mh_parser/vol_split/11 - 1Kings/Chapter 2.xml

<div2 id="iKi.iii" n="iii" next="iKi.iv" prev="iKi.ii" progress="51.37%" title="Chapter II">
<h2 id="iKi.iii-p0.1">F I R S T   K I N G S</h2>
<h3 id="iKi.iii-p0.2">CHAP. II.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iKi.iii-p1">In this chapter we have David setting and Solomon
at the same time rising. I. The conclusion of David's reign with
his life. 1. The charge he gives to Solomon upon his death-bed, in
general, to serve God (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.1-1Kgs.2.4" parsed="|1Kgs|2|1|2|4" passage="1Ki 2:1-4">ver.
1-4</scripRef>), in particular, concerning Joab, Barzillai, and
Shimei, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.5-1Kgs.2.9" parsed="|1Kgs|2|5|2|9" passage="1Ki 2:5-9">ver. 5-9</scripRef>. 2. His
death and burial, and the years of his reign, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.10-1Kgs.2.11" parsed="|1Kgs|2|10|2|11" passage="1Ki 2:10,11">ver. 10, 11</scripRef>. II. The beginning of
Solomon's reign, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.12" parsed="|1Kgs|2|12|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:12">ver. 12</scripRef>.
Though he was to be a prince of peace, he began his reign with some
remarkable acts of justice, 1. Upon Adonijah, whom he put to death
for his aspiring pretensions, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.13-1Kgs.2.25" parsed="|1Kgs|2|13|2|25" passage="1Ki 2:13-25">ver.
13-25</scripRef>. 2. Upon Abiathar, whom he deposed from the high
priesthood for siding with Adonijah, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.26-1Kgs.2.27" parsed="|1Kgs|2|26|2|27" passage="1Ki 2:26,27">ver. 26, 27</scripRef>. 3. Upon Joab, who he put to
death for his late treasons and former murders, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.28-1Kgs.2.35" parsed="|1Kgs|2|28|2|35" passage="1Ki 2:28-35">ver. 28-35</scripRef>. 4. Upon Shimei, whom, for
cursing David, he confined to Jerusalem (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.36-1Kgs.2.38" parsed="|1Kgs|2|36|2|38" passage="1Ki 2:36-38">ver. 36-38</scripRef>), and three years after, for
transgressing the rules, put to death, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.39-1Kgs.2.46" parsed="|1Kgs|2|39|2|46" passage="1Ki 2:39-46">ver. 39-46</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iKi.iii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2" parsed="|1Kgs|2|0|0|0" passage="1Ki 2" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iKi.iii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.1-1Kgs.2.11" parsed="|1Kgs|2|1|2|11" passage="1Ki 2:1-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Kgs.2.1-1Kgs.2.11">
<h4 id="iKi.iii-p1.12">David's Dying Charge; David's Death and
Burial. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p1.13">b. c.</span> 1015.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iKi.iii-p2">1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should
die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,   2 I go the way
of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man;
  3 And keep the charge of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p2.1">Lord</span> thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his
statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his
testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest
prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest
thyself:   4 That the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p2.2">Lord</span> may
continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy
children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with
all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee
(said he) a man on the throne of Israel.   5 Moreover thou
knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, <i>and</i>
what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner
the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and
shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his
girdle that <i>was</i> about his loins, and in his shoes that
<i>were</i> on his feet.   6 Do therefore according to thy
wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
  7 But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the
Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so
they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.  
8 And, behold, <i>thou hast</i> with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a
Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the
day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan,
and I sware to him by the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p2.3">Lord</span>,
saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.   9 Now
therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou <i>art</i> a wise man,
and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head
bring thou down to the grave with blood.   10 So David slept
with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.   11
And the days that David reigned over Israel <i>were</i> forty
years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years
reigned he in Jerusalem.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p3">David, that great and good man, is here a
dying man (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.1" parsed="|1Kgs|2|1|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), and
a dead man, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.10" parsed="|1Kgs|2|10|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>.
It is well there is another life after this, for death stains all
the glory of this, and lays it in the dust. We have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p4">I. The charge and instructions which David,
when he was dying, gave to Solomon, his son and declared successor.
