"So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David" (I Kings 2:10).

About 1000 B.C., King David, second ruler over the unified nation of Israel, died in his capital city of Jerusalem. After about 70 years of life, including 40 years of ruling (seven years over Judah and 33 years over both Judah and Israel), David went "the way of all the earth" (2:2). However, this event was surrounded by anything but a peaceful scene.

At the news of David's failing condition, his oldest son at that time, Adonijah, took the initiative to proclaim himself to be king. And because his father didn't challenge him in this (1:6), Adonijah gathered a court of supporters and invited a select group of followers to his coronation. Nathan, the prophet, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not called. What followed was David's last victory over his enemies.

Nathan the prophet knew that God had ordained Solomon to be king, and spoke to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and she spoke to her husband David. The woeful story was told how even as they spoke, Adonijah's court was proclaiming "God save king Adonijah" (v.25).

David, in spite of his age and condition, still could take command. He reassured Bathsheba that Solomon would reign after him. Then he gathered his faithful leaders and instructed them what to do. Solomon was to ride to a second coronation site on David's own mule. Nathan was to anoint Solomon king over Israel, after which he would sit on the throne in David's stead. All this took place from David's deathbed. "And the king bowed himself upon the bed. And also thus said the king, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it" (1:47-48). David was a man after God's own heart who would fulfill His will (Acts 13:22). KBC