Farewells Part 2

In the second part of our series we took a look at Israel's most renowned king (not including Jesus), David and his last words to his son, Solomon.

Now this passage in 1 Kings 2:1-9 is especially fascinating because this wasn't the first time that one of David's sons had tried to take the throne. The key here being that Solomon was God's next appointed king. So just before David died as he passed the kingdom on this his son, he had some words of wisdom.

Verses 2-4 in the NIV say "'I am about to go the way of all the earth,' he said. 'So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you prosper in all you do and where you go and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: "If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.'"

That passage has so much in it! Right before David dies the most important thing he can tell is son is 1. Act like a man and observe what the Lord your God requires.- No excuses Solomon! You're the king, you're a man, an adult, you're the one responsible for your decisions. So follow the Lord, no one's going to do it for you. And if you don't do it it's your own fault. Funny, that sounds like something my dad or mom might say. In this moment I think we see more of David's fatherly side then his role as a king. Of course the instructions are even more important because Solomon's decisions affect the entire nation but the advice applies to us all.

2. David then expands on what he's said. Walk in obedience to the Lord, keep to all that has been written in the Law of Moses.- Not only are there no excuses but there's no chance of misunderstanding or saying "I didn't know I was supposed to do that!" David was quite clear here. Walk in obedience and keep all His decrees, commands, laws and regulation as written in the Law of Moses. If you didn't know something was in there, you've already messed up because you better know it so you can live it. And don't miss that little word there "as". You don't get to change their meaning either Solomon. You follow it as it was written.

3. Next a reminder of the promise that God had given David. If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.- Lead the people well Solomon because your actions will affect their actions and if you or they reject God then you can loose everything. I know how it feels to know you've disappointing your parents. Can you imagine not wanting to disappoint them on that level? That would be a good warning!

The next verses are specific instructions. To remember those who were treacherous, those to treat with kindness, and those who promises were made to. The part that jumped out to me though is in verse 9. David says to Solomon, "You are a man of wisdom..."

This really fascinated me because of course we talk all the time about Solomon being a man of wisdom but only after  what happens in chapter 3, when Solomon asks God for wisdom so he can be a king who leads the people well. And yet David, his dad, sees that he is wise before that encounter. Which makes sense, since it takes wisdom to ask for wisdom.

Still it's interesting and brings us to point number 4. Be wise. Not in your own eyes but seek the Lord's wisdom so whatever task He puts before you, you can do it well.

There's a lot to learn from David's farewell address to his son. These are only four points but they're great reminders for us all. Which one do you most need to work on this week? No excuses, walking in obedience, living your life as an example or being wise? I won't ask you to leave a comment, when I'm not brave enough to admit my answer but I hope this gives you all something to think and pray about this week. Farewell until next time!