David gives a charge to Solomon and shows him that a real man is someone who live sin obedience to God’s Word (v1-3). This obedience is tied to David having a descendant on the throne of Israel forever (v4). We will see how Solomon and his successors would fail in this, but then would enter Jesus, the perfectly obedient Son of David whose kingdom would therefore be eternal.

David gives instructions regarding Joab (v5-6) and Shimei (v8-9) that justice would be served by Solomon on David’s behalf. There is an important reminder here that justice will not be ignored by God and it will come in time. At the same the sons of Barzillai will be rewarded for their faithfulness (v7).

For our modern ears what happens next in Solomon dealing with Adonijah (v13-25), Abiathar (v26-27), Joab (v28-34) and Shimei (v36-46) sounds dreadful and bloodthirsty. It is hard to fully weigh the guilt and innocence in all that happens here. But one thing we do see is that this was necessary to establish Solomon’s throne (v35, 46).

This points to how in the end Jesus will put all His enemies under His feet and to judgment (see Psalm 110). One day every knee shall bow (Phil. 2 v9-11).