1 Kings 2:36-46 – Dealing with hindrances in life

After Adonijah, Abiathar, and Joab were dealt with, Solomon had one more person on his list to tackle. He was none other than Shimei. In 1 Kings 2:8, David had specifically mentioned Shimei. He did not specify how Solomon should deal with him for he knew his son would have the wisdom to know what to do. So 1 Kings 2:36-46 narrated how shrewdly Solomon dealt with Shimei.

Solomon had his movement restricted. He ordered him to build a house and live in Jerusalem and warned him not to leave the city via the Kidron Valley. His purpose was to monitor his moment closely. He warned Shimei that if he broke the restriction, he would leave him no option but to execute him. Of course, Shimei agreed wholeheartedly.

Unfortunate for Shimei, two of his servants fled to Gath and he mindlessly left his home to pursue them. The warning of Solomon technically meant that he was not to go out of Jerusalem. So verses 41-46 show us that even though he did not go via the Kidron Valley, Solomon took him to task. Solomon summoned for him and before he had him executed, he revealed the real reason for his displeasure.  He reminded him of how he had verbally abused his father before ordering Benaiah to have Shimei executed.  With him gone, the last line of verse 46 said, “Thus the kingdom was established in the hands of Solomon.”

Solomon did not mince words. He meant what he said and said what he meant. In verse 37 he left Shimei with no doubt saying, “For on the day you go out and cross over the brook Kidron, you will know for certain that you shall surely die; your blood shall be on your own head.” And he immediately acted firmly and swiftly with him when he heard of his leaving town. This is also how we must deal with areas in our lives that can hinder our progress. Our hindrances may come from different sources, whatever it is, be it a relationship, a friend, a hobby, a habit, etc, we must deal with them swiftly. Don’t allow them to hinder our progress with God. Be diligent to press on toward the mark of the high calling of God!