A Father’s Helpful Words to His Son
by Gregory Roark
"Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 'I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, "If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul," He said, "you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel"’" (I Kings 2:1-4).
Some ways in which David’s words helped his son:
- David expected his son to be a good and responsible man. Often, if expectations are not communicated to a young person, not much effort is made. He may not be striving towards a clear goal because there are no expectations given to him. David told his son, “Prove yourself a man" and to keep the charge of the Lord (I Kings 2:2). Solomon could understand from his father that he needed to be a responsible man.
- David made clear the principles that his son should follow. Sometimes, children may have many goals, but what is most important is not emphasized. David instructed Solomon to “walk in the Lord’s ways and to keep His statutes“ (I Kings 2:3). Solomon could understand from his father that it was important to learn and keep all the laws of God.
- David gave his son encouragement. He told him to “be strong” (I Kings 2:2). Also, David said to him that he would prosper and that the Lord would keep His word (I Kings 2:4). Solomon, in this way, not only knew what was expected but also that there would be a good outcome if he served the Lord. Solomon was assured by his father that he could trust the Lord in the future because He was faithful. If Solomon and his successors were faithful, the Lord would continue to allow the descendants of David to be on the throne of Israel (I Kings 2:4).
I am thankful for the good things fathers do and have done for their sons and daughters.