2:4 If your sons pay close attention to their way. David’s instructions to Solomon echo God’s promises to David through the prophet Nathan in 2 Sam. 7:8–16 and reaffirmed in David’s prayer in 2 Sam. 7:18–29. Here David underscores the need for covenant faithfulness (cf. 8:25, 26; 9:4, 5).

with all their heart and . . . soul. These words are an allusion to Deut. 4:29 and 6:5. When Jesus is asked what is the greatest commandment, He too quotes from Deut. 6:5 (Matt. 22:35–40).