1 Kings 2:45
ESV
But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever."
NIV
But King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain secure before the Lord forever."
NASB
But King Solomon will be blessed, and the throne of David will be established before the Lord forever.'
CSB
but King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain established before the Lord forever."
NLT
But may I, King Solomon, receive the Lord’s blessings, and may one of David’s descendants always sit on this throne in the presence of the Lord.'
KJV
And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord for ever.
NKJV
But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever.”
What does 1 Kings 2:45 mean?
Solomon is the first king of Israel to inherit his position. Saul received it through Samuel's anointing, and then immediately went into battle (1 Samuel 10:23–24; 11:1–11). David used patience, gifts, and his reputation as a fierce defender to convince the people to accept him as their king (1 Samuel 30:26–30; 2 Samuel 2:1–4; 5:1–2). Solomon was anointed in a last-minute ceremony surrounded by townspeople, while his brother Adonijah feasted with the leaders of Judah (1 Kings 1:38–42).God chose Solomon, and Solomon has had to fight to make sure God's plan is fulfilled. He's already executed or exiled three powerful men who conspired to make his brother king (1 Kings 2:25, 27, 35). Now, he orders the execution of Shimei the Benjaminite. This was the man who cursed David, disobeyed Solomon, and had shown the ability to gather large numbers of men at a moment's notice (2 Samuel 16:5–8; 19:16–17; 1 Kings 2:36–40).
As when he condemned Joab (1 Kings 2:33), Solomon declares that executing Shimei for his crime against David many years earlier is not only about justice. It also ensures God's promised blessing on Solomon by removing a threat and firmly establishing the throne of David forever. Solomon clearly takes seriously his responsibility not to squander his father's legacy. His goal is to make the kingdom more secure, understanding that this will fulfill God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12–16 about Solomon and those who would follow.
