1 Kings 2 - Leadership Lessons from a Dying King

Introduction

David’s reign is coming to an end (1010 - 970) - 40 years

Defeat of Goliath

15 (!) years waiting to become king

He served King Saul

Fought in Saul’s army

Was hunted and forced to live as a fugitive

Gathered a group of loyal followers

Trusted God’s promise even when it looked impossible

King over Judah (7 years)

King over all Israel (33 years)

Brings the Ark to Jerusalem

Davidic covenant

David and Bathsheba

(Bathsheba was probably more a victim than a co-conspirator)

Family troubles (Amnon, Absalom)

Census and plague

In the Ancient Near East, kings often took censuses to Measure military strength, Assess taxes and wealth, and Secure national pride based on numbers

David might have been shifting his trust from God’s promises to his own resources.

Note: following the incident with Bathsheba many (but not all) of the references to David are negative.

1. The End of an Era

1 Kings 2:1–4 CSB

1 As the time approached for David to die, he ordered his son Solomon, 2 “As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and be a man, 3 and keep your obligation to the Lord your God to walk in his ways and to keep his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees. This is written in the law of Moses, so that you will have success in everything you do and wherever you turn, 4 and so that the Lord will fulfill his promise that he made to me: ‘If your sons take care to walk faithfully before me with all their heart and all their soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

v.1 “he ordered his son” - David was still the king!

v.2 “the way of all of the earth” - in David’s youth, death was always a possibility.

How many battles was David in? How many kill-or-be-killed situations?

Now David faces death by old age, and has the opportunity to share last words with Solomon, his successor.

(1) “Be strong and be a man”

Be Strong - echoes God’s words to Joshua

Be a man (become a man) - be willing to make difficult decisions in order to make your kingdom secure

v.3 (2) “Keep your obligation to the Lord (Yaweh)”

This is our obligation as well!

“success in everything you do and wherever you turn” - also echoes of Joshua. Who wouldn’t want this outcome?

v.4 “the Lord will fulfill his promise” - the Davidic covenant

God reaffirms the promise of land for Israel, as stated in earlier covenants

God promises that David's descendant will succeed him as king, establishing David's throne and kingdom forever.

This promise is significant as it points to the coming Messiah from David's lineage

While this covenant was unconditional in its ultimate fulfillment, the immediate enjoyment of its blessings by David's heirs was contingent on their obedience to God

2. David’s Instructions for Solomon’s Justice

1 Kings 2:5–12 CSB

5 “You also know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me and what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s army, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He murdered them in a time of peace to avenge blood shed in war. He spilled that blood on his own waistband and on the sandals of his feet. 6 Act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head descend to Sheol in peace. 7 “Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite and let them be among those who eat at your table because they supported me when I fled from your brother Absalom. 8 “Keep an eye on Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim who is with you. He uttered malicious curses against me the day I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan River, and I swore to him by the Lord, ‘I will never kill you with the sword.’ 9 So don’t let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man. You know how to deal with him to bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.” 10 Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David. 11 The length of time David reigned over Israel was forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingship was firmly established.

Joab

2 Samuel 3:26–27 “26 Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner. They brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David was unaware of it. 27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside to the middle of the city gate, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the death of Asahel, Joab’s brother.”

1. Murder of Abner (2 Samuel 3:26-27)

Context: After Saul’s death, there was a long power struggle between David’s house and Saul’s remaining forces. Abner, Saul’s former general, eventually decided to switch sides and support David becoming king over all Israel.

Joab’s Action: Joab viewed Abner as a rival and a threat. Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel in battle (self-defense, according to the account). Though Abner had come in peace to negotiate with David, Joab lured him back to Hebron under false pretenses and stabbed him in the stomach, killing him.

Problem:

Hebron was a city of refuge — a place where someone accused of killing could find protection and have a proper trial.

Joab’s action was treacherous because he killed a man seeking peace and violated the sanctity of the city of refuge.

David’s Response: David publicly mourned Abner and declared that he had no part in the murder, making it clear that it was Joab’s personal act of vengeance.

2 Samuel 20:8–10 “8 They were at the great stone in Gibeon when Amasa joined them. Joab was wearing his uniform and over it was a belt around his waist with a sword in its sheath. As he approached, the sword fell out. 9 Joab asked Amasa, “Are you well, my brother?” Then with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. 10 Amasa was not on guard against the sword in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach with it and spilled his intestines out on the ground. Joab did not stab him again, and Amasa died. Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.”

2. Murder of Amasa (2 Samuel 20:8-10)

Context: After Absalom’s rebellion, David tried to unify the kingdom by appointing Amasa (who had served as Absalom’s general) as commander of the army, replacing Joab. This was a politically smart move, showing forgiveness and attempting to heal divisions.

Joab’s Action: Joab was furious. When Amasa was delayed in gathering troops, Joab met him on the road, pretended to greet him as a friend, and then stabbed him under the fifth rib with his sword, killing him.

Problem: Again, Joab killed without any official orders, eliminating a political rival for his own power, not justice.

David’s Response: David again tolerated Joab at the time, perhaps because he needed Joab's military expertise. But it left unfinished business.

Barzillai

2 Samuel 17:27–29 “27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim 28 brought beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, 29 honey, curds, sheep, goats, and cheese from the herd for David and the people with him to eat. They had reasoned, “The people must be hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.””

