1 Kings 2:46

_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._ The kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon - now that, by the death of Shimei, all the leaders of the rival factions had been cut off. This episode of Shimei embraces a period of three years. The narrative having been begun, is finished, and the thread of the history is resumed, relating to some events that occurred prior in time to the death of Shimei....

35-46 The old malignity remains in the unconverted heart, and a watchful eye should be kept on those who, like Shimei, have manifested their enmity, but have given no evidence of repentance. No engagements or dangers will restrain worldly men; they go on, though they forfeit their lives and souls. Let us remember, God will not accommodate his judgment to us. His eye is over us; and let us strive to walk as in his presence. Let our every act, word, and thought, be governed by this great truth, that the hour is quickly coming when the smallest circumstances of our lives shall be brought to light, and our eternal state be fixed by a righteous and unerring God. Thus Solomon's throne was established in peace, as the type of the Redeemer's kingdom of peace and righteousness. And it is a comfort, in reference to the enmity of the church's enemies, that, how much soever they rage, it is a vain t...

Verse 1 Kings 2:46. _AND THE KINGDOM WAS ESTABLISHED_] He had neither foes within nor without. He was either dreaded or loved universally. His own subjects were affectionately bound to him, and the surrounding nations did not think proper to make him their enemy. As there are serious doubts relative to the dying charge of David as it relates to _Shimei_, most believing that, in opposition to his own oath, David desired that Solomon should put him to death; I shall here insert Dr. _Kennicott's_ criticism on this part of the text: - "_David_ is here represented in our _English_ version as finishing his life with giving a command to Solomon to kill Shimei, and to kill him on account of that very crime for which, as David here says, he had sworn to him by the Lord he would not put him to death. The behaviour thus imputed to the king and

EXPOSITION THE END OF SHIMEL.—This fresh intrigue of Adonijah's warns the king that he must be on his guard and keep a watch over suspected persons. Prominent among these, from his antecedents and connexions, would be Shimei. 1 KINGS 2:36 AND THE KING SENT AND CALLED FOR SHIMEI [probably from Bahurim. But see on 1 Kings 2:8] [Not necessarily as "a guarantee for his residence there" (Wordsworth). Jewish law would make a purchase difficult. Leviticus 25:23. Cf. 1 Kings 21:3] an house in Jerusalem and dwell

SO THE KING COMMANDED BENAIAH THE SON OF JEHOIADA, WHICH WENT OUT,.... From the presence of the king, and took Shimei with him to the proper place of execution, it not being fitting to execute him before the king: AND FELL UPON HIM, THAT HE DIED; put him to death by the sword: AND THE KINGDOM WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE HAND OF SOLOMON; Adonijah the usurper, and Joab the general of the army, who took on his side, being both put to death; and Abiathar the high priest deposed, who was in the same conspiracy; and Shimei, a dangerous and troublesome man, dispatched, there remained none to give any disturbance; so that he now sat easy and quiet on his throne, and things with respect to the civil government were on a firm and settled foundation....

II. SOLOMON'S GLORIOUS REIGN. HIS FAILURE AND END 1. The Righteous judgment of Solomon CHAPTER 2:12-46) _ 1. Solomon upon the throne (1 Kings 2:12)_ 2. Adonijah's request (1 Kings 2:13) 3. Bath-sheba before Solomon (1 Kings 2:19) 4. Solomon's answer and sentence upon Adonijah (1 Kings 2:22) 5. Adonijah executed (1 Kings 2:25) 6. Abiathar thrust out (1 Kings 2:26) 7. Joab and Shimei executed ...

DEATH OF DAVID; SOLOMON ESTABLISHED ON HIS THRONE. The main source of this chapter is the same as that of 1, but interspersed are Deuteronomic additions (1 Kings 2:3 f., 1 Kings 2:10; 1 Kings 2:27). The authenticity of David's advice to Solomon has been disputed, especially the reasons given for procuring Joab's execution. Judged by any standard it places his character in an unamiable light. Solomon was advised to find a pretext for putting Joab and Shimei to death, and perfidy is inculcated as wisdom (1 Kings 2:6; 1 Kings 2:9). Without attempting to justify its mo

_which went out_ Literally - AND HE went out," which reads rather better than the A.V. _in the hand of Solomon_ The conspirators who might have been dangerous were all removed, and now, though still but a youth, Solomon had gained complete hold of the reins of government. Cf. 2 Chronicles 1:1, where it is said that he -was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him." The Vulgate joins on the last clause of this verse to the first verse of the next chapter; which seems to be a most natural connexion. In the Chronicles no mention is made either of David's dying injunctions to his son, nor of their execution. The compiler of that book appears designedly to have omitted all notice of the troubles under which David suffered, and so it does not fall within his plan to speak of the punishment of his adversaries. The religious zeal of Solomon,

WENT OUT, AND FELL UPON HIM— The reader is desired to recur to the defence of David's charge relating to Joab and Shimei, as given above. It is there asserted, that the charge was different, as it respected each of them. This difference is farther evident from the different manner in which Solomon treated them. If the charge had been the same in respect to Shimei, as it was as to Joab, what should have prevented Solomon from immediately executing Shimei as well as Joab? But this Solomon, in his wisdom, knew that he could not do; for David told him, that he had pardoned Shimei to prevent his execution; because his offence was personal, and David had a right to forgive it. But he had never pardoned Joab, nor in justice could do it, because he was deserving of death for repeated murders, by the laws of God and man. Solomon, therefore, acted wisely and justly in reference to Shimei by sparin...

III. SHEMEI'S THOUGHTLESS CHALLENGE OF SOLOMON'S AUTHORITY 2:36-46 TRANSLATION (36) Now the king sent and called for Shimei, and he said to him, Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem, and dwell there; but do not go out from there anywhere. (37) For it shall come to pass in the day you go out, and cross over the brook Kidron, you shall know for certain that you will surely die, and your blood will be upon your own head. (38) And Shimei said to the king, The word is good. As my lord the king has spoken, thus shall your servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. (39) But it came to pass at the end of three years, that two servants of Shimei fled unto Achish, son of Maachah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold your servants are in Gath. (40) And Shimei arose, saddled his ass, and went to Gath unto Achish to seek his servants. Then Shimei went and brought his serva...