Keraia
1 Kings 2

1 Kings 2:11

David’s Reign and Death · 1 Kings 2:10–12
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Translations

Modern
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
Traditional
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
Literal
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years—in Hebron he reigned seven years and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years.
Latin
Dies autem quibus regnavit David super Israël, quadraginta anni sunt: in Hebron regnavit septem annis; in Jerusalem, triginta tribus.

Original

Hebrew
English
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

Notes

1 Kings 2:10–12

David died peacefully after ruling for forty years, confident that Solomon, his chosen heir, would lead the kingdom. People have suggested different locations for David’s tomb, but none are confirmed (see Acts 2:29). Royal tombs were in use at least until the time of Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:21).

1 Kings 2:1–12

David gave Solomon his final advice in two parts:

1 Kings 1:1–2:12

The book of 1 Kings begins with the Lord's promise to David (see 2 Samuel 7:11–16). Solomon was the rightful and God-chosen heir to what God gave his father David. The problems during Solomon's rise to power suggested there would be more troubles later in his reign and between Israel and Judah in the future(1 Kings 1:1–2:46; 11:12–43).

Theme notes and profiles

Abiathar Bathsheba David Solomon

Events

Parallels

1 Chronicles 29:26–30

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Hebron: An important city in Judah; burial place of patriarchs Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Amasa Ithra Jether Kings, Books of First and Second Samuel, Books of First and Second Shimei Solomon (Person) Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

Topics

David: King of Israel: David Goes to Hebron, and is Anointed King by Judah David: King of Israel: Delivers his Charge to Solomon David: King of Israel: Length of Reign, Forty Years