must deal with wickedness and evil in righteous judgment. Guilty people must be brought to justice. Romans 13:4. Consider the terrorists and those who are wicked and guilty of crimes committed against others.
Adonijah was making another move to take over the throne. Abishag had been David’s concubine and a king’s harem was considered the property of the king in that culture, and was passed on to the next king. By obtaining Abishag as a wife, Adonijah would then have two claims to the throne: 1) he was the older brother of Solomon and 2) he would be married to one of the women of King David’s harem.
King Solomon saw through Adonijah’s ruse and brought this traitor to justice.
Abiathar the priest was replaced by Zadok, and Joab the military commander was replaced by Benaiah.
He showed mercy because his father David had shown mercy to him. Solomon gave Shimei an opportunity to prove his loyalty and live. However, Shimei disobeyed the restrictions of the royal edict, so he forfeited his life.

Upon viewing Solomon’s vast and wealthy kingdom, Queen Sheba of Egypt exclaimed, “…indeed, the half was not told me.” (1 Kings 10:7). King Solomon is a type of Christ, especially of Christ in His glorious kingdom. When believers view Christ’s kingdom in a coming day, so will they say, “The half hath not been told.” Just as Solomon’s glorious kingdom began and was established in righteous judgment, so the earthly kingdom of our Lord will be established in righteous judgment when He returns. Again, believers will say, “The half hath not been told.”
Solomon’s reign was characterized by peace. When Christ returns and sets up His kingdom on this earth, there will be a time of great peace. As the kingdom of Solomon was established in peace, so the kingdom of Christ will be established in peace, a peace unparalleled. Doesn’t this comfort your heart to know God’s plan for the future?

“Adonijah came to Bathsheba with a petition to speak to King Solomon, ‘that he may give me Abishag as wife.” 1 Kings 2:13-21
“King Solomon answered Bathsheba, ‘Now why do you ask Abishag for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also…Adonijah has spoken this word against his own life! He shall be put to death this day.” 1 Kings 2:22-24
“Joab fled to the tabernacle of the Lord…then Solomon had him stricken down…and he put Benaiah in his place over the army.” 1 Kings 2:28, 34-35
“…Shimei…betrayed his word…and the king had him struck down.” 1 Kings 2:36-46
“Thus the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.” 1 Kings 2:46