At our Bible study tonight, we looked at the death of David after forty years as king (see 1 Kings 2:1-12, 1 Chron 29:26-30). This is the end of an era (if not quite the end of our studies, as we will be looking at the psalms of David next time!) – and as we know from when Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, the end of a long reign can bring many mixed emotions. What is striking in this account is that David was prepared for his death and his last words are a charge to his son, Solomon, giving both practical and spiritual advice.
Death is the one sure thing about life (‘in the midst of life we are in death’), as Ecclesiastes 3 makes plain. David himself recognised that his times were in God’s hands (Ps 31:15) and had faced death on many occasions. He could face death with trust and faith because God was the constant in his life. We too have a hope beyond death (see 1 Thess 4:13-18) and can understand that death is likened to sleep or rest. We do not grieve as the world does with no hope, but have a glorious future to look forward to.
Life carries on after death (‘the king is dead; long live the king!‘) and David is concerned to give practical advice (about both his enemies and friends) to Solomon and to give spiritual advice (urging a life of wholehearted devotion and obedience to God.) We do well to prepare for our own death, both practically (such as making a will or sorting funeral arrangements out) and spiritually (ensuring we live in right relationship with God and with others.) Because of Christ, we need not fear death (Heb 2:14-15) and can leave a legacy of love and faith to pass on to others.