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Take courage and be a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong, and prove yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“I am going the way of all the earth. So you shall be strong, and be a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I am going the way of all the earth [as dust to dust]. Be strong and prove yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and be a man,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and be courageous like a man,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I am going the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I go the way of all the earth: he thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I'm about to leave this world. Be strong and mature.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"My time to die has come. Be confident and determined, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I'm headed down the road that everyone who lives on earth travels, so be strong and demonstrate that you're a grown man <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"I am about to die. Be strong and become a man!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"I am going the way of all the earth. You be strong therefore, and show yourself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“I am going the way of all the earth. You be strong therefore, and show yourself a man; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“I am going in the way of all the earth, and you have been strong, and become a man,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'I am going in the way of all the earth, and thou hast been strong, and become a man,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I go in the way of all the earth: and be thou strong, and be for a man;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I am going the way of all flesh: take thou courage, and shew thyself a man. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“I am entering the way of all the earth. Be strengthened and be a good man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong and be a man!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I go the way of all the earth; be strong therefore, and show yourself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“I shall go in the way of all the Earth. Be strong and be a man.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I go the way of all the earth; be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />but be thou strong, and shew thyself a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/2-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=578" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/2.htm">David Instructs Solomon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">am about to go</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bə·ḏe·reḵ (Prep-b:: N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the earth.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: wə·ḥā·zaq·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">So be strong</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yî·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and prove yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: lə·’îš (Prep-l:: 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.">a man.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/23-14.htm">Joshua 23:14</a></span><br />Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">2 Timothy 4:6-7</a></span><br />For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. / I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-7.htm">Deuteronomy 31:7-8</a></span><br />Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/22-13.htm">1 Chronicles 22:13</a></span><br />Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a></span><br />Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-9.htm">1 Samuel 4:9</a></span><br />Take courage and be men, O Philistines! Otherwise, you will serve the Hebrews just as they served you. Now be men and fight!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20</a></span><br />I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-20.htm">1 Chronicles 28:20</a></span><br />David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-6.htm">Joshua 1:6-7</a></span><br />Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a></span><br />Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a></span><br />Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-13.htm">2 Peter 1:13-15</a></span><br />I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, / because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. / And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a></span><br />Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">2 Samuel 23:1-2</a></span><br />These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: / The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I go the way of all the earth: be you strong therefore, and show yourself a man;</p><p class="hdg">I go</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/23-14.htm">Joshua 23:14</a></b></br> And, behold, this day I <i>am</i> going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, <i>and</i> not one thing hath failed thereof.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-22.htm">Job 16:22</a></b></br> When a few years are come, then I shall go the way <i>whence</i> I shall not return.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-23.htm">Job 30:23</a></b></br> For I know <i>that</i> thou wilt bring me <i>to</i> death, and <i>to</i> the house appointed for all living.</p><p class="hdg">be thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/17-19.htm">Deuteronomy 17:19,20</a></b></br> And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a></b></br> Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he <i>it is</i> that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-6.htm">Joshua 1:6,7</a></b></br> Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them… </p><p class="hdg">and shew</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a></b></br> And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I <i>am but</i> a little child: I know not <i>how</i> to go out or come in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a></b></br> Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</a></b></br> Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this <i>is</i> the whole <i>duty</i> of man.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">Courage</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-7.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-27.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-49.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/17-25.htm">Courage</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-10.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">Show</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-12.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-4.