What is the context?
David reminds Solomon that Joab killed Abner and Amasa in peacetime. He tells his son to deal with Joab according to wisdom and not let him go to the grave in peace.
He also asks Solomon to show kindness to Barzillai’s sons because of their help during Absalom’s rebellion. They are to have a place at the royal table.
David then recalls Shimei’s bitter curses and his own oath not to put Shimei to the sword. Despite that oath, he tells Solomon not to hold Shimei guiltless and speaks of bringing him to death. The relationship between the oath and this instruction is an important question in reading the passage.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry defends the instructions as concern for the security of Solomon’s throne rather than personal resentment. He considers Joab’s murders and Shimei’s hostility continuing matters of public responsibility.
Wesley sharply questions the instruction about Shimei. Reading David’s earlier oath in 2 Samuel 19:23 as an absolute promise, he considers this dying charge a serious failure in David’s life.
These readings differ over whether the instructions carry out public justice or compromise a promise already made. The text records David’s words; the fact that he gives them does not make the question about his oath disappear.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.