Workers For Jesus Online Bible Study Table of Contents

About this Bible Study........The King James Version of the Bible is written in a beautiful form of the English language. It can be hard for modern English readers to understand.  In this study, you will find notes and summaries in brown just above the the verses from the Bible. We recommend that you read the notes and summaries first, and then read the verses in their KJV form. 


The Books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings

The books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings were originally one book. They were probably separated into 2 books so they would be easier to copy by hand.

1 Kings and 2 Kings were written 561 - 538 years before Jesus Christ was born. They cover David's death, the rule of David's son, Solomon, the kings after Solomon, and the other groups of people who came and carried the Israelites away to other countries.

The books were written for 2 reasons:
1. To review the history for the exiles (the Israelites who lived in other countries).
2. To show the exiles why they were carried away.
 


Bible Timeline
 
Here is a good timeline to see the book of 1 Kings in the history of the Bible
http://www.sundayschoolresources.com/timeline.htm


 


1 Kings 1 - 3

David becomes very old and sick.
Solomon becomes the new king of Israel.
David dies.
Solomon punishes people who did wrong things to David.
Solomon asks God to make him very smart.
Solomon must judge between two women about a baby.

 


 


List of David's children

Mother's name Child's name
   
Maacah Tamar (female, could not be king)
  Absalom (died in the war with David)
Abigail Chileab (possibly died when he was young)
   
Haggith Adonijah (a son)
   
Ahinoam Amnon (killed by Absalom)
   
Abital Shephatiah (a son)
   
Eglah Ithream (a son)
   
Bath-sheba Solomon (a son)
   
These were David's other children, but the Bible doesn't give their mothers' names.
  Daniel
  Shimea
  Shobab
  Nathan
  Ibhar
  Ellishama
  Eliphelet
  Nogah
  Nepheg
  Japhia
  Elishama
  Eliada

1 Kings 1


Abishag comes to take care of David.


David was now old and sick. His helpers put many blankets on him, but he could not get warm.
[1] Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.
 

David's helpers looked for a young woman to help David.  They looked for a virgin who could lie next to David and keep him warm.
[2] Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.


They looked in all of Israel and found a pretty woman named Abishag. She was from the city of Shunem. They brought her to David, and she took care of him. David and Abishag did not have sexual relations.
[3] So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
[4] And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

 



David's son, Adonijah, wants to be king.


David's son Adonijah (his mother was Haggith) wanted to be the next king. He got chariots, soldiers on horses, and 50 walking soldiers to help him.
[5] Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.


David had never been unhappy with Adonijah. David had never had to correct him. Adonijah was very handsome. He was born after Absalom.
[6] And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.



Adonijah talked to his cousin, Joab (his mother was David's sister, Zeruiah). He also talked to the priest named Abiathar. Joab and Abiathar supported and helped Adonijah.
[7] And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.


But some of David's other helpers did not support Adonijah. They were:

The priest named Zadok
Benaiah--his father was the priest, Jehoida. He was one of David's army leaders.
The prophet named Nathan
Shimei and Rei

David's Mighty Men
[8] But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.


Adonijah had a feast or party near the big rock called Zoheleth (this is near the place named En-rogel). He killed sheep, oxen, and cattle. He invited most of his brothers, men from the tribe of Judah, and David's workers.  But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, the army leader Benaiah, David's Mighty Men, or his brother Solomon. 
[9] And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:
[10] But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.


Nathan the prophet talked to Solomon's mother, Bath-sheba.  He told her that Adonijah was trying to be king. He said that David didn't know about it. If Adonijah became king, he might kill Bath-sheba and Solomon. Nathan wanted to give advice to Bath-sheba. 
[11] Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?
[12] Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.


Nathan said that Bath-sheba should go talk to David. She should remind him that he said Solomon would be king. Then she should tell him that Adonijah is getting ready to be king.
[13] Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?


While Bath-sheba is talking to David, Nathan will come into the room. He will tell David that everything she says is true.
[14] Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and confirm thy words.


Bath-sheba went into David's room. David was very old, and Abishag was there taking care of him.
[15] And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite ministered unto the king.