He feels himself declining, and is not backward to own it, nor
afraid to hear or speak of dying: <i>I go the way of all the
earth,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.2" parsed="|1Kgs|2|2|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. Heb.
<i>I am walking in it.</i> Note, Death is a way; not only a period
of this life, but a passage to a better. It is <i>the way of all
the earth,</i> of all mankind who dwell on earth, and are
themselves earth, and therefore must return to their earth. Even
the sons and heirs of heaven must <i>go the way of all the
earth,</i> they must needs die; but they walk with pleasure in this
way, <i>through the valley of the shadow of death,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.23.4" parsed="|Ps|23|4|0|0" passage="Ps 23:4">Ps. xxiii. 4</scripRef>. Prophets, and even
kings, must go this way to brighter light and honour than prophecy
or sovereignty. David is going this way, and therefore gives
Solomon directions what to do.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p5">1. He charges him, in general, to keep
God's commandments and to make conscience of his duty, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.2-1Kgs.2.4" parsed="|1Kgs|2|2|2|4" passage="1Ki 2:2-4"><i>v.</i> 2-4</scripRef>. He prescribes to him,
(1.) A good rule to act by—the divine will: "Govern thyself by
that." David's charge to him is to <i>keep the charge of the
Lord</i> his <i>God.</i> The authority of a dying father is much,
but nothing to that of a living God. There are great trusts which
we are charged with by the Lord our God—let us keep them
carefully, as those that must give account; and excellent statutes,
which we must be ruled by—let us also keep them. The written word
is our rule. Solomon must himself do <i>as was written in the law
of Moses.</i> (2.) A good spirit to act with: Be <i>strong and show
thyself a man,</i> though in years but a child. Those that would
keep the charge of the Lord their God must put on resolution. (3.)
Good reasons for all this. This would effectually conduce, [1.] To
the prosperity of his kingdom. It is the way to <i>prosper in all
thou doest,</i> and to succeed with honour and satisfaction in
every undertaking. [2.] To the perpetuity of it: <i>That the Lord
may continue</i> and so confirm <i>his word which he spoke
concerning me.</i> Those that rightly value the treasure of the
promise, that sacred <i>depositum,</i> cannot but be solicitous to
preserve the entail of it, and very desirous that those who come
after them may do nothing to cut it off. Let each, in his own age,
successively, keep God's charge, and then God will be sure to
continue his word. We never let fall the promise till we let fall
the precept. God had promised David that the Messiah should come
from his loins, and that promise was absolute: but the promise that
there should not fail him <i>a man on the throne of Israel</i> was
conditional—if his seed behave themselves as they should. If
Solomon, in his day, fulfil the condition, he does his part towards
the perpetuating of the promise. The condition is that he walk
before God in all his institutions, in sincerity, with zeal and
resolution; and, in order hereunto, that he <i>take heed to his
way.</i> In order to our constancy in religion, nothing is more
necessary than caution and circumspection.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p6">2. He gives him directions concerning some
particular persons, what to do with them, that he might make up his
deficiencies in justice to some and kindness to others. (1.)
Concerning Joab, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.5" parsed="|1Kgs|2|5|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>. David was now conscious to himself that he had not
done well to spare him, when he had made himself once again
obnoxious to the law, but the murder of Abner first and afterwards
of Amasa, both of them great men, <i>captains of the hosts of
Israel.</i> He slew them treacherously (<i>shed the blood of war in
peace</i>), and injuriously to David: <i>Thou knowest what</i> he
<i>did to me</i> therein. The murder of a subject is a wrong to the
prince, it is a loss to him, and is against the peace of our
sovereign lord the king. These murders were particularly against
David, reflecting upon his reputation, he being, at that time, in
treaty with the victims, and hazarded his interest, which they were
very capable of serving. Magistrates are the avengers of the blood
of those they have the charge of. It aggravated Joab's crime that
he was neither ashamed of the sin nor afraid of the punishment, but
daringly wore the girdle and shoes that were stained with innocent
blood, in defiance of the justice both of God and the king. David
refers him to Solomon's wisdom (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.6" parsed="|1Kgs|2|6|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), with an intimation that he left
him to his justice. Say not, "He has a hoary head; it is a pity it
should be cut off, for it will shortly fall of itself." No, let it
not <i>go down to the grave in peace.</i> Though he has been long
reprieved, he shall be reckoned with at last; time does not wear
out the guilt of any sin, particularly that of murder. (2.)
