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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/2-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/11_1Ki_02_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 2:9 - David Instructs Solomon" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. 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You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.” <a href="/esv/1_kings/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But now do not leave him unpunished, for you are a wise man; and you will know what to do to him, and you will bring his gray hair down to Sheol with blood.” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now therefore, do not let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you will bring his gray hair down to Sheol with blood.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now therefore, do not let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you will bring his gray hair down to Sheol with blood.” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So now, do not let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you will bring his gray hair down to Sheol with blood.” <a href="/amp/1_kings/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But now do not let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man; and you will know what to do to him, and you will bring his gray head down to Sheol [covered] with blood.” <a href="/csb/1_kings/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So don’t let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man. You know how to deal with him to bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So don&#8217t let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man. You know how to deal with him to bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now therefore hold him not guiltless, for thou art a wise man; and thou wilt know what thou oughtest to do unto him, and thou shalt bring his hoar head down to Sheol with blood. <a href="/cev/1_kings/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Now you must punish him. He's an old man, but you're wise enough to know that you must have him killed. <a href="/erv/1_kings/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now therefore hold him not guiltless, for thou art a wise man; and thou wilt know what thou oughtest to do unto him, and thou shalt bring his hoar head down to the grave with blood. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now, don't let him go unpunished. You are wise and know what to do to him: Put that gray-haired, old man into his grave by slaughtering him." <a href="/gnt/1_kings/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> But you must not let him go unpunished. You know what to do, and you must see to it that he is put to death." <a href="/isv/1_kings/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> But don't let him off unpunished, since you're a wise man and you'll know what you need to do to him. Find a way that he dies in his old age by shedding his blood." <a href="/msb/1_kings/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.? <a href="/net/1_kings/2.htm">NET Bible</a> But now don't treat him as if he were innocent. You are a wise man and you know how to handle him; make sure he has a bloody death." <a href="/nheb/1_kings/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood." <a href="/wbt/1_kings/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do to him; but his hoary head do thou bring down to the grave with blood. <a href="/web/1_kings/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Now therefore don’t hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now, do not acquit him, for you [are] a wise man, and you have known that which you do to him, and have brought down his old age with blood to Sheol.” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now, acquit him not, for a wise man thou art, and thou hast known that which thou dost to him, and hast brought down his old age with blood to Sheol.' <a href="/slt/1_kings/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now thou shalt not let him go unpunished; for thou a wise man, and thou knowest what thou wilt do to him; and bring down his gray hairs with blood to hades.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Do not thou hold him guiltless. But thou art a wise man, and knowest what to do with him, and thou shalt bring down his grey hairs with blood to hell. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> yet do not choose to treat him as if he were innocent. Since you are a wise man, you will know what to do with him. And you shall lead away his grey hair to death with blood.” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/2.htm">New American Bible</a> But you must not let him go unpunished. You are wise; you will know what to do to send his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; you will know what you ought to do to him, and you must bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now therefore hold him not guiltless; for you are a wise man, and know what you ought to do to him; and bring his folly on his head; and you shall bring down his hoary head with blood to Sheol. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Now you shall not pronounce him innocent, for you are a wise man and know what that you will do to him, and return his foolishness on his head and bring down his old age in blood to Sheol.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now therefore hold him not guiltless, for thou art a wise man; and thou wilt know what thou oughtest to do unto him, and thou shalt bring his hoar head down to the grave with blood.' <a href="/sep/1_kings/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But thou shalt by no means hold him guiltless, for thou art a wise man, and wilt know what thou shalt do to him, and shalt bring down his grey hairs with blood to the grave. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/2-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=681" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/2.htm">David Instructs Solomon</a> …8Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’ 9<a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">Now therefore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5352.htm" title="5352: tə·naq·qê·hū (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms:: 3ms) -- To be empty or clean. A primitive root; to be clean; by implication to be bare, i.e. Extirpated.">hold him guiltless,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’āt·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">are a wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·yā·ḏa‘·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">You know</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you ought to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7872.htm" title="7872: śê·ḇā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hoary head, old age. Feminine of seyb; old age.">to bring his gray head</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wə·hō·w·raḏ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">down</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7585.htm" title="7585: šə·’ō·wl (N-cs) -- Or shol; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.">to Sheol</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: bə·ḏām (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">in blood.”