|
The
history now before us accounts for the affairs of the kingdoms
of Judah and Israel, yet with special regard to the kingdom of
God among them; for it is a sacred history. It is earlier as to
time, teaches much more, and is more interesting than any common
histories.
-
David's
declining age. (1Ki.1:1- 4)
-
Adonijah
aspires to the throne. (1Ki.1:5-10)
-
David
makes Solomon king. (1Ki.1:11-31)
-
Solomon
is anointed king,
and Adonijah's usurpation stopped.(1Ki.1:32-53)
| Vs.
1-4 |
We
have David sinking under infirmities. He was chastised
for his recent sins, and felt the effects of his former
toils and hardships.
|
| Vs.
5-10 |
Indulgent parents are often chastised
with disobedient children, who are anxious to possess
their estates.
No worldly wisdom, nor experience, nor sacredness of
character, can insure the continuance in any former
course of those who remain under the power of selflove.
But we may well wonder by what arts Joab and Abiathar
could be drawn aside.
|
| Vs.
11-31 |
Observe Nathan's address to
Bathsheba.
Let me give thee counsel how to save thy own life, and
the life of thy son. Such as this is the counsel
Christ's ministers give us in his name, to give all
diligence, not only that no man take our crown,
Rev.3:11, but that we save our lives, even the lives of
our souls. David made a solemn declaration of his firm
cleaving to his former resolution, that Solomon should
be his successor.
Even the recollection of the distresses from which the
Lord redeemed him, increased his comfort, inspired his
hopes, and animated him to his duty, under the decays of
nature and the approach of death.
|
| Vs.
32-53 |
The
people expressed great joy and satisfaction in the
elevation of Solomon.
Every
true Israelite rejoices in the exaltation of the Son of
David. Combinations formed upon evil principles will
soon be dissolved, when self-interest calls another way.
How can those who do evil deeds expect to have good
tidings? Adonijah had despised Solomon, but soon dreaded
him. We see here, as in a glass, Jesus, the Son of David
and the Son of God, exalted to the throne of glory,
notwithstanding all his enemies. His kingdom is far
greater than that of his father David, and therein all
the true people of God cordially rejoice.
The prosperity of his cause is vexation and terror to
his enemies. No horns of the altar, nor forms of
godliness, nor pretences to religion, can profit those
who will not submit to His authority, and accept of his
salvation and if their submission be hypocritical they
shall perish without remedy.
|
|