Concerning Barzillai's family, to whom he orders him to be kind for
Barzillai's sake, who, we may suppose, by this time, was dead,
<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.7" parsed="|1Kgs|2|7|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. When David,
upon his death-bed, was remembering the injuries that had been
done, he could not forget the kindnesses that had been shown, but
leaves it as a charge upon his son to return them. Note, the
kindnesses we have received from our friends must not be buried
either in their graves or ours, but our children must return them
to theirs. Hence, perhaps, Solomon fetched that rule (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Prov.27.10" parsed="|Prov|27|10|0|0" passage="Pr 27:10">Prov. xxvii. 10</scripRef>), <i>Thy own friend,
and thy father's friend, forsake not.</i> Paul prays for the house
of Onesiphorus, who had often refreshed him. (3.) Concerning
Shimei, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.8-1Kgs.2.9" parsed="|1Kgs|2|8|2|9" passage="1Ki 2:8,9"><i>v.</i> 8, 9</scripRef>.
[1.] His crime is remembered: <i>He cursed me with a grievous
curse;</i> the more grievous because he insulted him when he was in
misery and poured vinegar into his wounds. The Jews say that one
thing which made this a grievous curse was that, besides all that
is mentioned (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p6.6" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.16.1-2Sam.16.23" parsed="|2Sam|16|1|16|23" passage="2Sa 16:1-23">2 Sam.
xvi.</scripRef>), Shimei upbraided him with his descent from Ruth
the Moabitess. [2.] His pardon is not forgotten. David owned he had
sworn to him that he would not himself put him to death, because he
seasonably submitted, and cried <i>Peccavi—I have sinned,</i> and
he was not willing, especially at that juncture, to use the sword
of public justice for the avenging of wrongs done to himself. But,
[3.] His case, as it now stands, is left with Solomon, as one that
knew what was fit to be done and would do as he found occasion.
David intimates to him that his pardon was not designed to be
perpetual, but only a reprieve for David's life: "<i>Hold him not
guiltless;</i> do not think him any true friend to thee or thy
government, nor fit to be trusted. He has no less malice than he
had then, though he has more sense to conceal it. He is still a
debtor to the public justice for what he did then; and, though I
promised him that I would not put him to death, I never promised
that my successor should not. His turbulent spirit will soon give
thee an occasion, which thou shouldst not fail to take, for the
bringing of his <i>hoary head to the grave with blood.</i>" This
proceeded not from personal revenge, but a prudent zeal for the
honour of the government and the covenant God had made with his
family, the contempt of which ought not to go unpunished. Even a
hoary head, if a guilty and forfeited head, ought not to be any
man's protection from justice. <i>The sinner, being a hundred years
old, shall be accursed,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p6.7" osisRef="Bible:Isa.65.20" parsed="|Isa|65|20|0|0" passage="Isa 65:20">Isa. lxv.
20</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p7">II. David's death and burial (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.10" parsed="|1Kgs|2|10|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>): He <i>was buried in
the city of David,</i> not in the burying place of his father, as
Saul was, but in his own city, which he was the founder of. There
were set the thrones, and there the tombs, of the house of David.
Now <i>David, after he had served his own generation, by the will
of God, fell asleep, and was laid to his fathers, and saw
corruption,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Acts.13.36" parsed="|Acts|13|36|0|0" passage="Ac 13:36">Acts xiii.
36</scripRef>, and see <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Acts.2.29" parsed="|Acts|2|29|0|0" passage="Ac 2:29">Acts ii.
