Of all the earth, i.e. of all men upon the earth. Compare Joshua 23:14 Hebrews 9:27. Be thou strong; for to govern his people according to the law of God, as it here follows, requires great fortitude or strength of mind; to arm himself against the subtle devices and evasions of some; against the flatteries and importunities of others; against terrors and dangers from revengeful men, and especially against himself and his own weakness, partiality, through fear or favour; and against all those evil thoughts and passions to which the temptations of their great wealth, and glory, and uncontrollable power naturally expose them. See Proverbs 16:32. Show thyself a man, in manly wisdom, and courage, and constancy, though thou art but young in years, 1 Chronicles 22:5.
Related Commentaries of 1 Kings 2:2
1 Kings 2:2
2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;