Why does David even give this exhortation to Solomon? Is David, his father, trying to control Solomon? Is he feeling guilty because there have been times that he failed as a godly example? Note that he concludes verse 3 with the why of it all…

I Kings 2:2,3
“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”

This is a father’s heart, that his children would prosper in all that they do and wherever they go. David shared with his son essentially the same thing that Almighty God shared with Joshua as he led the people into the land that He had promised them….

Joshua 1:7
“Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”

Does it look familiar?

Be Strong ✔️
Be Courageous ✔️
Observe God’s Law ✔️
Obey God’s Law ✔️

And so it continues for each of us as 21st Century dads, we must exhort our sons as well as our daughters to be strong and courageous and to observe and obey God’s Law.

Question to Consider: When, where and how can I exhort my children in this manner?