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[a]Observe the ordinances of the Lord, your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and what he witnessed in writing in the law of Moses. In this way you will prosper in whatever you do and wherever you go. The Lord will keep the promise he made about me saying, ‘If your descendants heed their way and they walk before me faithfully with all of their heart and all of their soul, there will always be one of yours upon the throne of Israel.’

[b]“Now, you know what Joab, the son of Zeruiah, did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the army of Israel, to Abner, the son of Ner, and Amasa, the son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood during peacetime as if it were a time of war. The blood of battle is upon the belt around his waist and the sandals upon his feet.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Kings 2:3 King David advised Solomon to be true to the One who had promised him and his descendants to remain in power. This promise hinged on their obedience to the Lord and ultimately would be broken by their disobedience.
  2. 1 Kings 2:5 King David continues to share the political strategy that he has learned and that will enable Solomon to secure his throne. In modern terms: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. In some cases, it might be necessary to eliminate those who will not serve God.