1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 6
Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֖יתָ
Do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֖יתָ
Do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּחָכְמָתֶ֑ךָ
therefore according to thy wisdom
H2451
כְּחָכְמָתֶ֑ךָ
therefore according to thy wisdom
Strong's:
H2451
Word #:
2 of 7
wisdom (in a good sense)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תוֹרֵ֧ד
go down
H3381
תוֹרֵ֧ד
go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
4 of 7
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Cross References
1 Kings 2:9Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.Isaiah 48:22There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.Isaiah 57:21There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.Psalms 37:37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.Proverbs 28:17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.Proverbs 20:26A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.Ecclesiastes 8:11Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.