"And when David's time to die drew near, he charged Solomon his son, saying, 'I am about to go the way of all the earth; be strong, and show yourself a man.'" — David's deathbed charge (*tzivvay*) is the patriarchal blessing transferred to the next generation, invoking *chozaq ve-hayah l'ish* (be strong and show yourself a man)—language of moral courage and covenantal responsibility, not mere martial strength. The phrase *bo'i be-derech kol-ha-'aretz* (I am going the way of all the earth) is the ancient Near Eastern euphemism for death, acknowledging the common destiny of all flesh yet suggesting David's awareness of having fulfilled his earthly vocation. The imperative *chozaq* (strengthen yourself) has eschatological weight—David summons Solomon to inherit not just a throne but a covenantal obligation.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse