Solomon's Cleansing of Israel (1 Kings 2)

After Solomon took over as king, David told Solomon to be sure to follow God’s ways, His statues, commandments, ordinances, testimonies and all that was written in the Law. He went on to warn Solomon about 2 individuals, Shimei and Joab; he told Solomon to use wisdom in dealing with them; then David died.

1. Adonijah, Solomon’s brother, tried to have Bathsheba convince Solomon to give him Abishag as a wife (vs. 13-17); his intensions must have been wicked due to the promise Solomon made in vs. 52 of chapter 1 because Solomon was outraged and had Adonijah killed by Benaiah (vs. 25).
2. Abiathar was the priest who supported Adonijah in chapter 1. Solomon dismissed him as the priest just after Benaiah killed Adonijah; Solomon did not kill him due to Abiathar’s service to David (vs. 26-27).
3. Joab was another supporter of Adonijah (1 Kings 1: 7, 19) he also killed 2 members of the army during a time of peace during David's reign (vs. 5). Joab received news that Solomon dismissed Abiathar the priest (vs. 28) and fled to the altar (vs. 29) where he was killed by Benaiah then buried at his house (vs. 34)
4.  Shimei was a Benjamite of Bahurim who cursed David. David promised that he would not kill Shimei (vs. 8). After David’s death Solomon summoned Shimei and told him to build himself a house in Jerusalem but not to cross the brook of Kidron or he would die (vs. 36-37). One of Shimei’s servants ran away and he went after the servant (vs. 39-40). Since Shimei broke his promise to Solomon, Solomon sent Benaiah to kill him (vs. 46)

Solomon headed the warnings and instructions of his father, David and cleansed his kingdom of wickedness and evil men (his brother Adonijah, both of Adonijah’s followers, Joab and Abiathar, as well as Shimei)

A Question to Ponder:  It is important to examine our lives and cleanse ourselves of wickedness and evil; not only is this something that must occur individually but our community and government must do this as well. What areas need to be examined and cleansed in your life?