The Way of All the World

As David prepared to die and hand his kingdom over to his son Solomon, he called the king-to-be into his bedroom and gave him a charge. David began his address by saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth” (1 Ki 2:2). That’s such an interesting euphemism for death, for we’re reminded that death is “the way of all the earth”—everyone, except for those living at the time of Jesus’s return, will die. Neither you nor I can expect to leave this world alive: “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Rom 5:12).

Because he was “about to go the way of all the earth,” King David gave instruction to King Solomon.

• Be a man (1 Ki 2:2).
• Carefully follow the LORD’s instructions (1 Ki 2:3).
• Execute Joab (1 Ki 2:5-6).
• Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai (1 Ki 2:7).
• Bring the gray head of Shimei “down to the grave in blood” (1 Ki 2:9).

Since he had not yet been made the wisest person ever to live, Solomon needed his father’s wise counsel. David rightfully reminded him of a king’s obligation to follow God and to lead his people in doing right. David furthermore instructed his son about whom he could and could not trust; that was wise counsel for a king of God’s people.

Here’s the point: David knew the time of his death had approached, and he made sure, therefore, that his son knew how to conduct himself after he left this world. A parent has no more solemn obligation than giving wisdom to his children:

• “Impress [the LORD’s commands] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deut 6:7).
• Solomon said to his own son: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Prov 3:1–2).
• “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).

What lessons do you need to give your children? What counsel have you gained through the years that they need to know? What do you need to tell them about the God of heaven? What do you need to tell them about how the Lord Jesus has impacted your life? What have you learned about sin?

There’s nothing wrong and everything right with sitting our children down and giving them counsel before we “go the way of all the earth.” Even if our children are no longer at home, we surely have wisdom we wish to give. You can do so this very day.