First Kings 2 records David’s deathbed charge to Solomon and the early consolidation of Solomon’s reign - the moment Israel’s greatest king passes the throne and commands his son to walk in God’s ways.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

Now the days of David came near that he should die He commanded Solomon his son saying

I am going the way of all the earth You be strong therefore and show yourself a man Keep the instruction of the LORD your God To walk in his ways to keep his statutes and commandments

You know what Joab did to me what he did to two captains Abner and Amasa whom he killed shedding blood in peace Do therefore according to your wisdom And don’t let his grey head go down to Sheol in peace

But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite They came to me when I fled from Absalom my brother Behold there is Shimei the son of Gera Who cursed me with a grievous curse

Now therefore don’t hold him guiltless for you are a wise man You will know what you ought to do to him You shall bring his grey head down to Sheol with blood The kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon

David slept with his fathers and was buried in David’s city The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years Seven years in Hebron thirty-three years in Jerusalem Solomon sat on David his father’s throne

His kingdom was firmly established Adonijah came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon Do you come peaceably said the king’s mother Peaceably he said

Solomon rose up to meet his mother and bowed himself Then he sat down on his throne and caused a throne to be set She sat on his right hand beside the king

Listen

1 Kings 2 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press