Bath-sheba bowed down in front of David. David asked her what she wanted.

[16] And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?


She reminded him that he said Solomon would be king after he dies. He had sworn in the Lord God's name.
[17] And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.


Bath-sheba told him that Adonijah is now acting like the king. David didn't know that. Bath-sheba said that Adonijah killed oxen, fat cattle, and many sheep. He is having a feast and invited his all of his brothers except for Solomon.  He also invited Abithar , the priest, and Joab, the leader of the army.
[18] And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not:
[19] And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.


She said that now the Israelites are looking to David. They want David to tell them who will be king after he dies. If he doesn't say this, Adonijah will be king. Then Bath-sheba and her son Solomon will be his enemies.

[20] And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldest tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.
[21] Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.


Bath-sheba was talking, then Nathan the prophet came in.
[22] And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in.


David's helpers told him that Nathan was there. Nathan came in, bowed down in front of David, and put his face on the ground.
[23] And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.


Nathan asked David about Adonijah. He asked David if he said Adonijah will be king after he dies. He told David that Adonijah is now acting like the king. He killed many oxen, cattle, and sheep for a feast. He invited most of David's sons, the leaders of his army, and Abiathar the priest. They are eating and drinking. They are saying, "God save King Adonijah."
[24] And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne?
[25] For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.


But Adonijah did not invite Nathan, Zadok the priest, Jehoida's son Benaiah, or Solomon.
[26] But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he not called.


Nathan asked David if this is what he wanted. He asked if David wanted Adonijah to be king, but didn't tell him.
[27] Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?


David wanted Bath-sheba to come back into the room. She came back and stood in front of David.
[28] Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king.



King David swore that he was going to say something true, the same as it is true that God lives. God saved him when he was in trouble. The Lord is God over Israel. David said that Solomon will be the king of Israel after he dies.  
[29] And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,
[30] Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.


Bath-sheba bowed down and put her face on the ground. She gave reverence (respect) to David. She said she wanted David to live forever.
[31] Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.


David told his workers to call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Jehoiada's son, Benaiah.  They all came to see David.
[32] And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.


David told them to get some of his workers. They should all take Solomon to the place named Gihon. Solomon should ride on David's mule.
[33] The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:
 

Zadok and Nathan should anoint Solomon (put special oil on him). This will show that he is the new king of Israel.  They should blow the trumpets and say, "God save King Solomon."
[34] And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.


Then everyone should follow Solomon. He should sit on the throne. He will be king in David's place. David has picked him to be the king of Israel and Judah.
[35] Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.


Benaiah answered David. He said amen and prayed that God will say the same. He prayed that God will be with Solomon the same way He has been with David. He prayed that God will make Solomon a greater king than David.
[36] And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.
[37] As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.


Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down to Gihon. Solomon rode David's mule.
[38] So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.


Zadok took some oil from the tabernacle. He put the oil on Solomon to anoint him. They blew the trumpet. Everyone said, "God save King Solomon."
[39] And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.


Solomon rode ahead and everyone followed him. They were very happy and played music on pipes. The earth was shaking from all of the noise.
[40] And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.


Adonijah and the people at his party were almost finished eating. They heard the noise from Solomon and the other people. Joab heard the trumpet.  He asked why there was so much noise in the city.
[41] And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?


While Joab was talking, Abiathar's son, Jonathan, arrived. Adonijah said he was a brave man and must be bringing good news.
[42] And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.


Jonathan told Adonijah that David made Solomon the king.
[43] And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.


Jonathan said that David sent Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites with Solomon. They had Solomon ride on David's mule.
[44] And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:


Jonathan said that Zadok and Nathan anointed Solomon. They made him king. Now they are coming back to the city from Gihon. They are rejoicing (very happy). The city is full of music and happiness. That is the noise they heard.
[45] And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.


Solomon is now king, and he is sitting on the throne of Israel.
[46] And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom.


David's helpers went to bless David. They prayed for God to make Solomon's name better than David's name. They prayed for his throne to be greater than David's throne. David bowed down on his bed.
[47] And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.


David said that he praised God because God gave Israel a new king. David was still alive to see his son become king.
[48] And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.