29</scripRef>. His epitaph may be taken from <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.23.1" parsed="|2Sam|23|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 23:1">2 Sam. xxiii. 1</scripRef>. Here lies <i>David the son
of Jesse, the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the
God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel,</i> adding his own
words (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.16.9" parsed="|Ps|16|9|0|0" passage="Ps 16:9">Ps. xvi. 9</scripRef>), <i>My
flesh also shall rest in hope.</i> Josephus says that, besides the
usual magnificence with which his son Solomon buried him, he put
into his sepulchre a vast deal of money; and that 1300 years after
(so he reckons) it was opened by Hircanus the high priest, in the
time of Antiochus, and 3000 talents were taken out for the public
service. The years of his reign are here computed (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.11" parsed="|1Kgs|2|11|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>) to be forty years; the
odd six months which he reigned above seven years in Hebron are not
reckoned, but the even sum only.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iKi.iii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.12-1Kgs.2.25" parsed="|1Kgs|2|12|2|25" passage="1Ki 2:12-25" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Kgs.2.12-1Kgs.2.25">
<h4 id="iKi.iii-p7.8">Adonijah's Impudent Request; Adonijah Put to
Death. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p7.9">b. c.</span> 1015.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iKi.iii-p8">12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his
father; and his kingdom was established greatly.   13 And
Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of
Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said,
Peaceably.   14 He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto
thee. And she said, Say on.   15 And he said, Thou knowest
that the kingdom was mine, and <i>that</i> all Israel set their
faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned
about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p8.1">Lord</span>.   16 And now I ask one petition
of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.   17 And
he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will
not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.
  18 And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the
king.   19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to
speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and
bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a
seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right
hand.   20 Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee;
<i>I pray thee,</i> say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask
on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.   21 And she said,
Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to
wife.   22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother,
And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for
him the kingdom also; for he <i>is</i> mine elder brother; even for
him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.
  23 Then king Solomon sware by the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p8.2">Lord</span>, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if
Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.   24
Now therefore, <i>as</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p8.3">Lord</span>
liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of
David my father, and who hath made me a house, as he promised,
Adonijah shall be put to death this day.   25 And king Solomon
sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon
him that he died.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p9">Here is, I. Solomon's accession to the
throne, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.12" parsed="|1Kgs|2|12|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. He
came to it much more easily and peaceably than David did, and much
sooner saw his government established. It is happy for a kingdom
when the end of one good reign is the beginning of another, as it
was here.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p10">II. His just and necessary removal of
Adonijah his rival, in order to the establishment of his throne.
Adonijah had made some bold pretensions to the crown, but was soon
obliged to let them fail and throw himself upon Solomon's mercy,
who dismissed him upon his good behaviour, and, had he been easy,
he might have been safe. But here we have him betraying himself
into the hands of Solomon's justice, and falling by it, the
righteous God leaving him to himself, that he might be punished for
his former treason and that Solomon's throne might be established.
Many thus ruin themselves, because they know not when they are well
off, or well done to; and sinners, by presuming on God's patience,
treasure up wrath to themselves. Now observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p11">1. Adonijah's treasonable project, which
was to marry Abishag, David's concubine, not because he was in love
with her, but because, by her, he hoped to renew his claim to the
crown, which might stand him in stead, or because it was then
looked upon as a branch of the government to have <i>the wives of
the predecessor,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.12.8" parsed="|2Sam|12|8|0|0" passage="2Sa 12:8">2 Sam. xii.
8</scripRef>. Absalom thought his pretensions much supported by
lying with his father's concubines. Adonijah flatters himself that
if he may succeed him in his bed, especially with the best of his
wives, he may by that means step up to succeed him in his throne.
