CHAPTER FIVE

 1Ki 5:1  And Hiram the king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, for he heard that they had anointed him king instead of his father. For Hiram was a lover of David all his days. 

1Ki 5:2  And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 

1Ki 5:3  You knew my father David, that he was not able to build a house to the name of Jehovah his God because of the wars that were all around him, until Jehovah had put them under the soles of his feet. 

1Ki 5:4  And now Jehovah my God has given me rest all around; there is no adversary nor evil happening. 

1Ki 5:5  And, behold, I am commanding a house to be built to the name of Jehovah my God, as Jehovah spoke to my father David, saying, Your son whom I will appoint in your place on your throne, he shall build the house for My name. 

1Ki 5:6  And now, command and they shall cut down for me cedars out of Lebanon. And my servants shall be with your servants. And I will give you hire for your servants according to all that you say. For you know that there is not a man among us knowing to cut timber like the Sidonians. 

1Ki 5:7  And it happened, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced exceedingly, and said, Blessed be Jehovah today, who has given to David a wise son over this great people. 

1Ki 5:8  And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have heard that for which you have sent to me. I will do all your will as to cedar wood and fir wood. 

1Ki 5:9  My servants will bring it down from Lebanon to the sea. And I will make floats for them in the sea to go to the place that you tell me. And I will spread them out there; and you shall take them up. And you shall do what I desire, to give food for my house. 

1Ki 5:10  And Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees, all his desire. 

1Ki 5:11  And Solomon gave to Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat, food for his house; and twenty measures of beaten oil. This Solomon gave to Hiram year by year. 

1Ki 5:12  And Jehovah gave wisdom to Solomon, as He had spoken to him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they cut a covenant, the two of them. 

1Ki 5:13  And King Solomon caused a labor force to go out of all Israel; and the labor force was thirty thousand men. 

1Ki 5:14  And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses. They were a month in Lebanon, two months in their own house. And Adoniram was over the labor force. 

1Ki 5:15  And Solomon had seventy thousand bearing burdens, and eighty thousand hewing in the mountain; 

1Ki 5:16  besides the rulers of Solomon's overseers who were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, those ruling over the people who were working in the work. 

1Ki 5:17  And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, quarried stones, to lay the foundation of the house. 

1Ki 5:18  And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders, and the Giblites, cut and prepared the wood and the stones to build the house. 

 Summary: Solomon contacts Hiram and asks him for resources to build the temple. Specifically, he asked for lumber. Hiram loved David and was pleased to help David's son. Solomon supplied food to Hiram. This was a covenant agreement. 30000 laborers were conscripted for the work. Also working on projects were another 150000 + 3300 administrators. 

3. Why was Hiram so happy to provide cedars to help Solomon in building the temple? "Hiram was a lover of David all his days" - It's interesting to see the level of affection this king has for David. We really do not know much about Hiram, which informs us that MUCH of David's movements are likely not recorded. David was very good at giving Jehovah the glory publicly. Hiram apparently found a measure of faith and sees jehovah as a good God. 
What must not be lost is that many kings may carry some faith, but still cling to their own regional god(s). 

Note that the Giblites were part of the land left to be conquered in God's charge to Joshua and Israel. Here they are these many years later still intact and likely still very idolatrous. 

Israel has peace and great prosperity, but there is an underlying current of compromise that can go very wrong if not kept in check.

4. To completely understand 5:15 and who who Solomon's work force was, compare 2Chron. 2:17-18. The 153600 hard labor work force were "aliens/strangers" in the land, counted during David's census. It does not indicate that these were captured or conquered people (though it might apply). 

Concretely, they were not Israelites, and so as in all the systems of the day, were subject to the governing authorities. It seems reasonable to assume this was "forced labor." It may have been a preference to have this than nothing.

CHAPTER FOUR

 CHAPTER FOUR

1Ki 4:1  And King Solomon was king over all Israel. 

1Ki 4:2  And these were the rulers he had: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest. 

1Ki 4:3  Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, were the scribes, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud the recorder. 

1Ki 4:4  And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the army. And Zadok and Abiathar were priests. 

1Ki 4:5  And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers. And Zabud the son of Nathan was the minister and friend of the king. 

1Ki 4:6  And Ahishar was over the household. And Adoniram the son of Abda was over the forced labor. 

1Ki 4:7  And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel. And they sustained the king and his household. Each man had one month in the year to provide. 

1Ki 4:8  And these are their names: Ben-hur in the hills of Ephraim; 

1Ki 4:9  the son of Dekar in Makaz and in Shaalbim, and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan; 

1Ki 4:10  the son of Hesed, in Aruboth (to him was Sochoh and all the land of Hepher); 

1Ki 4:11  the son of Abinadab in all the height of Dor, Taphath the daughter of Solomon was his wife; 

1Ki 4:12  Baana the son of Ahilud to whom was Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean (which is by Zartanah below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, to the place that is beyond Jokneam); 

1Ki 4:13  the son of Geber in Ramoth-gilead (to him were the towns of Jair, Manasseh's son, which are in Gilead; and to him was the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); 

1Ki 4:14  Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim; 

1Ki 4:15  Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon for a wife; 

1Ki 4:16  Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth; 

1Ki 4:17  Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah was in Issachar; 

1Ki 4:18  Shimei the son of Elah was in Benjamin; 

1Ki 4:19  Geber the son of Uri was in the land of Gilead, the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan; and there was one officer who was in the land; 

1Ki 4:20  Judah and Israel were many, as the sand by the sea in multitude; eating and drinking and rejoicing. 

1Ki 4:21  And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. They brought presents and served Solomon all the days of his life. 

1Ki 4:22  And Solomon's food for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and sixty measures of meal, 

1Ki 4:23  ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and a hundred sheep, besides deer and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl. 

1Ki 4:24  For he had the rule over all on this side of the River, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side of the River. And he had peace on all sides from around him. 

1Ki 4:25  And Judah and Israel lived securely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree; from Dan even to Beer-sheba all the days of Solomon. 

1Ki 4:26  And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 

1Ki 4:27  And those officers provided food for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon's table, a man in his month: they did not lack anything. 

1Ki 4:28  They also brought barley and straw for the horses and mules to the place where the officers were, each man according to his charge. 

1Ki 4:29  And God gave Solomon exceeding great wisdom and understanding, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the lip of the sea. 

1Ki 4:30  And Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the sons of the east, and than all the wisdom of Egypt. 

1Ki 4:31  For he was wiser than all men; wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his name was in all nations all around. 

1Ki 4:32  And he spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were a thousand and five. 

1Ki 4:33  And he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree in Lebanon, even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts and of birds, and of creeping things, and of fish. 

1Ki 4:34  And there came some from all the people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom. 

Verses 1-19 Summary: Verses 1-7 appear to be the court to Solomon. His closest advisors and protectors. It includes no less than two priests. It is interesting that Azariah is listed separately even though he is of the same household of the priests (Zadok). Other versions name Zadok's son Azariah as a "prince." The Hebrew words means "head person, or captain." 

NOTE: Adoniram's job was over "forced labor." We see this in 5:14 when it comes time to retrieve the lumber (cedar from Hiram) for the temple build-out. Strong's describes the "tribute" as "properly a burden (as causing to faint), that is, a tax in the form of forced labor: - discomfited, levy, task [-master], tribute (-tary)." 
See 1Sam. 8:10-19 to remember God's warning through Samuel. Is it happening? (Also consider the 12 officers it took just to feed and sustain the king's household. verses 8-19)

Verses 20-34 Summary: Peace and prosperity defines Solomon's reign. His wisdom is beyond anyone else. Besides this, he was prolific in song writing and proverbs. To add to it, he was a naturalist as well. What could go wrong? It seems God had provided everything for Solomon's success!

CHAPTER 3

 1Ki 3:1  And Solomon made an alliance by marriage with Pharaoh the king of Egypt. And he took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her into the city of David, until he finished building his own house, and the house of Jehovah, and the wall of Jerusalem all around. 

1Ki 3:2  Only, the people were sacrificing in high places, for a house for the name of Jehovah had not been built until those days. 

1Ki 3:3  And Solomon loved Jehovah, to walk in the statutes of his father David. Only, he was sacrificing in high places and burning incense. 

1Ki 3:4  And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 

1Ki 3:5  Jehovah appeared to Solomon in Gibeon in a dream of the night. And God said, Ask. What shall I give to you? 

1Ki 3:6  And Solomon said, You have done great kindness to Your servant, my father David, as he walked before You in truth and in righteousness and in uprightness of heart with You. And You have kept for him this great kindness, and have given to him a son sitting on his throne, as today. 

1Ki 3:7  And now, O Jehovah my God, You have caused Your servant to reign instead of my father David. And I am a little man-child; I do not know to go out and to come in. 

1Ki 3:8  And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a numerous people that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. 

1Ki 3:9  Also give to Your servant an understanding heart, to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this, Your great people? 

1Ki 3:10  And the word was good in the eyes of the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 

1Ki 3:11  And God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself many days, nor asked riches for yourself, nor asked the life of your enemies, and have asked for discernment for yourself, to understand judgment, 

1Ki 3:12  behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given to you a wise and understanding heart, so that there was none like you before you, and after you none shall rise up like you. 

1Ki 3:13  And also, I have given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, that there shall not be a man like you among the kings all your days. 

1Ki 3:14  And if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commands, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days. 

1Ki 3:15  And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream! And he came into Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and offered burnt offerings, and made peace offerings. And he made a banquet for all his servants. 

1Ki 3:16  Then two women, harlots, came in to the king and stood before him. 

1Ki 3:17  And the one woman said, O my lord, this woman and I were living in one house. And I gave birth, with her in the house. 

1Ki 3:18  And it happened on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were together; no stranger was with us in the house, only we two in the house. 