 

This is the altar in front of the tabernacle. The 4 horns were on the top of each corner. Adonijah escaped to the altar and took hold of the horns on the corners. He wanted Solomon to promise that he wouldn't kill him.


All of the people who were at Adonijah's party were afraid. They got up and left. Adonijah was afraid, too. He got up and left and went to the altar. He took hold of the horns on the altar.
[49] And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way.
[50] And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.


People told Solomon that Adonijah was afraid of him. They said he was holding the horns of the altar. Adonijah wanted Solomon to promise that he would not kill him with a sword.
[51] And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to day that he will not slay his servant with the sword.
 

Solomon said he will not kill Adonijah if he proves he is a good man.  But if he behaves badly, he will die.
[52] And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.
 

Solomon sent someone to the altar to get Adonijah. Adonijah came and bowed in front of him. Solomon told him to go to his own home.
[53] So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.
 



1 Kings 2

The death of David.


David was getting close to death. He talked to Solomon. He gave him advice.
[1] Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,


 

From   breadsite.org

David said he was dying like everyone on earth dies. He told Solomon to be strong and a good man.
[2] I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;


He told Solomon to obey the laws that God gave to Moses. If he obeys God, he will be successful in everything he does and everywhere he goes.
[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:
 

If Solomon and his children obey God with all of their hearts and souls, there will always be one of their descendants on the throne as king. God made that promise to David.
[4] That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.


David talked about Joab. Joab was his sister Zeruiah's son. He talked about some of the bad things that Joab did. Joab killed David's son Absalom and 2 of David's leaders. He killed Abner (his father's name was Ner) and Amasa (his father's name was Jether). He killed them, but it wasn't in a war. Their blood was on his clothes and in his shoes.
[5] Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.


Solomon should decide how to punish Joab, but Joab should not die in peace.
[6] Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.


Solomon should be good to the man named Barzillai from the area of Gilead. Barzillai and his family should eat with Solomon because he helped David. He helped David when David was running away from Absalom.
[7] 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.


David also talked to Solomon about Shimei (his father's name was Gera). He was from the tribe of Benjamin in the area of Bahurim.  When David was in the town of Mahanaim running away from Absalom, Shimei was yelling bad words at David.  But later when he was going back to Jerusalem, Shimei came to meet David by the Jordan River. David promised that he would not kill him.  But Solomon should not think of him as an innocent man. David said that Solomon should kill Shimei. Shimei should not die by natural causes.

[8] And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
[9] Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.
 

No one knows the exact place where David was buried. For more information about this, please visit this web site:  http://www.bible-history.com/sketches/ancient/tomb-david.html

 

Another interesting web site about David's palace is:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bible/mazar.html

 

David died. He was buried in Jerusalem.
[10] So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

David was king for 40 years. He was king for 7 years in the city of Hebron, and he was king for 33 yeas in the city of Jerusalem.
[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 was Israel's king and he sat on David's throne (king's chair). His kingdom was great.
[12] Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

 



Adonijah asks to marry Abishag.



Solomon's brother,  Adonijah came to talk to Solomon's mother, Bath-sheba. She asked Adonijah if he was coming in peace.  He said yes. He wanted to talk to her. She told him to go ahead.

[13] And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.
[14] He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on.


Adonijah said that Bath-sheba knew he was king for a short time. Many of the Israelites supported him to be king.  But it was God's will for Solomon to be the king, and now he is the king.
[15] And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD.


Now he wants to ask Bath-sheba a question. She told him to ask.
[16] And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.
 

Abishag  was the woman from the area named Shunem. She took care of David before he died.

Adonijah wanted to marry Abishag.  He wanted Bath-sheba to ask Solomn if he can marry her.
[17] And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.



Bath-sheba said she would talk to Solomon for him.
[18] And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.


Bath-sheba went to talk to Solomon.  Solomon bowed down to Bath-sheba. Then he sat on the throne. He had a chair on his right side for Bath-sheba.
[19] Bath-sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.


Bath-sheba said she wanted to ask Solomon something. She asked him not to say no. Solomon told her to go ahead. He said he would not say no.
[20] Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.
 

