As David looked death in the face, he challenged his son
Solomon concerning how he should rule Israel. Justice, righteousness and faith
were all high on David's list of recommended priorities. But, he soon
digressed. David challenged Solomon to make sure that vengeance was at some
point decreed on a couple of his adversaries: Joab and Shemei specifically.
And, evidently Solomon bought into David's way of thinking. He started his
reign with force and strength. Not only
did he deal firmly and lethally with Joab and Shemei, he also thrust out
Abiathar from the priesthood (for disloyalty) and had Adonijah executed too.
Adonijah earned his own death sentence when he demonstrated his unworthiness to
live (by asking to marry his late father's last "wife" - Abishag).
For me, the striking thing in this story is the role of
Benaiah. He had been one of David's men, but he became Solomon's main military arm.
Not that he had a long and heavy career ahead of him or anything. Unlike his
father David, Solomon was destined for a peaceful reign. However, at the
beginning of his tenure he did have some tough decisions to make. So, he had
Benaiah personally execute Adonijah, Joab and Shemei. It may seem harsh, but it
was just and righteous... and, his firmness apparently helped to solidify his
authority in the eyes of the people. Sadly, young conservatives sometimes
become old liberals. Such was the case
with Solomon. And his death also marked
the death of the united Kingdom of Israel.
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