April 11, 2024

David knew he was about to die, so he gave Solomon a list of treasonous people that he should remove by way of death to ensure he would have a peaceful kingdom. David died and was buried in the City of David. Adonijah went to Bathsheba, asking her for a favor. Adonijah knew that if he could marry David's concubine Abishag, who had ministered to him during his sickness, he could take over the kingdom. Bathsheba went to Solomon and asked him for that favor, but he saw through Adonijah's intentions and sent for him to be killed. It seems that Joab and Abiathar, the priest, may have put Adonijah up to ask for Abishag. After hearing what happened to Adonijah, Joab ran and took hold of the horns of the altar and wouldn't let them go, knowing he was about to be killed. He must have thought Solomon wouldn't kill him at the altar, but because of his treason and his killing of two innocent men during a time of peace, Solomon had him taken out, even at the altar, if he wouldn't leave. For his part, Abiathar, the priest, was removed from his official duties. Shimei, one of the men on David’s list was sentenced to stay in Jerusalem, never allowing him to leave or face death if he did. A couple of years later, Shimei’s servants ran away to the Philistines, and he went after them. Solomon heard about it and had him killed.

If people nowadays were held accountable for their actions quickly and decisively, the nations of this world would be more peaceful. Let us hope that God's plan of justice for the heinous acts committed against the people will be carried out soon and the treacherous people held to account.

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. 1 Kings 2:9