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">David, having given a charge to Solomon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">of Reverence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">of Joab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">of Barzillai</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">of Shimei</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-10.htm">Solomon succeeds</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-12.htm">Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-13.htm">is put to death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-26.htm">Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/2-36.htm">Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>I am about to go the way of all the earth.</b><br>This phrase reflects the universal reality of mortality. David, nearing the end of his life, acknowledges the inevitability of death, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:20</a>). The phrase "the way of all the earth" suggests that death is a common destiny for all living beings, emphasizing the transient nature of human life. This acknowledgment of mortality is a call to live with an eternal perspective, as seen in <a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a>, where Moses prays for wisdom to number our days. David's awareness of his impending death also sets the stage for the transfer of leadership to Solomon, highlighting the importance of succession and legacy in biblical narratives.<p><b>So be strong</b><br>David's exhortation to Solomon to "be strong" is a call to courage and resilience. This command is reminiscent of God's charge to Joshua in <a href="/joshua/1-6.htm">Joshua 1:6-9</a>, where strength and courage are linked to obedience to God's law. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings were expected to be strong leaders, both militarily and morally. The strength David refers to is not merely physical but also spiritual and moral, requiring reliance on God. This call to strength is foundational for Solomon's future role as king, emphasizing the need for divine wisdom and guidance, as later seen in Solomon's request for wisdom in <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>.<p><b>and prove yourself a man.</b><br>In the cultural context of ancient Israel, proving oneself a man involved fulfilling one's responsibilities and living according to God's commandments. This phrase implies maturity, responsibility, and adherence to God's covenant. It echoes the biblical ideal of manhood, which includes leadership, integrity, and faithfulness to God's law. The concept of manhood here is not just about age or physical prowess but about character and spiritual maturity. This charge to Solomon is a reminder of the covenantal responsibilities of the king, as outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18-20</a>, and foreshadows the need for Solomon to lead with wisdom and justice, qualities ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the perfect King.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his leadership. At this point, he is nearing the end of his life and is giving final instructions to his son Solomon.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The son of David and Bathsheba, who is about to succeed David as king. He is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building the Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which David has reigned and Solomon will soon rule. It is a united kingdom at this time, consisting of the twelve tribes.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, where David established his throne and where Solomon will continue to reign.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_way_of_all_the_earth.htm">The Way of All the Earth</a></b><br>A phrase indicating death, emphasizing the mortality of all human beings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_mortality.htm">The Universality of Mortality</a></b><br>David acknowledges his impending death, reminding us of the brevity of life and the importance of living with purpose and intention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strength_and_courage_in_leadership.htm">Strength and Courage in Leadership</a></b><br>David's charge to Solomon to "be strong" is a call to moral and spiritual fortitude, essential for godly leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/proving_manhood_through_obedience.htm">Proving Manhood through Obedience</a></b><br>The phrase "prove yourself a man" suggests that true maturity and manhood are demonstrated through obedience to God's commands and fulfilling one's responsibilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_succession.htm">Legacy and Succession</a></b><br>David's instructions to Solomon highlight the importance of preparing the next generation to carry on God's work, emphasizing mentorship and discipleship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god's_strength.htm">Reliance on God’s Strength</a></b><br>The call to be strong is not about self-reliance but about drawing strength from God, as seen throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_chr_6_18__can_a_building_house_god.htm">2 Chronicles 6:18: If the heavens cannot contain God, how can a physical building house His presence, and does this contradict other scriptures affirming God's omnipresence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_reject_leaders_in_psalm_146_3.htm">In Psalm 146:3, why reject human leaders entirely when other passages command respect for authorities?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_jerusalem's_'new_name'_reconciled.htm">How does the promise of a 'new name' for Jerusalem in Isaiah 62:2 reconcile with other biblical passages that describe unchanging divine names?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_know_jesus_as_your_savior.htm">Do you know Jesus as your Savior?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">I go the way of all the earth.</span>--Comp. <a href="/joshua/23-14.htm" title="And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you; all are come to pass to you, and not one thing has failed thereof.">Joshua 23:14</a>.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/2-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am about to go</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹלֵ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the way</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏe·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the earth.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֑רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So be strong</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחָזַקְתָּ֖</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥā·zaq·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and prove yourself</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיִ֥יתָֽ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yî·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאִֽישׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/2-2.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 2:2 I am going the way of all (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 2:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 2:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 2:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 2:3" /></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>