1Ki 3:19  And the son of this woman died at night, because she laid on it. 

1Ki 3:20  And she rose up in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me and laid it in her bosom; and your handmaid was asleep. And she laid her dead son in my bosom. 

1Ki 3:21  And I rose up in the morning to suckle my son; and behold! It was dead. And I looked at it in the morning; and, behold, it was not my son whom I had borne. 

1Ki 3:22  And the other woman said, No, but my son is the living, and your son the dead. And this one said, No, but your son is dead, and my son the living. And they spoke before the king. 

1Ki 3:23  And the king said, This one says, This is my son, the living one, and your son the dead. And that one says, No, but your son is the dead, and my son the living. 

1Ki 3:24  And the king said, Bring a sword to me. And they brought the sword before the king. 

1Ki 3:25  And the king said, Divide the living child into two, and give the half to the one, and the half to the other. 

1Ki 3:26  And the woman whose son was the living one said to the king (for her womb yearned over her son) yea, she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and do not at all put it to death. And this one said, Let it be neither yours or mine, divide it. 

1Ki 3:27  And the king answered and said, Give to her the living child, and do not put it to death at all; she is its mother. 

1Ki 3:28  And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had judged, and feared from the face of the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to do judgment. 

Summary: Solomon makes an alliance with Egypt. There is sacrificing in the high places. Solomon asks God for wisdom. God is pleased and offers more. Solomon reveals his wisdom in something that could have blown up in his face.

1. What was wrong with sacrificing on the high places? Was this a spill over practice? Did this happen in David's time too? The order of sacrifice is clear throughout the judicial dispensation through Moses. Leviticus makes it clear that it was to take place at the tabernacle. Deuteronomy 12 makes it clear that God would dictate the location. 

One issue with "high places" is indicated with the beginning word of the verse "only". This indicates there was something amiss or incomplete in the offering worship. The verse completes the thought "for a house had not yet been built." (See question 2) Note that the ark is not held in the tabernacle as was required by law. Why not? These clues point to what was to come in the temple, a coming together of what God had joined together earlier for His worship.

A bigger issue with "high places" is that many times these were abandoned Canaanite sites of idolatry. We will see many of these places restored to their original cult god worship site status. Over time, Solomon would yield to pressures to restore these places of idolatry.

2. The significance of the Lord appearing to Solomon at Gibeon is found in 1Chron. 16:37-39.

    Where is the ark of the covenant at this time? Jerusalem (2Sam. 6)

    Where was the tabernacle? Gibeon

- What is glaring about verse 1? An alliance with Egypt? Can this be good? Consider the instructions to the kings in Deuteronomy:

Deu 17:16  Only, he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to turn back to Egypt so as to multiply horses, since Jehovah has said to you, You shall not again return in this way any more. 

- How old was Solomon when he asked God for wisdom? Unknown. From the sources I read, it varies from 12-20. He calls himself a little boy in verse seven. That word denotes someone no older than adolescence. It is interesting that in his inaugurating year, Rehaboam is 1-year old. As should be considered, some writings may not be in chronological order. That being said, the text reads as a continual thought. He has the dream, then sacrifices and throws a banquet, then exhibits his wisdom.

- In the Case of the two harlots what does Solomon do to exhibit his wisdom? Was this risky?
Verse 26 - (for her womb yearned over her son) - what does this mean? Does this really happen? Of course it does! Solomon understands the power of love and emotion. It is stronger than any perpetrated lie. Solomon manipulates these two women to expose their rightful place in the situation...through their emotion and intent. This was absolutely risky business. If they both said no or yes, his plan would have failed and he would have lost face. 
The foundation of WHY the risk was not an issue is found in the sentence "they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to do judgment."   Verse three gives us insight to Solomon "And Solomon loved Jehovah, to walk in the statutes of his father." Was it not faith that was driving Solomon?

-Where else have we seen the general thought "if you walk in my ways?" 
(Abraham) Gen 17:12, 18:19 - (Levite Priesthood) Lev. 26/27 - (David) 2Sam. 22:33 - (Israel) Deut. 5:33, 8:6, 10:12, 19:9. Many of these passages are closely tied to the law, as well as walking with Him. 

Deut 19:9  if you will keep these commandments which I am commanding you today, to love Jehovah your God, and to walk in His ways forever....

Are we under a system of law with Jesus the Christ? The Hebrew writer is clear that we are not. Are we to continue to "keep commands?" If so, what commands? Paul clearly showed that the law was fulfilled by the Christ and a new covenant has been initiated!
Jesus says in John 14:15 "If you love Me keep my commandments."
How does the Christian reconcile these two? How does a system of mercy/grace work?

CHAPTER 2

 Verses 1-12

1Ki 2:1  And the days of David drew near for him to die. And he commanded his son Solomon, saying, 

1Ki 2:2  I am going in the way of all the earth. And you be strong, and be a man, 

1Ki 2:3  and keep the charge of Jehovah your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commands, and His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may do wisely all that you do, and there wherever you may turn, 

1Ki 2:4  so that Jehovah may establish His Word which He spoke to me, saying, If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth, with all their heart, and with all their soul, saying, There shall not be a man to you cut off from the throne of Israel. 

