Before David died, he gave Solomon instructions
on how he should rule as king. He said,
“To be successful, you must be strong and
brave, and always walk in the ways of God’s
commandments.
“Kill Joab when the time is right. He murdered
two commanders of Israel – Abner, Saul’s
commander, and Amasa, his cousin. He didn’t
kill them on the battlefield. Both of these men
trusted him because it was a time of peace.
Don’t let him grow old peacefully.
“Remember that Shimei cursed me when I
was running from Absalom. He begged for mercy
and I said he could live. It’s up to you to punish
him. Deal with him according to your wisdom.”
Soon after that, David died and they buried him
in Jerusalem. He had been king...