1 Kings 2 recounts the events surrounding the end of King David's life and the ascension of his son Solomon to the throne of Israel. As David's days drew near to his death, he instructed Solomon to walk in the ways of the Lord and follow His commands faithfully. David also advised Solomon to deal wisely with certain individuals who had posed threats to his reign.
Solomon's first task as the new king was to establish his authority by addressing some unfinished business. He ordered the execution of Joab, who had shed innocent blood and had been disloyal to both David and Solomon. Additionally, Solomon banished Abiathar, the priest, from serving at the altar due to his involvement in the rebellion led by Adonijah. However, Solomon showed kindness to Shimei by sparing his life as long as he stayed within Jerusalem's borders.
After dealing with these matters, Solomon consolidated his rule by arranging strategic marriages. He married Pharaoh's daughter, forming an alliance with Egypt, and captured Jerusalem's control by marrying Abishag, a beautiful woman who had attended to David in his old age.