1Ki 2:5  And also, you know that which Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, that which he did to the two army commanders of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, that he murdered them, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his girdle, on his loins and in his sandals on his feet; 

1Ki 2:6  and you shall do according to your wisdom, and shall not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace. 

1Ki 2:7  You shall be merciful to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and they shall be among those eating at your table, for so they drew near to me when I fled from the face of your brother Absalom. 

1Ki 2:8  And, behold, with you is Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite of Bahurim. And he cursed me with a grievous cursing in the day I went to Mahanaim. And he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by Jehovah, saying, I will not cause you to die by the sword. 

1Ki 2:9  And now, do not acquit him, for you are a wise man, and you know that which you shall do to him and shall bring his old age down with blood to Sheol. 

1Ki 2:10  And David lay with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. 

1Ki 2:11  And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty three years in Jerusalem. 

1Ki 2:12  And Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established. 

Summary: David is near death. He instructs Solomon. He also addresses Solomon as "wise." David convicts Joab and Shimei to death for their misdeeds. David endorses Barzillai for helping him in his time of need.

1. The judgement against Joab seems fairly cut and dry. Joab was rebellious and murderous. Why would David wait until now to pass this judgement? a. Joab was David's cousin (as was Amasa)! 2Chr 2:16-17. He was family, AND Joab was long with David fighting for him and with him. It was Joab's cruelty that was his own undoing. By passing on his judgement, justice is served, it is not at the hand of David directly, and it removes a possible 2nd treason by Joab (or his influence) 

2. Recount Shimei's curses against David and subsequent repentance (what is Shimei's motivation?). 2Sam 16:5-14, 19:15-23. David swore not to kill Shimei. Is David breaking his promise? Is it ok to break promises on technicalities? Shimei is of the house of Saul and is apparently very bitter towards David. His actions are suicidal actually, but David spares him. Shimei's repentance is questionable in that he shows up with 1000 soldiers. David was done fighting and says "Should any man be put to death in Israel today?" (2Sam 19:22)
David's son was dead. There was great fighting and death already. At that point, he was done with it. If he had struck out against Shimei, there may have been another 1000 deaths. David just wanted to unify his country.
It is evident that David felt Shimei may have negative influence during Solomon's reign, and Shimei's sin had not been dealt with. He is king and judge, anointed by God. That day, he did not die, but because of his actions Solomon was to execution judgement on Shimei.
We may look at this as David breaking a promise or using a technical workaround. However his concern is justice and peace for Solomon.

3.Review The special relationship between David and Barzillai: 2Sam 19:31-39.

What event did all three of these men participate in to deserve David's judgements? What does that say about that event? Most of these activities revolve around Absalom's rebellion. It was an extremely low point in David's life. It was something that grieved him to the core.

Verses 13-25:

 1Ki 2:13  And Adonijah the son of Haggith came in to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. And she said, Do you come in peace? And he said, Peace. 

1Ki 2:14  And he said, A word to you and to me? And she said, Speak. 

1Ki 2:15  And he said, You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their faces toward me to reign. Yet the kingdom has been turned around and is my brother's, because it was his from Jehovah. 

1Ki 2:16  And now I am asking one petition of you. Do not turn away your face. And she said to him, Speak. 

1Ki 2:17  And he said, Please speak to King Solomon, for he will not turn away your face, that he give to me Abishag the Shunammite for a wife. 

1Ki 2:18  And Bathsheba said, Well! I will speak to the king for you. 

1Ki 2:19  And Bathsheba came in to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed to her, and sat on his throne, and placed a throne for the king's mother. And she sat at his right hand. 

1Ki 2:20  And she said, I ask one small petition of you. Do not turn away my face. And the king said to her, Ask, my mother, for I will not turn away your face. 

1Ki 2:21  And she said, let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah for a wife. 

1Ki 2:22  And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, And why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Also ask the kingdom for him, for he is my older brother; yea, for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. 

1Ki 2:23  And King Solomon swore by Jehovah, saying, So shall God do to me, and so shall He do more, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his life. 

1Ki 2:24  And now, as Jehovah lives, who has established me and caused me to sit on the throne of my father David, and who has made a house for me, as He spoke, surely today Adonijah shall be made to die. 

1Ki 2:25  And King Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he fell on him, and he died. 

Summary: Adonijah goes to Bathsheba and asks her to ask Solomon for Abishag as a wife. Bathsheba agrees and asks. Solomon becomes enraged and promises to kill Adonijah. He orders Benaiah to execute Adonijah. 

Question 5 in the book asks: "Why was Solomon so upset about Adonijah requesting Abishag for a wife?" The action is reminiscent of Absalom's taking of David's concubines. To take the wife of a king was equal to taking his power. These were the perceptions of the day. The virility of a king was very important. The inability to stop such actions were reason enough to be removed from power.

