David’s Final Words to Solomon

2:1 When David was close to death,1 he told2 Solomon his son: 2:2 “I am about to die.3 Be strong and become a man! 2:3 Do the job the Lord your God has assigned you4 by following his instructions5 and obeying6 his rules, commandments, regulations, and laws as written in the law of Moses. Then you will succeed in all you do and seek to accomplish,7 2:4 and the Lord will fulfill his promise to me,8 ‘If your descendants watch their step9 and live faithfully in my presence10 with all their heart and being,11 then,’ he promised,12 ‘you will not fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’13

2:5 “You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—how he murdered two commanders of the Israelite armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether.14 During peacetime he struck them down like he would in battle;15 when he shed their blood as if in battle, he stained his own belt and the sandals on his feet.16 2:6 Do to him what you think is appropriate,17 but don’t let him live long and die a peaceful death.18

2:7 “Treat fairly19 the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and provide for their needs,20 because they helped me21 when I had to flee from your brother Absalom.

2:8 “Note well, you still have to contend with Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim,22 who tried to call down upon me a horrible judgment when I went to Mahanaim.23 He came down and met me at the Jordan, and I solemnly promised24 him by the Lord, ‘I will not strike you down25 with the sword.’ 2:9 But now26 don’t treat him as if he were innocent. You are a wise man and you know how to handle him;27 make sure he has a bloody death.”28

2:10 Then David passed away29 and was buried in the city of David.30 2:11 David reigned over Israel forty years; he reigned in Hebron seven years, and in Jerusalem31 thirty-three years.