Just or Just Facts

1 Kings 1-4

Sometimes when reading through scripture, especially the Old Testament, I have to wonder whether the word is just reciting the facts as they occurred or providing an example of righteous, just actions... 1Kings begins just that way. King David has just named Solomon as his successor and is now giving him his last words of advice when he comes up with the following:

• Concerning Joab... Do with him what you think best, but don’t let him grow old and go to his grave in peace.
• Concerning Shimei son of Gera... I swore by the Lord that I would not kill him. But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.

And then David died. Solomon did not have any trouble carrying out David's advice and more. First he has his brother Adonijah killed, then deposes Abiathar from his priestly duties, then has Joab killed on the altar of the Lord, then finally has Shimei killed when he leaves town to find his slaves.

Was all that God's plan? Or was it just what happened? Sometimes it is hard to tell.