What is going on with Bathsheba? Why is she complicit, or is she complicit, or....more? What is the significance of Solomon seating her on a "throne/seat?" 
It's difficult to know Bathsheba's intent. She may have know what Solomon would do, or maybe she just wanted to get rid of Abishag. Solomon bows to his mother and gives her a place at his right hand. Obviously he loved and respected her. But putting her in that position elevated her status in the house.

Verses 26-35:

1Ki 2:26  And the king said to Abiathar the priest, Go to Anathoth, to your fields. For you are a man of death. But I will not at this time cause you to die, because you have borne the ark of the Lord Jehovah before my father David, and because you were afflicted in all the things with which my father was afflicted. 

1Ki 2:27  And Solomon drove Abiathar from being priest to Jehovah, to fulfill the Word of Jehovah which He spoke concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh. 

1Ki 2:28  And the report came to Joab, for Joab had turned aside after Adonijah though he did not turn aside after Absalom. And Joab fled to the tabernacle of Jehovah, and lay hold on the horns of the altar. 

1Ki 2:29  And it was told to King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tabernacle of Jehovah, and, behold, he was by the altar. And Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall on him. 

1Ki 2:30  And Benaiah came into the tabernacle of Jehovah and said to him, So says the king, Come out. And he said, No, but I will die here. And Benaiah brought back word to the king, saying, So says Joab. Yea, so he answered me. 

1Ki 2:31  And the king said to him, Do as he has said, and fall on him, and bury him, and turn aside the innocent blood which Joab shed, off of me and off of my father's house. 

1Ki 2:32  And Jehovah shall turn back his blood on his own head, who has fallen on two men more righteous and better than he, and murdered them with the sword; and my father David not knowing: Abner the son of Ner, the commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, the commander of the army of Judah. 

1Ki 2:33  Yea, He shall turn back their blood on the head of Joab, and on the head of his seed forever. And as for David and for his seed, and for his house, and for his throne, there shall be peace forever from Jehovah. 

1Ki 2:34  And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and fell on him, and caused him to die. And he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 

1Ki 2:35  And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his place over the army. And the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar. 

Summary: Solomon fires Abiathar as priest and sends him away. He states he is worthy of death but will live since he carried the ark. Joab hears of this and fears for his life. He grabs the horns of the altar. Solomon hears of this and sends Benaiah to execute him. Benaiah calls out Joab, but he refuses to come out and says "No, but I will die here."
Benaiah reports this to Solomon and Solomon says, do it, so he does.

Question 6 of the book: What promise of the Lord is fulfilled in 2:27?  Read -1Sam 2:27-34. Eli was cursed for not respecting God's sacrifices enough to remove his sons from priestly duty. The curse is pretty harsh: "Behold, days come when I shall cut off your arm, and the arm of your father's house, that no old man shall be in your house." This among other yucky stuff comes to pass.

7. Who were the two sons of Aaron through which the priests descended? Eleazar/Ithamar. Which one of the sons had the high priesthood gone through? Eleazar From which son had Abiathar descended? Ithamar   Zadok? Eleazar 1Chron 24:3
Shows God's long standing will coming to pass. These events may seem small but together show God's providence and power...control.

It may seem disrespectful to execute someone at the altar. What was the altar for and what does Solomon say about this execution that removes its unseemliness? Solomon sees the value of removing the bloodguilt that Joab performed while in service to his dad. Remember that injustices cry out to God (Cain/Abel). Joab's nefarious dealings simply caught up to him and justice was finally served. His execution turns any suspicion away from David's house and places cause at Joab's feet. The altar saw sacrifices all the time because of sin for atonement. This was beyond that, it was because of sin for justice (judgment meted out, not atoned). Joab's death was merciless as was his actions towards others. In this case it was shameful as well.

Verses 36-46: 

1Ki 2:36  And the king sent and called Shimei and said to him, Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, and do not go out from there anywhere. 

1Ki 2:37  And it shall be, in the day you go out and cross the torrent Kidron, knowing you shall know that dying you shall die; your blood shall be on your head. 

1Ki 2:38  And Shimei said to the king, The word is good. As my lord the king has spoken, so your servant shall do. And Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days. 

1Ki 2:39  And it happened at the end of three years, two of Shimei's servants fled to Achish the son of Maachah, the king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, your servants are in Gath. 

1Ki 2:40  And Shimei rose up and saddled his ass and went to Gath, to Achish, to seek his servants. And Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath. 

1Ki 2:41  And it was told to Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and had returned. 

1Ki 2:42  And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, Did I not cause you to swear by Jehovah, and testify to you, saying, In the day you go out, and you have gone anywhere, knowing you shall know that dying you shall die. And you said to me, The word I have heard is good. 

1Ki 2:43  And why have you not kept the oath of Jehovah, and the charge that I commanded you? 

