1 Kings 2:1-4 - He gave a charge to Solomon

2:1-3

This chapter marks the end of David’s reign, and the beginning of Solomon’s. To be frank, it is not an encouraging chapter, and does nothing to enhance David’s reputation. It does start off relatively well. David is about to die and gives a charge to his son, Solomon. David knows he is about to die, and tells Solomon to “be strong , act like a man”. Then he goes on to instruct him to walk in obedience to the Lord, to live according to the Law of Moses, and that this will bring success. Note that we are in a “works salvation” mode here, obedience brings blessing.

2:4

David was also mindful of the promise that God had made to him, namely about him always having a successor on the throne. We know that neither Solomon nor any future kings managed to live up to this. There is only one future king who did obey God completely, Jesus Christ. In one sense God’s promises of blessing for obedience are ultimately useless, for if we seek to live out of our own strength and righteousness we are doomed. Conversely, if we live by faith then God’s promises are useful, and obedience comes as a gift of salvation, not a means of earning salvation.