Bath-sheba asked Solomon if Adonijah could marry Abishag.
[21] And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife.


King Solomon asked his mother why she was asking this for Adonijah. He said she might as well have asked for Adonijah to be king.  He is older than Solomon. Abiathar the priest, and Joab both supported Adonijah.
[22] And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.


Solomon swore in God's name that Adonijah was wrong to ask for Abishag. He said that God promised David that he would be the king. Now he is the king. He says that now Adonijah will be killed.
[23] Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.
[24] Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.


Solomon sent Benaiah to Adonijah. Benaiah killed him.
[25] And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.

 



Abiathar is sent away and will not be a priest anymore.
 

Solomon told Abiathar to leave and go to the place named Anathoth (city where many priests lived). Solomon said Abiathar should be killed, but he won't kill him now.  He won't kill him because Abiathar was with David when David was running away from Absalom. Abiathar once carried the Ark in front of David. 
[26] And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.

Abithar left, and he was not a priest anymore.  This proved God's word from back in the book of 1 Samuel. That is when God punished Eli and his sons for their sins (God said that none of Eli's descendants would live long lives).  
[27] So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.
 



Joab is punished for his sins.


Joab also had supported Adonijah. But in the past, he did not support Absalom. Joab ran away to the tabernacle. He took hold of the horns on the altar.
[28] Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.


Someone told Solomon that Joab was in the Lord's tabernacle. He was by the altar. Solomon told Benaiah to go and kill him.
[29] And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.


Benaiah went to the Lord's tabernacle. He told Joab that Solomon said he should leave. Joab said no. He will die in the tabernacle.
[30] And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the LORD, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I will die here.


Benaiah went back and told Solomon what Joab said.
And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.


Solomon said that Benaiah should do what Joab said. He should kill him in the tabernacle. Then he should bury him. That is punishment for Joab killing Abner and Amasa who were innocent. If Benaiah kills Joab, then David's family will no longer be guilty for not punishing Joab.

[31] And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.


Joab killed 2 men who were good men. They were better than he was. He killed them both with his sword.  David didn't know he was planning to do that. Joab killed Abner (his father's name was Ner). Abner was the leader of Israel's army. He also killed Amasa (his father's name was Jether). Amasa was the leader of Judah's army. Now Joab will be killed.
[32] And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

Joab will be punished for killing Abner and Amasa. His children, grandchildren, and descendants will be punished forever. But David, his descendants, and his kingdom will have God's peace.
[33] Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the LORD.

Benaiah went to the tabernacle and killed Joab. Joab was buried near his home in the wilderness (desert).
[34] So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.

Solomon made Benaiah the leader of the army. This was Joab's old job. He made Zadok the priest after he sent Abiathar away.
[35] And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
 


 

Shimei was from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul was also from the tribe of Benjamin. Shimei was angry at David because David replaced Saul as the king of Israel. David was not from the tribe of Benjamin. He was from the tribe of Judah.

Back in 2 Samuel 16, David and Absalom were having a war. David was escaping Jerusalem. Shimei stood by the road and threw rocks at David. He also yelled bad things at him.

Later, when David was going back to Jerusalem, Shimei met David. He welcomed him back. He asked David not to kill him. David promised that no one would kill him.

David kept his promise during his life. But before he died, he told Solomon that he should punish Shimei after he died.  

Solomon punishes Shimei.


Solomon asked Shimei to come and see him. He told Shimei to build a house in Jerusalem. He should stay there and not leave.  If he leaves and crosses over the Kidron brook (creek), he will die. It will be his own fault.
[36] And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
[37] For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.


Shimei said he will obey Solomon. He stayed in Jerusalem for a long time.
[38] And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.


After 3 years, 2 of Shimei's workers ran away from him. They went to the area named Gath. The king of Gath was Achish (his father's name was Maachah). Someone told Shimei that his workers were in Gath.
[39] And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.


Shimei got up and put a saddle on his donkey. He went to Gath to look for his workers. Shimei found his workers and took them home.
[40] And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.


