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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Kings 2:35–46. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The preferment of Benaiah and Zadok, two faithful friends to Solomon and his government, Kg1 2:35. Joab being put to death, Benaiah was advanced to be general of the forces in his room, and, Abiathar being deposed, Zadok was made high priest in his room, and therein was fulfilled the word of God, when he threatened to cut off the house of Eli (Sa1 2:35), I will raise me up a faithful priest, and will build him a sure house. Though sacred offices may be disgraced, they shall not be destroyed, by the mal-administration of those that are entrusted with them, nor shall God's work ever stand still for want of hands to carry it on. No wonder that he who was a king so immediately of God's making was empowered to make whom he though fit high priest; and he exercised this power with equity, for the ancient right was in Zadok, he being of the family of Eleazar, whereas Eli and his house were of Ithamar.
II.The course that was taken with Shimei.
He is sent for, by a messenger, from his house at Bahurim, expecting perhaps no better than Adonijah's doom, being conscious of his enmity to the house of David; but Solomon knows how to make a difference of crimes and criminals. David had promised Shimei his life for his time. Solomon is not bound by that promise, yet he will not go directly contrary to it.
1.He confines him to Jerusalem, and forbids him, upon any pretence whatsoever, to go out of the city any further than the brook Kidron, Kg1 2:36, Kg1 2:37. He would suffer him to continue at his country seat lest he should make mischief among his neighbours, but took him to Jerusalem, where he kept him prisoner at large. This might make Shimei's confinement easy to himself, for Jerusalem was beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, the royal city, the holy city (he had no reason to complain of being shut up in such a paradise); it would also make it the more safe for Solomon, for there he would have him under his eye and be able to watch his motions; and he plainly tells him that if he ever go out of the rules he shall certainly die for it. This was a fair trial of his obedience, and such a test of his loyalty as he had no reason to complain of. He has his life upon easy terms: he shall live if he will but be content to live at Jerusalem.
2.Shimei submits to the confinement, and thankfully takes his life upon those terms. He enters into recognizance (Kg1 2:38), under the penalty of death, not to stir out of Jerusalem, and owns that the saying is good. Even those that perish cannot but own the conditions of pardon and life unexceptionable, so that their blood, like Shimei's, must rest upon their own heads. Shimei promised, with an oath, to keep within his bounds, Kg1 2:42.
3.Shimei forfeits his recognizance, which was the thing Solomon expected; and God was righteous in suffering him to do it, that he might now suffer for his old sins. Two of his servants (it seems, though he was a prisoner, he lived like himself, well attended) ran from him to the land of the Philistines, Kg1 2:39. Thither he pursued them, and thence brought them back to Jerusalem, Kg1 2:40. For the keeping of it private he saddled his ass himself, probably went in the night, and came home he thought undiscovered. "Seeking his servants," says bishop Hall, "he lost himself; those earthly things either are, or should be, our servants. How commonly do we see men run out of the bounds set by God's law, to hunt after them, till their souls incur a fearful judgment!" 4. Solomon takes the forfeiture. Information is given him that Shimei has transgressed, Kg1 2:41. The king sends for him, and, (1.) charges him with the present crime (Kg1 2:42, Kg1 2:43), that he had put a great contempt upon the authority and wrath both of God and the king, that he had broken the oath of the Lord and disobeyed the commandment of his prince, and by this it appeared what manner of spirit he was of, that he would not be held by the bonds of gratitude or conscience. Had he represented to Solomon the urgency of the occasion, and begged leave to go, perhaps Solomon might have given him leave; but to presume either upon his ignorance or his connivance was to affront him in the highest degree. (2.) He condemns him for his former crime, cursing David, and throwing stones at him in the day of his affliction: The wickedness which thy heart is privy to, Kg1 2:44. There was no need to examine witnesses for the proof of the fact, his own conscience was instead of a thousand witnesses. That wickedness which men's own hearts alone are privy to is enough, if duly considered, to fill them with confusion, in expectation of its return upon their own heads; for if the heart be privy to it, God is greater than the heart and knoweth all things. Others knew of Shimei's cursing David, but Shimei himself knew of the wicked principles of hatred and malice against David which he displayed in cursing him and that his submission was but feigned and forced. (3.) He blessed himself and his government (Kg1 2:45.): King Solomon shall be blessed, notwithstanding Shimei's impotent curses, which perhaps, in fury and despair, he now vented freely: Let them curse, but bless thou. And the throne of David shall be established, by taking away those that would undermine it. It is a comfort, in reference to the enmity of the church's enemies, that, how much soever they rage, it is a vain thing they imagine. Christ's throne is established, and they cannot shake it. (4.) He gives orders for the execution of Shimei immediately, Kg1 2:46. All judgment is committed to the Lord Jesus, and, though he be King of peace, he will be found a King of righteousness; and this will shortly be his word of command concerning all his enemies, that would not have him to reign over them: Bring them forth, and slay them before me; the reproaches of those that blasphemed him will fall on themselves, to their eternal condemnation.
