Death in the City of Light by David King

The book of 1 Chronicles expands on the end of David’s life: “David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. David’s final words in Scripture are followed by a formal notice of the king’s death and burial, a custom seen regularly in the historical books (1 Kings 2:10–12). The dying king expressed confidence in his son’s wisdom, trusting that Solomon would know the best way to handle these matters. After that, David instructed Solomon to deal with a few items of unfinished business: the murders committed by Joab were to be avenged, the sons of Barzillai were to be repaid for their loyalty, and Shimei was to be punished for cursing David during Absalom’s rebellion. He cautioned Solomon that the Lord’s promise of a continuing dynasty was conditioned on the faithfulness of his descendants. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: “If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel”’” (1 Kings 2:2–4).ĭavid’s deathbed speech began with positive spiritual counsel but ended with dark warnings. ‘So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. On the night before David’s death, the old king gave advice and instruction to his son Solomon, who would succeed him as king over Israel: “‘I am about to go the way of all the earth,’ he said. The Bible says he “slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David” (1 Kings 2:10). The only malady the Bible mentions regarding David in his old age is the inability to stay warm (1 Kings 1:1).

Death in the City of Light by David King