1 Kings 2:5-9 – Treating others appropriately

1 Kings 2:5-9 – Treating others as appropriate  

The second part of David’s final words to Solomon was a political move. He advised him to get rid of Joab and Shimei and to show kindness to Barzillai. Why did David want to get rid of Joab and Shimei? They were probably those likely to rebel against Solomon. Joab, as we know, was David’s nephew, the son of his sister Zeruiah. Though he had been a help to David, he was a ruthless man. The book of 2 Samuel recorded several things he did that David was troubled about. In 2 Samuel 3:26-30, he had Abner killed when the latter was seeking to help David reconcile with Saul’s supporters. In 2 Samuel 18, he killed Absalom, David’s son, despite being told not to harm him. Then in 2 Samuel 20, he also killed Amasa, whom David had appointed to replace him as commander of his army. On top of these missteps, Joab was also a supporter of Adonijah who sought to grab the throne and could be a threat to Solomon.

Shimei was from the clan of Saul, the son of Gera. David was running from Absalom, his rebelling son, and came to Bahurim with his entourage. In 2 Samuel 16:5-6, we are told that there  Shimei pelted them with stones and insulted David. But when the revolt of Absalom was squelched, 2 Samuel 19:18-19 tell us that Shimei came to David and threw himself at his feet, confessed his sin, and sought forgiveness. Though Abishai wanted to execute him, David forgave him. But now he was signaling to Solomon to deal with him.  

Why did David want to show kindness to Barzillai? Second Samuel 17:27-29 tell us that he had shown kindness to David and his men when they were running from Absalom. Barzillai together with some men provided food and beddings to David and his men. He now told Solomon to allow him and his family to come to the king’s table to eat with him.  

There are two categories of people whom we will find hard to forget in our life. One would be those who had treated us badly, and the other would be those who had treated us kindly. Now as people who have received the grace of God in our life, what should we do with regards to these two groups of people? To those who had treated us badly, take the advice of Romans 12:19 and 21 and adhere to them. They say, ^“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” And to those who had treated us kindly, practice the law of reciprocity. Repay kindness with kindness. Live and act appropriately in life seeking to please Jesus, our Lord and Master always!