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Summary
This pivotal verse marks the definitive conclusion of Solomon's consolidation of power, recounting the execution of Shimei by Benaiah, a direct fulfillment of King David's dying charge and Solomon's own command. This final act eliminates the last significant internal threat to the nascent monarchy, culminating in the emphatic declaration that Solomon's kingdom was firmly established, signifying a period of profound stability, unchallenged authority, and divine endorsement following a series of calculated purges.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climactic resolution to a series of decisive and often ruthless actions undertaken by Solomon to secure his throne, as meticulously detailed in 1 Kings 2. Prior to Shimei's execution, Solomon had already dealt with the attempted usurpation by his half-brother Adonijah, whom he initially spared but later executed for a perceived second attempt at the throne. Following this, the powerful and volatile general Joab, who had supported Adonijah and committed other egregious acts, was also put to death. Shimei's demise completes the purging of those who posed a threat or had a history of disloyalty to David's house. His execution is a direct fulfillment of King David's dying instructions to Solomon, recorded in 1 Kings 2:8-9, where David specifically advises Solomon to deal with Shimei's past curse against him. Solomon had given Shimei a clear command to remain in Jerusalem, which Shimei willingly swore to obey, making his subsequent departure a direct violation of both a royal decree and a solemn oath.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period immediately following the death of a king in the ancient Near East was frequently a time of intense political instability, with various factions and potential claimants vying for power. For a new monarch like Solomon, consolidating power was paramount to ensuring the survival and stability of the kingdom and dynasty. The actions described in 1 Kings 2 reflect the harsh realities of ancient kingship, where decisive and often ruthless measures were deemed necessary to eliminate rivals and secure absolute loyalty. Oaths, such as the one Shimei swore to Solomon, were considered sacred and binding covenants, often invoked with divine witnesses. Breaking such an oath was not merely a breach of trust but a profound act of rebellion, punishable by death. Benaiah, as the commander of Solomon's army, acted as the king's enforcer, demonstrating the monarch's absolute authority and the swiftness with which royal commands were carried out. His role underscores the centralized power structure of the Israelite monarchy, where the king's word was law.
Key Themes
The overarching theme of 1 Kings 2 and culminating in 1 Kings 2:46 is the consolidation of power and the establishment of legitimate rule. Solomon's actions, while severe, are presented within the narrative as necessary steps to secure the Davidic dynasty and ensure peace and prosperity. This leads directly to the theme of justice and consequences, where past disloyalty (Shimei's egregious curse against David in 2 Samuel 16:5-13) and broken oaths are met with decisive retribution. The final phrase, "And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon," highlights the theme of stability and peace that results from the removal of internal threats. This establishment is not merely political but also carries profound theological weight, suggesting divine endorsement of Solomon's reign and the faithful fulfillment of God's promise to David concerning the enduring nature of his lineage.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The verb H6293 (pâgaʻ) means "to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity; come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run." In this context, "fell upon him" is a euphemism for a swift and decisive execution. While the word itself doesn't inherently mean "kill," its usage here, coupled with the outcome "that he died," clearly indicates a violent and fatal encounter, emphasizing Benaiah's direct and immediate obedience to the king's command.
The verb H3559 (kûwn) means "properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous)." In the Niphal perfect form used here, it signifies being made firm, secure, stable, or enduring. It conveys that Solomon's kingdom was not merely initiated but rendered permanent and unshakable, free from internal opposition. This word often carries theological connotations, implying divine backing or confirmation, indicating that Solomon's reign was now divinely sanctioned.
The noun H3027 (yâd) refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))." When used in the phrase "in the hand of Solomon," it metaphorically represents his absolute power, dominion, control, and authority over the kingdom. It signifies that the reins of government were firmly grasped by him, and his rule was now unchallenged and fully effective.
Verse Breakdown
"So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada;"
This opening clause underscores Solomon's supreme authority and decisive leadership. The direct command to Benaiah, his chief military officer, highlights the king's firm control over the instruments of state power and his readiness to act decisively to secure his reign. It sets the stage for the swift execution of royal will.
"which went out, and fell upon him, that he died."
This describes the immediate and unhesitating execution of Shimei. Benaiah's swift action demonstrates the finality of Solomon's decree and the efficiency with which his orders were carried out. The phrase "fell upon him" is a euphemism for killing, emphasizing the directness and effectiveness of the execution, leaving no doubt about Shimei's ultimate and irreversible fate.
"And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon."
