1 Kings 2:35 - Meaning and Application

Here is, I. The promotion of Benaiah and Zadok, two loyal friends to Solomon and his rule, (1 Kings 2:35). After Joab was put to death, Benaiah was raised to be commander of the army in his place. After Abiathar was removed from office, Zadok was made high priest in his place. In this, God’s word was fulfilled when he warned that he would cut off Eli’s house (1 Samuel 2:35), and also said, “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, and he will serve in a secure house.”

Even when sacred offices are brought low by the failures of those who hold them, God does not let them disappear. His work never stops for lack of people to carry it forward. It is no surprise that a king so directly appointed by God had authority to appoint the high priest he judged fit. He used that authority fairly, because Zadok had the older claim. Zadok belonged to the line of Eleazar, while Eli and his house came from Ithamar.

II. The way Solomon dealt with Shimei. A messenger summoned him from his house at Bahurim. He may have expected nothing better than Adonijah’s fate, since he knew his hostility toward David’s house. But Solomon knew how to make a difference between crimes and between criminals.

David had promised Shimei that he would not die during David’s lifetime. Solomon was not bound by that promise, yet he would not act in open contradiction to it. So first, he kept Shimei in Jerusalem and forbade him, for any reason at all, to go beyond the Kidron brook, (1 Kings 2:36-37). He might have left him at his country home, where he could stir up trouble among his neighbors, but instead Solomon brought him to Jerusalem, where he was a prisoner at large. That was easier for Shimei, because Jerusalem was a beautiful and honored city, the royal city, and the holy city. It was also safer for Solomon, because there he could keep an eye on him. Solomon plainly told him that if he broke these limits, he would surely die. This was a fair test of his obedience, and Shimei had no good reason to complain. He had his life on easy terms, if only he would agree to live in Jerusalem.

Second, Shimei accepted the restriction and thankfully took his life on those terms. He gave his word, under penalty of death, not to leave Jerusalem, and he admitted that the condition was fair, (1 Kings 2:38). Even those who are punished cannot deny that the terms of pardon and life are just, so their blood, like Shimei’s, rests on their own heads. Shimei also swore to keep within his boundaries, (1 Kings 2:42).

Third, Shimei broke his pledge, which was what Solomon expected. God was righteous in allowing this, so Shimei might now suffer for his old sins. It seems that two of his servants ran away from him to the land of the Philistines, (1 Kings 2:39). Though he was under restraint, he still lived in some comfort and had servants. He went after them and brought them back to Jerusalem, (1 Kings 2:40). To keep it private, he saddled his own donkey, likely traveled by night, and hoped to return unnoticed. As Bishop Hall said, “Seeking his servants, he lost himself.” Earthly things are meant to serve us, or should be. How often do we see people step outside the limits God’s law sets for them, chasing after such things until their souls fall under terrible judgment.

Fourth, Solomon took hold of the breach of Shimei’s word. Word was brought to him that Shimei had broken his oath, (1 Kings 2:41). The king sent for him and, first, charged him with this present sin, (1 Kings 2:42-43). Shimei had shown great contempt for both God’s authority and the king’s authority. He had broken his oath before the Lord and disobeyed his ruler’s command. This showed what spirit was in him, since he would not be held back by gratitude or conscience. If he had explained the urgency and asked permission, Solomon might have granted it. But to assume Solomon did not know, or would overlook it, was a serious insult.

Then Solomon condemned him for his earlier sin, when he cursed David and threw stones at him in his distress: “The wickedness your own heart knows about,” (1 Kings 2:44). No witnesses were needed. His own conscience was enough. The sins that only a person’s own heart knows about are enough, when rightly considered, to bring shame, because God is greater than the heart and knows everything. Others knew Shimei had cursed David, but Shimei himself knew the hateful and malicious spirit behind his words, and he knew his present submission was only forced.

Solomon then spoke well of himself and of his kingdom, (1 Kings 2:45). King Solomon would be blessed, despite Shimei’s powerless curses, which he may have spoken in rage and despair: “Let them curse, but you bless.” David’s throne would be established by removing those who tried to tear it down. That is a comfort when Christ’s enemies rage against his church. Their plans are useless. Christ’s throne is established, and they cannot shake it.

Finally, Solomon ordered Shimei’s execution at once, (1 Kings 2:46). All judgment has been given to the Lord Jesus. Though he is the King of peace, he is also a King of righteousness. Soon his command will be given against all his enemies who refused to let him rule over them: “Bring them here and kill them before me.” The insults of those who blasphemed him will return on their own heads, and their condemnation will be eternal.