A reading from the book of First Kings.

When David's time to die drew near.

He commanded Solomon his son, saying,

I am about to go the way of all the earth.

Be strong and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God,

walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules

and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that

you do and wherever you turn. That the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning

me, saying, if your sons pay close attention to their way,

to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall

not lack a man on the throne of Israel.

Moreover, you also know what Joab, the son of Zeruya did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the

armies of Israel, Abner the son of Nur, and Amesa the son of Jethyr, whom he killed, avenging

in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt

around his waist and on the sandals on his feet.

Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his grey head go down to Sha'ol in

peace.

But deal loyally with the sons of Barzili the Gileadite, and let them be among those who

eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when

I fled from Absalom your brother.

And there is also with Yushimiye the son of Gira, the Benjaminite from Behurim, who cursed

me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mechayim.

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