1Ki 2:44  And the king said to Shimei, You shall know all the evil that your heart has known, that which you did to my father David. Now Jehovah has turned back your evil on your head. 

1Ki 2:45  And King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before Jehovah forever. 

1Ki 2:46  And the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he went out and fell on him, and he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon. 

Summary: Solomon puts Shimei under house arrest, restricting him to his property. Shimei disobeys and Solomon has Shimei executed.

NOTE: Chapter three tells the story of Solomon asking God for wisdom. Find the verses in this chapter that indicate that perhaps that happened before chapter 2: 6 "act according to your wisdom" - 9 'for you are a wise man"

Why did Shimei disobey? We have already seen Shimei's willingness to disrespect the king of Judah. As a Benjamite of the house of Saul, he must have felt above it all. It just didn't matter to him.

About Banaiah: He was a captain for David over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites. These were considered an elite fighting force, possibly mercenaries from the region of Edom. 
The two functions translate "executioner" and  "messenger." Hmmm.

Cherethites:

כְּרֵתִי

kerêthı̂y

ker-ay-thee'

Probably from H3772 in the sense of executioner; a Kerethite or life guardsman (compare H3876), (only collectively in the singular as plural): - Cherethims, Cherethites.

Pelethites:

פְּלֵתִי

pelêthı̂y

pel-ay-thee'

From the same form as H6431; a courier (collectively) or official messenger: - Pelethites.

CHAPTER ONE: Verses 28-53

 CHAPTER ONE 28-40

1Ki 1:28  And King David replied and said, Call Bathsheba for me. And she came in before the king, and stood before the king. 

1Ki 1:29  And the king swore and said, As Jehovah lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all distress, 

1Ki 1:30  surely as I swore to you by Jehovah, the God of Israel, saying, Surely your son Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place; surely so I will do this day. 

1Ki 1:31  And Bathsheba bowed her face to the earth, even bowing to the king, and said, Let my lord King David live forever. 

1Ki 1:32  And King David said, Call Zadok the priest for me and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came in before the king. 

1Ki 1:33  And the king said to them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and you shall cause my son Solomon to ride on my mule, and cause him to go down to Gihon. 

1Ki 1:34  And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet shall anoint him there as king over Israel. And you shall blow with the ram's horn and shout, Let King Solomon live! 

1Ki 1:35  And you shall come up after him, and let him come and sit on my throne, for he shall reign in my place. For I have appointed him ruler over Israel, and over Judah. 

1Ki 1:36  And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king and said, Amen! So says Jehovah the God of my lord the king. 

1Ki 1:37  As Jehovah has been with my lord the king, so shall He be with Solomon, and shall make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David. 

1Ki 1:38  And Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went out and caused Solomon to ride on King David's mule, and caused him to go to Gihon. 

1Ki 1:39  And Zadok the priest took the horn of oil out of the Tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew with the ram's horn, and all the people shouted, Let King Solomon live! 

1Ki 1:40  And all the people came up after him. And the people were piping with pipes, and rejoicing with great joy. And the earth was torn with their sound. 

Summary: After a time, David calls Bathsheba and promises to make good on his promise. He calls for Zadok (priest), Nathan (prophet), Benaiah (warrior son of a priest) to take Solomon to Gihon, anoint him as king and announce his coronation. Solomon was to be placed on David's throne.

1. How is Solomon's dedication different from Adonijah's? It was promised by God. - It is decreed by the current king. There is anointing by God's priests. 
This was a gift from God. Solomon did not try to scheme his way to the throne.

Reference 1Cronicles 23 and 29 - We see David addressing the building of the temple and handing the reins to a young Solomon (indicating he would be the next king). In chapter 29, Solomon is dedicated a 2nd time as king by David. This may be the issues at hand not covered in 1Kings. Perhaps Adonijah's rebellion was a direct assault against David's wishes (knowingly).

Verses 41-53:

1Ki 1:41  And Adonijah heard, and all those invited, who were with him. And they stopped eating. And Joab heard the sound of the ram's horn, and said, What is this noise roaring from the city? 

1Ki 1:42  And he was still speaking, and, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came in. And Adonijah said, Come in, for you are a mighty man and bear good news. 

1Ki 1:43  And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Truly our lord, King David, has caused Solomon to reign. 

1Ki 1:44  And the king sent Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet with him, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they caused him to ride on the king's mule. 

1Ki 1:45  And they anointed him, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, as king in Gihon. And they have come up from there rejoicing. And the city was roaring. It is the noise that you heard. 

1Ki 1:46  And also Solomon has sat on the throne of the kingdom. 

1Ki 1:47  And also the king's servants have come in to bless our lord, King David, saying, Your God shall make the name of Solomon better than your name, and his throne greater than your throne. And the king bowed himself on the bed. 

1Ki 1:48  And also the king has said, Blessed is Jehovah the God of Israel who has today given one sitting on my throne, and my eyes seeing it. 

1Ki 1:49  And they trembled and rose up, all those who were invited by Adonijah, and left, each to his way. 

1Ki 1:50  And Adonijah was afraid because of Solomon, and he rose up and went and lay hold on the horns of the altar. 

1Ki 1:51  And it was told to Solomon, saying, Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon. And, behold, he has laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let King Solomon swear to me as of today that he will not put his servant to death by the sword. 

1Ki 1:52  And Solomon said, If he becomes a son of virtue, not a hair of his head shall fall to the earth. But if evil is found in him, then he shall die. 

1Ki 1:53  And King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came in and bowed to King Solomon. And Solomon said to him, Go to your house. 

Summary:
When the Adonijah party hears of Solomon's coronation the tremble in fear and leave. Adonijah grabs hold of the horns of the altar seeking forgiveness. Solomon states that if Adonijah is sincere he will live. Otherwise, he will die.

1. Question 4 in the lesson book asks: What is the symbolism intended by Adonijah trying to save his life by taking hold of the horns of the altar? 
The altar was the place one made sacrifices concerning sin as a means of atonement (covering). It's interesting to see this move toward God's protection even after Adonijah had disregarded God's word that Solomon would be king.

2. Why did Abiathar ally with  Adonijah's rebellion? It is easy to see why someone as ruthless as Joab would drift away, especially after being slighted by the king. This was not so apparent in Abiathar's case. Perhaps it was old history. ISam 22-23 David procures priestly bread from Ahimelech. When Saul finds out, he murders those priests. Abiathar is the only one to flee and survive. Could this have weight in his decision?

CHAPTER ONE 11-27

 CHAPTER ONE

Verses 11-27

1Ki 1:11  And Nathan spoke to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, saying, Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and our lord David does not know? 

1Ki 1:12  And now, come, please let me counsel you with counsel, and save your life, and the life of your son Solomon. 

1Ki 1:13  Go up and go in to King David. And you shall say to him, My lord, O king, have you not sworn to your handmaid, saying, Surely your son Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne? And why does Adonijah reign? 

1Ki 1:14  Behold, while you are speaking with the king, then I will come in after you and will confirm your words. 

1Ki 1:15  And Bathsheba came in to the king, to the inner room. And the king was old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king. 

1Ki 1:16  And Bathsheba bowed and knelt before the king. And the king said, What shall I do for you? 

1Ki 1:17  And she said to him, My lord, you have sworn to your handmaid by Jehovah your God, saying, Surely your son Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne. 

1Ki 1:18  And now, behold, Adonijah reigns. And now, my lord O king, you have not known. 

1Ki 1:19  And he sacrifices oxen, and fatlings, and sheep in abundance, and has called all the king's sons, and Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he has not called to your servant Solomon. 

1Ki 1:20  And you, my lord O king, the eyes of Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 

1Ki 1:21  And it will be, when my lord the king lies with his fathers, that I, my son Solomon and I, shall be offenders. 

1Ki 1:22  And, behold, she was speaking with the king, and Nathan the prophet came in. 

1Ki 1:23  And they told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet! And he came in before the king and bowed to the king, his nose to the earth. 

1Ki 1:24  And Nathan said, My lord O king, have you said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne? 

1Ki 1:25  For he has gone down today and sacrificed oxen, and fatlings, and sheep in abundance, and has called all the king's sons, and the army commanders, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and they are saying, Let King Adonijah live! 

1Ki 1:26  But as for me, I, your servant, and for Zadok the priest, and for Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and for your servant Solomon, he has not called. 

1Ki 1:27  If this thing is to come about from my lord the king, then you have not caused your servant to know who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 

Summary: Nathan goes to Bathsheba to plan to address Adonijah's rebellion. Bathsheba is to go before the king and explain that Adonijah is claiming Kingship. Adonijah is making sacrifices and Solomon was not invited. She reminds David that he promised that Solomon would be king and that Israel is waiting for him to announce who will succeed him. If David dies and he does not announce the new king, Bathsheba and Solomon's lives are at stake.
While she is speaking, Nathan walks in (as planned) and reiterates the same concerns.

1. Adonijah's actions seem very public. Why didn't Bathsheba know about this? If she did, why didn't she do something about it? Why does Nathan feel the need to make this plan of double-teaming David on this matter?
Whether or not Bathsheba knew of Adonijah's conspiracy is unknowable. It is very possible that even if she knew, she was afraid. Remember, she is NOT David's only wife. And at this time, David is with a young nursemaid. You don't just walk in on the king nilly willy. Adonijah IS older. Solomon is still fairly young at this time.
It isn't until Nathan who represents God's word interjects himself into the situation that she feels compelled to right the wrongs perpetuated by Adonijah.
What do we learn from Nathan? If a problem is approached by the will of God, we should feel empowered to do the right thing.

CHAPTER ONE Verses 1-10

 CHAPTER ONE:
 Verses 1-10

1Ki 1:1  And King David was old, going into days. And they covered him with garments, for he had no heat. 