1. Barzillai's Kindness to David

Context: During Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 17), David had to flee Jerusalem with his household and loyal supporters. He was on the run, in danger, and without the supplies or resources of the capital.

Barzillai’s Action: When David came to Mahanaim (on the east side of the Jordan River), Barzillai the Gileadite — a wealthy, elderly man — brought supplies to David and his people (2 Samuel 17:27-29)

In short: Barzillai fed and cared for David and his men when they were desperate and vulnerable.

2. David’s Gratitude

After Absalom was defeated and David was returning to Jerusalem, Barzillai met David again at the Jordan River.

David offered to reward him:

2 Samuel 19:33 “33 The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I’ll provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.””

Barzillai’s Response: He politely declined because he was already 80 years old and didn’t want to leave his home and die in a strange place. Instead, he suggested his servant Chimham go in his place (likely Barzillai’s son or close relative).

David’s Promise: David agreed and promised to bless Chimham and treat him well for Barzillai’s sake.

Summary: Why Barzillai merited favor

He remained loyal to David when many others (even close advisors like Ahithophel) turned against him.

He sacrificed resources generously at great personal cost.

He stood with the rightful king at a time when it was dangerous to do so.

His character — humble, generous, faithful — made a lasting impression on David.

But wait - there’s more!

When David offered to reward Barzillai, Barzillai declined because he was old, but suggested Chimham (probably his son or close relative) instead (2 Samuel 19:37-38).

Later in the Old Testament — in Jeremiah 41:17 — there's a reference to a "lodging place of Chimham" near Bethlehem:

Jeremiah 41:17 “17 They left, stopping in Geruth Chimham, which is near Bethlehem, in order to make their way into Egypt,”

"Geruth Chimham" literally means "the lodging place of Chimham".

What does this suggest?

David probably gave land near Bethlehem (his hometown) to Chimham as part of his reward to Barzillai's family.

That land or estate became known over time as "the lodging place of Chimham", perhaps even functioning as an inn or a resting stop for travelers.

It remained famous enough hundreds of years later (in Jeremiah’s time) to still be called by Chimham's name.

“eat at your table” - This privilege was considered a high honor, amounting to more than just providing food; it represented governmental care and a position of honor that could include a royal stipend. Who eats at your table? family! What if you had a meal pass to the White House??

Shimei

2 Samuel 16:5–13 “5 When King David got to Bahurim, a man belonging to the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he was yelling curses as he approached. 6 He threw stones at David and at all the royal servants, the people and the warriors on David’s right and left. 7 Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, you wicked man! 8 The Lord has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul in whose place you became king, and the Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. Look, you are in trouble because you’re a man of bloodshed!” 9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and remove his head!” 10 The king replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? He curses me this way because the Lord told him, ‘Curse David!’ Therefore, who can say, ‘Why did you do that?’ ” 11 Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh…”

1. Shimei Curses David (2 Samuel 16:5–13)

Context: David is fleeing Jerusalem because Absalom has staged a rebellion.

Shimei's Behavior: As David passes by Bahurim (near Jerusalem), Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Saul’s clan, comes out:

He throws stones at David and his officials.

He curses David loudly, shouting:

"Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in Saul’s household..."

In his mind, David had stolen the throne from Saul’s family.

David’s Reaction:

Abishai (one of David’s warriors) wants to kill Shimei on the spot.

David refuses, saying maybe God told Shimei to curse him, and he accepts it humbly.

David’s response shows a heart of repentance and humility during his exile.

2. Shimei Begs for Forgiveness (2 Samuel 19:16–23)

2 Samuel 19:16–23 “16 Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 There were a thousand men from Benjamin with him. Ziba, an attendant from the house of Saul, with his fifteen sons and twenty servants also rushed down to the Jordan ahead of the king. 18 They forded the Jordan to bring the king’s household across and do whatever the king desired. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell facedown before the king 19 and said to him, “My lord, don’t hold me guilty, and don’t remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. But look! Today I am the first one of the entire house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” 21 Abishai son of Zeruiah asked, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” 22 David answered, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? Have you become my…”

After Absalom is defeated, David is returning to Jerusalem.

Shimei meets David at the Jordan River, falls down before him, and begs for mercy:

"Do not hold me guilty... I know that I have sinned."

Again, Abishai wants to kill Shimei.

David swears an oath:

"You shall not die." He spares Shimei’s life — at least for the moment.

Interesting questions:

Why did David not deal with Joab before?

Joab commanded the army — he had the loyalty of the troops, many of whom probably feared and respected him more than anyone else. If David had moved against Joab, he risked a military revolt or even civil war.

2. Why did David not deal with Shimei before?

David saw his suffering as discipline from the Lord:

“Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.” (2 Samuel 16:11)

By accepting the curse without revenge, David showed he trusted God to vindicate him.

This humility actually won David more respect among those who still followed him — they saw a king who feared God more than his own pride.

Applications

1. Leadership Requires Both Mercy and Justice

2. Your Actions Have Lasting Consequences

It matters how we live now — because our decisions today often shape opportunities or troubles later.

3. Wise Transitions Are Critical for Future Success

4. Fulfilling God's Calling Takes Courage