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23</a> So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him. <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">1 Kings 2:6</a> So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5-13</a> As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. / He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. / And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! ... <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">2 Samuel 3:39</a> And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!” <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">2 Samuel 19:21-22</a> But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” / And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” <a href="/1_kings/2-44.htm">1 Kings 2:44</a> The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">1 Kings 1:52</a> And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” <a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">2 Samuel 7:14</a> I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. <a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a> May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you. <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10</a> David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a> Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” <a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Hebrews 10:30</a> For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” <a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a> Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. <a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a> Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for you are a wise man, and know what you ought to do to him; but his hoar head bring you down to the grave with blood.<a href="/judges/5-30.htm">Judges 5:30</a> Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?<a href="/1_samuel/2-3.htm">1 Samuel 2:3</a> Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.<a href="/psalms/1-5.htm">Psalm 1:5</a> Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.<a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a> Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.<a href="/job/9-28.htm">Job 9:28</a> I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.wise<a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12,28</a> Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee… his<a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">1 Kings 2:6</a> Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.<a href="/genesis/42-38.htm">Genesis 42:38</a> And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.<a href="/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31</a> It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.with<a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Numbers 32:23</a> But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-4.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-13.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-49.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Gray</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Guiltless</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Hoar</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Hoary</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-51.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-19.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Oughtest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-48.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-6.htm">White</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-13.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/2-31.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-31.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-21.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-8.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-30.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/job/15-10.htm">Gray</a> <a href="/job/9-20.htm">Guiltless</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/147-16.htm">Hoar</a> <a href="/job/38-29.htm">Hoary</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-31.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-32.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/matthew/25-27.htm">Oughtest</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/job/7-9.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/job/7-9.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/job/10-14.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-27.htm">White</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-14.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 2</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">David, having given a charge to Solomon</a> 3. <a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">of Reverence</a> 5. <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">of Joab</a> 7. <a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">of Barzillai</a> 8. <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">of Shimei</a> 10. <a href="/1_kings/2-10.htm">Solomon succeeds</a> 12. <a href="/1_kings/2-12.htm">Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag,</a> 13. <a href="/1_kings/2-13.htm">is put to death</a> 26. <a href="/1_kings/2-26.htm">Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood</a> 28. <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain</a> 35. <a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's</a> 36. <a href="/1_kings/2-36.htm">Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless This phrase is part of King David's final instructions to Solomon, his son and successor. David refers to Joab, his former military commander, who had committed acts of violence and treachery. The phrase underscores the biblical principle of justice and accountability, reflecting the Old Testament law where wrongdoing must be addressed (<a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a>). It highlights the importance of discernment in leadership, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs.for you are a wise man David acknowledges Solomon's wisdom, which is a central theme in Solomon's reign. This wisdom is later confirmed when Solomon famously asks God for wisdom to govern the people (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a>). The phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative where wisdom is a divine gift, as seen in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, and is essential for righteous leadership.You know what you ought to do to him David entrusts Solomon with the responsibility of executing justice, implying that Solomon's wisdom will guide him in making the right decision. This reflects the biblical theme of divine guidance in leadership, as seen in the lives of other leaders like Moses and Joshua. It also foreshadows Solomon's role as a judge and king who must balance justice and mercy.to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood This phrase indicates the severity of Joab's crimes and the necessity of his execution as a form of justice. "Gray head" symbolizes old age, suggesting that Joab's time for judgment has come. "Sheol" refers to the abode of the dead in Hebrew thought, emphasizing the finality of the judgment. The concept of blood guilt and retribution is consistent with the covenantal laws found in the Torah, such as <a href="/numbers/35-33.htm">Numbers 35:33</a>, which stress the need for justice to maintain the land's purity. This also prefigures the ultimate justice and redemption found in Christ, who fulfills the law and offers forgiveness through His blood.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The aging king of Israel who is giving final instructions to his son Solomon. David is known for his heart after God, but also for his complex and sometimes troubled reign. 2. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> The son of David and Bathsheba, who is about to ascend to the throne of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon is tasked with establishing his kingdom and dealing with unfinished business from David's reign. 3. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The son of Zeruiah, David's nephew, and commander of his army. Joab is a complex figure known for his loyalty to David but also for his violent and sometimes treacherous actions. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sheol.htm">Sheol</a> In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence. It is often used to describe the grave or the afterlife. 