Someone told Solomon that Shimei had gone to Gath and was back home again.  Solomon asked Shimei to come see him. Solomon reminded him that he promised to stay in Jerusalem. He promised that if he left Jerusalem, he will die.  Shimei said yes he had promised that.
[41] And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.
[42] And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any wither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.


Solomon asked him why he did not keep his promise. 
[43] Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?


Solomon reminded Shimei of the bad things he did to David. Now God will punish him.
[44] The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;


God will bless King Solomon. David's descendants will be king forever.
[45] And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever.


Solomon told Benaiah (his father was named Jehoida) to go kill Shimei. Shimei died.  

Now, Solomon had killed the men who had caused trouble for his father. He was now in control of Israel.
[46] So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.
 



1 Kings 3


Solomon asks God for wisdom.
 

Pharaoh was the name of any king of Egypt. This Pharaoh was not the same man who was in control when the Israelites left Egypt many years before.

Solomon became a friend of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. He married Pharaoh's daughter and brought her to Jerusalem. Later, he finished his new house, the Lord's house, and the wall around Jerusalem.

[1] And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.


At that time, there was no permanent Lord's house in Israel. People sacrificed in other places, like hills.

[2] Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.


Solomon loved God. He obeyed God's laws like his father, David, did. He made sacrifices and burned incense in the high places.
[3] And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.


Solomon went to the city of Gibeon to make a sacrifice. Gibeon was a special high place because the tabernacle was there. Solomon made 1,000 burnt offerings at Gibeon.
[4] And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.



One night, Solomon was in Gibeon. God talked to Solomon in a dream. God told Solomon that He would give him anything he asked.
[5] In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

 

Solomon said that God showed David great mercy. David was a good man who obeyed God's laws. God gave David a son to be the new king.
[6] And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.


Solomon said that God has now made him the king in David's place. But he feels that he does not know what to do.
[7] And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.


Solomon said that he is in the middle of God's people. God chose the Israelites. There are many Israelites. There are too many to count.
[8] And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.



Solomon prayed to God and asked him to give him wisdom (make him smart). He wanted wisdom so he would be a good judge. He would know what was good and bad. He said no man was smart enough to judge so many people.
[9] Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?


God was happy about what Solomon said.
[10] And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.


God said that Solomon asked for wisdom. He did not ask for a long life or for a lot of money. He did not ask for his enemies to die. He asked for wisdom to be a good judge.
[11] And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;


God said He did what Solomon asked. He gave Solomon wisdom. No one before him was as smart, and no one later will be as smart.
[12] Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.


God said He has also given Solomon the things he did not ask for--a lot of money and honor. He will be the greatest king in the world.  If Solomon will obey God's laws like David did, God will give Solomon a long life.
[13] And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
[14] And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.


Solomon woke up. He knew he had a dream. He went to Jerusalem. He stood in front of the Ark (box containing the laws from God). He made burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he had a big dinner for all of his workers. 
[15] And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

 



Solomon must judge between two women about a baby.

 

Two women came to see Solomon. The first woman told Solomon that she and the second woman lived in the same house. The first woman had a baby, then three days later, the second woman had a baby.  No one else was in the house.
[16] Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
[17] And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
[18] And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.


The first woman said that the second woman laid on her baby at night. She said the second woman's baby died. She said the second woman came and took the first woman's baby. She put the dead baby in the first woman's bed.
[19] And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
[20] And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.


The first woman said when she woke up to feed her baby, the baby was dead. She said she looked at the baby and saw it was not her baby.
[21] And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.


The second woman said no. She said that the living baby was her baby. She said the dead baby was the first woman's baby.  The first woman said the living baby was her baby.  They each told Solomon that the living baby belonged to her.
[22] And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.


Solomon said that each woman claims the living baby.
[23] Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.


Solomon told his helper to go and get a sword. He said he would cut the baby into two parts. Each woman could have half.
[24] And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
[25] And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.


But the real mother said no. She told Solomon to give the baby to the other woman.  She didn't want him to divide the baby.
[26] Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.


Solomon told his workers to give that woman the baby. He knew she was the real mother because she didn't want him to kill it.
[27] Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.


All of the people in Israel heard about this. They respected Solomon. They knew that God gave him wisdom to be a good judge.
[28] And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
 

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