This concluding statement is the narrative and theological climax of the verse. It signifies the successful and complete consolidation of Solomon's power. The "establishment" implies not just the beginning of his reign but its secure, stable, and unchallenged nature. The phrase "in the hand of Solomon" further emphasizes his firm control and mastery over the entire kingdom, now free from the internal threats that had plagued its initial stages, ushering in an era of peace and security.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Euphemism is evident in the phrase "fell upon him," which is a softer, yet equally impactful, way of stating that Benaiah killed Shimei, while still conveying the decisive and fatal nature of the act. This choice of language is common in biblical narratives, often to avoid overly graphic descriptions while maintaining the severity of the event. The most prominent device is Cause and Effect, where Shimei's execution is presented as the direct and immediate cause for the kingdom's establishment. The syntax clearly links the action ("fell upon him, that he died") to the outcome ("And the kingdom was established"), highlighting the narrative's emphasis on the necessity of these purges for the stability of the monarchy. Furthermore, the use of the verb "established" (כּוּן, kûwn) functions as a Thematic Marker, signaling a key theme of security, divine endorsement, and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant that runs through the book of Kings. The verse acts as a Climactic Statement, bringing to a definitive close the period of political intrigue and threat that marked the beginning of Solomon's reign, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of his peaceful and prosperous rule.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse, while describing a violent act, carries significant theological weight regarding divine sovereignty and the nature of earthly kingship. Solomon's decisive actions, though harsh by modern standards, are presented within the biblical narrative as a necessary means to fulfill David's final instructions and establish a stable kingdom. This stability was crucial for the unfolding of God's plans for Israel, including the building of the Temple and the flourishing of a divinely ordered society. The "establishment" of the kingdom can be seen as God's providential hand at work, confirming Solomon's reign and ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line, which was foundational to the covenant promises. It speaks to the principle that order and justice, even if severe, are prerequisites for peace and prosperity, reflecting a divine order for governance.
Reflection and Application
The narrative of Solomon's consolidation of power, culminating in the establishment of his kingdom, offers profound insights into leadership, justice, and the consequences of actions. While the methods of ancient kings differ vastly from contemporary governance, the underlying principle of establishing order and dealing decisively with threats to stability remains relevant. For believers, this passage reminds us that true peace and flourishing often require confronting and resolving underlying issues, whether in our personal lives, families, or communities. It prompts us to consider the importance of integrity and the serious implications of broken promises or disloyalty, as seen in Shimei's fate. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to a greater King whose kingdom is not established through the purging of enemies by force, but through the perfect justice and unwavering truth of His sacrificial love, offering an eternal and unshakable peace that transcends all earthly struggles and human frailties.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Solomon justified in executing Shimei?
From the perspective of ancient Near Eastern kingship and the biblical narrative, Solomon's actions were considered justified and necessary for the consolidation of his reign. Shimei had a history of open hostility towards David, cursing him during his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5-13). Furthermore, David himself, on his deathbed, had advised Solomon to deal with Shimei (1 Kings 2:8-9). Most critically, Solomon had given Shimei a clear command to remain in Jerusalem under penalty of death, which Shimei willingly swore to obey (1 Kings 2:36-38). When Shimei left Jerusalem to retrieve his servants, he broke this solemn oath and direct royal decree, providing Solomon with the legal and political justification for his execution. This act, along with the earlier purges of Adonijah and Joab, eliminated all significant threats to Solomon's nascent kingdom, ensuring its stability and peace.
What is the significance of the phrase "the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon"?
The phrase "the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon" (Hebrew: vayyikkon hammamlākâ beyad Shelōmōh) signifies far more than just the beginning of his reign. The Hebrew verb kûwn (כּוּן), translated as "established," carries a strong sense of being made firm, secure, stable, and enduring. It implies that Solomon's rule was now unshakable, free from internal opposition, and divinely confirmed. This declaration marks the successful culmination of Solomon's initial efforts to consolidate power, signifying a transition from a period of political intrigue and threat to one of profound stability and unchallenged authority. It sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of Solomon's prosperous and peaceful reign, during which he would build the Temple and expand Israel's influence, fulfilling God's promises concerning the Davidic dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Solomon's kingdom was established through decisive, often violent, purges of his enemies, securing a temporary earthly peace, this act ultimately points forward to the infinitely more profound and eternally established kingdom of Jesus Christ. Solomon's reign, though marked by wisdom and prosperity, was ultimately human and finite, dependent on the elimination of external threats. In contrast, Christ's kingdom is established not by the sword or the execution of physical enemies, but by His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. He is the true Prince of Peace, whose reign brings ultimate stability and reconciliation. Unlike Solomon, who had to deal with lingering disloyalty, Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world, dealing with humanity's ultimate enemy—sin and death—once and for all. His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is an everlasting kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). Through His blood, believers are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son, finding true and eternal peace and security in His hand, a peace Solomon's earthly kingdom could only foreshadow.