1 Kings 2 begins with a short record of the death of David. Afterwards, Solomon takes the throne and quickly establishes himself as a strong king. He kills his brother Adonijah, and then turns his sword against Joab and Shimei. He refrains from killing Abiathar the priest but banishes him from Jerusalem.

In 1 Kings 1 is a transition chapter in the Bible story. David, the long-time king of Israel, is about to die. Adonijah, David’s son, seizes the opportunity to declare himself king, but Solomon, Bathsheba, and Nathan the prophet intervene. With David’s help, they anoint Solomon king, causing Adonijah’s allies to abandon him.