1Ki 1:2  And his servants said to him, Let them seek out a young woman for my lord the king, a virgin, and she shall stand before the king, and be a nurse to him, and lie in your bosom, and my lord the king shall have heat. 

1Ki 1:3  And they sought out a beautiful young woman in all the border of Israel. And they found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her in to the king. 

1Ki 1:4  And the young woman was exceedingly beautiful, and she was a nurse to the king and served him. But the king did not know her. 

1Ki 1:5  And Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will reign. And he prepared a chariot for himself, and horsemen, and fifty men running before his face. 

1Ki 1:6  And his father had not troubled him all his days, saying, Why have you done so? And he also was very good of form, and one had borne him after Absalom. 

1Ki 1:7  And his words were with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest. And they helped, going after Adonijah. 

1Ki 1:8  But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men who were to David, were not with Adonijah. 

1Ki 1:9  And Adonijah sacrificed sheep and oxen and fatlings near the Stone of Serpents which is near En-rogel. And he called all his brothers, the sons of the king, and all the men of Judah, the servants of the king. 

1Ki 1:10  But he did not call Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and his brother Solomon. 

Summary: David is old and can't stay warm. Abishag is assigned to minister to him and keep him warm. He does not have relations with her. Adonijah claims himself as king. He hires chariots and 50 men run before him (sounds familiar). David does not disapprove. Adonijah confers with Joab and Abiathar as allies. Some noted people do not follow him. Adonijah sacrifices animals and invites David's sons and servants...but not Solomon (or his followers).  

1. Notice later in the chapter David's relationship with Bathsheba and then the incident with Abishag. Comment on this scene in comparison to the way it would have been had David been devoted to one woman all his life.
(Note:1 Chron 28:5 David declares that God told him Solomon would sit on the throne) - There are some questions as to whether or not David vowed to Bathsheba that Solomon was to be king. 1Chronicles addresses that supposition. It seems likely that indeed, David had made the promise. More importantly in the context of the question, David needs reminding. This was no small task as we see Nathan taking charge and bolstering Bathsheba's case before the king. Perhaps David's memory was waning. To the point, if he only had one wife with limited children, the reminders would have been more pronounced or altogether unnecessary. (Would this have even happened if David was with Bathsheba and not Abishag?) As it is with many wives, his decision making is affected by the whims of his children. (That was true even before he became very old). Note how Bathsheba was treated pretty much like a possession. When Nathan enters the room, she apparently leaves and has to be summoned.

2. Comment on the statement in verse six: "and his father had not rebuked him at any time."
We might point out David's lack of parental actions as part of his weaknesses. If it were a case of David allowing his son to "learn things the hard way" it might have been different. But this is a clear case of usurping of authority, and David does nothing. Adonijah is Absalom's 1/2 brother and we saw David's lack of will to discipline in his case as well. Consider the lack of action against Amnon. It may be that David forgot GOD has called out Solomon to be king. If that is true, it speaks to the level of the relational dynamics he kept with his children. Perhaps being king is not conducive to fostering strong family ties (too busy with other things). 
Many speculate that David felt he could not leverage his authority to exact discipline because of his sin with Bathsheba. The thought is that he would appear as a hypocrite if he passed judgement for other's sin. There is likely some merit to that thought. There does appear to be more to the story as well. David put his faith in God, which means he trusted that outcomes were God driven. Review 2Sam 12- God judges against David - After this incident, David's issues proliferate. Was David just leaving everything in the hands of God? If so, is that wrong? 

3. After so many years with David, why would Joab have joined with Adonijah? 
Consider David's relationship with Joab -See 1Chron 2:15-16 How was Joab related to David? (Cousins) - Through David's sister Zeruiah
Now consider their "working" relationship 1Chron 11:4-7 - Joab was a valiant warrior.
2 Sam - Joab's council to David: He sees David laments for his son and advises him to get Absalom. He advises David NOT to take the census.
Throughout David's life, Joab appears to have David's best interest at heart.
Other things to remember - After Abner had killed Joab's brother Asahel, Joab meets Abner at a city gate for a "quite meeting" then kills Abner on the spot (2 Sam 3:27). David demotes Joab and makes Amasa head general (2Sam 19). 2Sam 20 - Joab greets Amasa stabs him and leaves him to die a slow death. 2 Sam2:17- Amasa was Joab and David's cousin from David's sister Abigail. 2Sam 18:5 David orders no harm tp Absalom, 2 Sam 18:14-15 Joab kills Absalom, David's son.

The relationship of David and Joab is very complicated, and yet a necessary thing for David for his ascension to power. The sting of David demoting Joab was likely never forgotten. Also, it was obvious that Joab did not feel compelled to obey the king and pretty much did whatever he thought was right. As much as Joab cites God for much of his own decision making, his ruthless murdering reveals a more self-centered motivation. Joab tires of David's lament for his children. Perhaps he sees David as weak. It's difficult to know for sure. But one thing we can be sure of, Joab must have thought David was going to lose to Adonijah. It taints any semblance of what once may have been considered "noble loyalty."