5. <a href="/topical/d/david's_final_instructions.htm">David's Final Instructions</a> This event marks the transition of power from David to Solomon, with David providing guidance on how to secure the kingdom and deal with past grievances.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a> David's instruction to Solomon emphasizes the need for justice, even when it involves difficult decisions. As believers, we are called to uphold justice in our own lives, reflecting God's character. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_leadership.htm">Wisdom in Leadership</a> Solomon is recognized for his wisdom, which is essential for effective leadership. We should seek God's wisdom in our decisions, especially when they impact others. <a href="/topical/d/dealing_with_unresolved_issues.htm">Dealing with Unresolved Issues</a> David's directive to Solomon to address past wrongs reminds us of the importance of resolving conflicts and not leaving issues unaddressed, which can lead to greater problems. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a> Joab's actions had long-lasting consequences, illustrating the biblical principle that sin often leads to death and destruction. We must be mindful of our actions and their potential impact. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_responsibility.htm">Legacy and Responsibility</a> David's final words to Solomon highlight the responsibility of leaving a godly legacy. We should consider how our actions today will affect future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2</a> <a href="/q/solomon's_horse_stalls_count.htm">How many stalls of horses did Solomon have? (1 Kings 4:26 vs. 2 Chronicles 9:25)</a> <a href="/q/why_do_2_chr_9_25_and_1_kgs_4_26_differ.htm">Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26?</a> <a href="/q/did_dogs_literally_eat_jezebel's_body.htm">Could dogs literally devour Jezebel's body as described in 2 Kings 9:33-35, or might this be symbolic hyperbole?</a> <a href="/q/why_40,000_stalls_in_1_kings,_4,000_in_2_chron.htm">Why does 1 Kings 4:26 mention 40,000 stalls for Solomon's horses, while 2 Chronicles 9:25 records only 4,000?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Now therefore [lit., "and now." Possibly the "now" is a note of time in apposition to the "day" of ver. 8, or rather the time of David's oath. "I then unadvisedly swam unto him, but now the law must have its course." Probably it is merely inferential, - quae cum ita sint] hold him not guiltless [rather, thou shalt not leave him unpunished (Vatablus, Gesen., Bahr, al.); cf. <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/30-11.htm">Jeremiah 30:11</a>]; for thou art a wise man [φρόνιμος rather than σοφός (LXX.) Gesen. renders here, "endued with ability to judge." David clearly desires that wisdom and justice, not malice or passion, should be Solomon's guide], and knowest what thou oughtest to [lit., shalt or shouldest] do to him; but [Heb. and] his hoar head [mentioned, not maliciously, but with the idea that punishment, which had been long delayed, must overtake him nevertheless. The age of Joab and Shimei would make the Divine Nemesis the more conspicuous. Men would "see that there was a God that judgeth in the earth"] bring thou down to the grave with blood. The Auth. Version here needlessly alters the order of the original, which should be followed wherever it can be (and it generally can) without sacrifice of idiom and elegance. In this case the alteration, by the slight prominence it gives to "hoar head" and to "blood," gives a factitious harshness to the sentence. The Hebrew stands thus: "And thou shalt bring down his hoar head with blood to Sheol." This order of the words also exhibits somewhat more clearly the sequence of thought, which is this: "Thou art wise, therefore thou knowest what by law thou shouldest do. What thou shalt do is, thou shalt bring down," etc. It is clear from these words that if David was actuated by malice, by a "passionate desire to punish those who had wronged him" (Plumptre, Dict. Bib., art. "Solomon"), or by "fierce and profound vindictiveness" (Stanley, "Jewish Church," vol. 2. p. 135), he was profoundly unconscious of it. If it was "a dark legacy of hate" (ibid.) he was bequeathing to Solomon, then he stands before us in these last hours either as an unctuous hypocrite, or as infatuated and inconsistent to the last degree. That the man who, in his opening words (ver. 3), enjoined upon his son, in the most emphatic manner, a strict and literal obedience to the law of Heaven, should in these subsequent words, delivered almost in the same breath, require him to satiate a long-cherished and cruel revenge upon Joab and Shimei (the latter of whom he had twice delivered from death), is an instance of self contradiction which is almost, if not quite, without parallel. But as I have showed elsewhere, at some length, it is a superficial and entirely erroneous view of David's last words, which supposes them to have been inspired by malice or cruelty. His absorbing idea was clearly this, that he had not "kept the charge of the Lord;" that he, the chief magistrate, the "revenger to execute wrath," by sparing Joab and Shimei, the murderer and the blasphemer, both of whose lives were forfeited to justice, had failed in his duty, had weakened the sanctions of law, and compromised the honour of the Most High. He is too old and too weak to execute the sentence of the law now, but for the safety of his people, for the security of his throne, it must be done, and therefore Solomon, who was under no obligation to spare the criminals his father had spared, must be required to do it. Of the Jewish king it might be said with a special propriety, "Rex est lex loquens," and seldom has the voice of law spoken with greater dignity and fidelity than by David in this dying charge. To say, as Harwood does, (Lange, American Trans., p. 32) that "nothing but sophistry can justify his [David's] charge to Solomon, not to let the unfortunate man [Shimei] die in peace," merely shows how imperfectly the writer has entered into the spirit of the theocratic law, that law under which David lived, and by which alone he could be governed and govern others. <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/2-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now therefore, וְעַתָּה֙ (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not hold him guiltless, תְּנַקֵּ֔הוּ (tə·naq·qê·hū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5352.htm">Strong's 5352: </a> To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated for כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you אָ֑תָּה (’āt·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are a wise חָכָ֖ם (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> Wise man. אִ֥ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person You know וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֙ (wə·yā·ḏa‘·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know what אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you ought to do תַּֽעֲשֶׂה־ (ta·‘ă·śeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make to him לּ֔וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> to bring his gray head שֵׂיבָת֛וֹ (śê·ḇā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7872.htm">Strong's 7872: </a> Hoary head, old age down וְהוֹרַדְתָּ֧ (wə·hō·w·raḏ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to Sheol שְׁאֽוֹל׃ (šə·’ō·wl) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm">Strong's 7585: </a> Underworld (place to which people descend at death) in blood.” בְּדָ֖ם (bə·ḏām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore don't hold him guiltless (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 2:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 2:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/2-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 2:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 2:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>