1 Kings 2 1

1 Kings 2:1 kjv

Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

1 Kings 2:1 nkjv

Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying:

1 Kings 2:1 niv

When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.

1 Kings 2:1 esv

When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying,

1 Kings 2:1 nlt

As the time of King David's death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon:

1 Kings 2 verses

1 Kings 2 1 Meaning

At the threshold of his life's end, King David formally prepared to transfer the royal mantle and issue solemn instructions to his son Solomon, chosen by God as his successor. This moment marks a crucial transition in Israelite history, establishing Solomon's legitimate claim to the throne and setting the stage for the fulfillment of divine promises concerning David's dynasty and the building of the Temple.

1 Kings 2 1 Context

This verse marks the beginning of the conclusion of King David's storied reign and the formal transfer of power to his divinely chosen successor, Solomon. It immediately follows the tumultuous events of 1 Kings chapter 1, where David's eldest living son, Adonijah, attempted to usurp the throne, leading to a swift intervention by Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba. David’s imminent death signals the culmination of the promises made to him concerning his enduring dynasty and kingdom (2 Sam 7). It sets the stage for Solomon, whose name means "peace," to establish a reign of tranquility and, crucially, to build the first permanent Temple for God in Jerusalem—a task David, a man of war, was not permitted to undertake. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a dying king's solemn charge or last words held immense authority, functioning as both a final will and testament, and a crucial blueprint for his successor's reign.

1 Kings 2 1 Word analysis

• When David’s time to die drew near:
  • David: Hebrew דָּוִד (Dawīd), "beloved." He is the central figure, transitioning from his active reign. His nearing death signifies the end of a pivotal era for Israel.
  • time to die: Hebrew מִימֹת לָמוּת (mîmōt lāmûṯ), literally "from the days to die." This idiomatic expression denotes that the natural end of his life was at hand. It serves as a reminder of human mortality (Heb 9:27) even for a king.
  • drew near: Hebrew קָרְבוּ (qārəḇū), meaning "approached" or "came close." It conveys the sense of immediacy and the inevitable approach of the end of David's life and reign.
• he charged: Hebrew וַיְצַו (wayyəṣaw), derived from the root צָוָה (tzavah). This is a robust verb implying "to command," "to instruct," "to order," or "to give a solemn injunction." It goes beyond mere advice; it denotes an authoritative and binding imperative, often used in the Bible for divine commands (e.g., God charging Moses) or patriarchal final wishes (Gen 49:29). In ancient culture, such a dying "charge" held legal, ethical, and profound spiritual weight.
• Solomon his son: Hebrew לִשְׁלֹמֹה בְנֹו (lišlōmōh bənô), "to Solomon his son."
  • Solomon: Hebrew שְׁלֹמֹה (Šĕlōmōh), rooted in שָׁלֹם (shalom), meaning "peace." His name prophetically alludes to his peaceful reign and the building of the Temple in a period of quietude. Solomon was chosen by God as David's successor, not due to primogeniture but by divine selection, solidifying his legitimate claim to the throne in contrast to other contenders.
  • his son: This highlights the specific biological connection but more importantly, designates the divinely approved heir. It affirms Solomon’s position not just through lineage, but by the will of God, reiterated through prophecy (2 Sam 7) and divine counsel (1 Chr 22, 28).
• saying: Hebrew לֵאמֹר (lēʼmōr). A conventional introductory formula in biblical Hebrew, indicating that the direct speech of David's solemn instructions is about to follow.

1 Kings 2 1 Bonus section

• The cultural significance of a dying person's last words or "deathbed charges" in the ancient world cannot be overstated. They were often viewed as particularly inspired or weighty, given at a moment when worldly concerns diminished, and spiritual insights were heightened. They functioned similarly to a legal will but carried profound moral and spiritual authority.
• This verse signals the close of David’s long and pivotal personal narrative within the broader biblical story. It shifts focus to the legacy he is establishing for future generations of leaders, emphasizing continuity not just of rule, but of faithfulness to God’s covenant.
• The "charge" represents David's final act of kingly leadership, a proactive measure to ensure the spiritual and governmental health of the nation, reflecting a core principle of righteous leadership in the Bible: preparing the next generation to faithfully carry on the work of God (Num 27:18-23).

1 Kings 2 1 Commentary

First Kings 2:1 is a concise yet immensely significant verse that pivots the narrative from David's active rule to the threshold of his passing and the formal inauguration of Solomon's reign. It underscores David's proactive and responsible leadership, even in his final moments, ensuring a stable and divinely ordained succession for the united kingdom. The term "charged" elevates David's upcoming words beyond mere fatherly counsel; they are a solemn, authoritative, and binding testament, reflecting his spiritual will and understanding of God's covenant promises to his house. This charge is critical because it will establish the spiritual, ethical, and political foundation upon which Solomon is expected to rule, build the Temple, and lead Israel according to God's ways. The peaceful transfer, divinely ordained despite prior contention, demonstrates God's sovereignty over the succession of kings.