Restless and turbulent spirits reach high. It was but a small game
to play at, as it should seem, yet he hoped to make it an
after-game for the kingdom, and now to gain that by a wife which he
could not gain by force.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p12">2. The means he used to compass this. He
durst not make suit to Abishag immediately (he knew she was at
Solomon's disposal, and he would justly resent it if his consent
were not first obtained, as even Ishbosheth did, in a like case,
<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.3.7" parsed="|2Sam|3|7|0|0" passage="2Sa 3:7">2 Sam. iii. 7</scripRef>), nor durst he
himself apply immediately to Solomon, knowing that he lay under his
displeasure; but he engaged Bathsheba to be his friend in this
matter, who would be forward to believe it a matter of love, and
not apt to suspect it a matter of policy. Bathsheba was surprised
to see Adonijah in her apartment, and asked him if he did not come
with a design to do her a mischief, because she had been
instrumental to crush his late attempt. "No," says he, "I come
<i>peaceably</i> (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.13" parsed="|1Kgs|2|13|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>), and to beg a favour" (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.14" parsed="|1Kgs|2|14|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>), that she would use the great
interest she had in her son to gain his consent, that he might
marry Abishag (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.16-1Kgs.2.17" parsed="|1Kgs|2|16|2|17" passage="1Ki 2:16,17"><i>v.</i> 16,
17</scripRef>), and, if he may but obtain this, he will thankfully
accept it, (1.) As a compensation for his loss of the kingdom. He
insinuates (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.15" parsed="|1Kgs|2|15|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>),
"Thou knowest the kingdom was mine, as my father's eldest son,
living at the time of his death, <i>and all Israel set their faces
on me.</i>" This was false; they were but a few that he had on his
side; yet thus he would represent himself as an object of
compassion, that had been deprived of a crown, and therefore might
well be gratified in a wife. If he may not inherit his father's
throne, yet let him have something valuable that was his father's,
to keep for his sake, and let it be Abishag. (2.) As his reward for
his acquiescence in that loss. He owns Solomon's right to the
kingdom: "<i>It was his from the Lord.</i> I was foolish in
offering to contest it; and now that it is turned about to him I am
satisfied." Thus he pretends to be well pleased with Solomon's
accession to the throne, when he is doing all he can to give him
disturbance. <i>His words were smoother than butter, but war was in
his heart.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p13">3. Bathsheba's address to Solomon on his
behalf. She promised to speak to the king for him (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.18" parsed="|1Kgs|2|18|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>) and did so, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.19" parsed="|1Kgs|2|19|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. Solomon received her
with all the respect that was due to a mother, though he himself
was a king: He <i>rose up to meet her, bowed himself to her,</i>
and caused her <i>to sit on his right hand,</i> according to the
law of the fifth commandment. Children, not only when grown up, but
when grown great, must give honour to their parents, and behave
dutifully and respectfully towards them. <i>Despise not thy mother
when she is old.</i> As a further instance of the deference he paid
to his mother's wisdom and authority, when he understood she had a
petition to present to him, he promised not to say her nay, a
promise which both he and she understood with this necessary
limitation, provided it be just and reasonable and fit to be
granted; but, if it were otherwise, he was sure he should convince
her that it was so, and that then she would withdraw it. She tells
him her errand at last (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.21" parsed="|1Kgs|2|21|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>): <i>Let Abishag be given to Adonijah thy
brother.</i> It was strange that she did not suspect the treason,
but more strange that she did not abhor the incest, that was in the
proposal. But either she did not take Abishag to be David's wife,
because the marriage was not consummated, or she thought it might
be dispensed with to gratify Adonijah, in consideration of his tame
submission to Solomon. This was her weakness and folly: it was well
that she was not regent. Note, Those that have the ear of princes
and great men, as it is their wisdom not to be too prodigal of
their interest, so it is their duty never to use it for the
assistance of sin or the furtherance of any wicked design. Let not
princes be asked that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes
a good man to prefer a bad request or appear in a bad cause.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p14">4. Solomon's just and judicious rejection
of the request. Though his mother herself was the advocate, and
called it <i>a small petition,</i> and perhaps it was the first she
had troubled him with since he was king, yet he denied it, without
violation of the general promise he had made, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.20" parsed="|1Kgs|2|20|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>. If Herod had not had a mind to
cut off John Baptist's head, he would not have thought himself
obliged to do it by a general promise, like this, made to Herodias.
The best friend we have in the world must not have such an interest
in us as to bring us to do a wrong thing, either unjust or unwise.
(1.) Solomon convinces his mother of the unreasonableness of the
request, and shows her the tendency of it, which, before, she was
not aware of. His reply is somewhat sharp: "<i>Ask for him the
kingdom also,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.22" parsed="|1Kgs|2|22|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:22"><i>v.</i>
22</scripRef>. To ask that he may succeed the king in his bed is,
in effect, to ask that he may succeed him in his throne; for that
is it he aims at." Probably he had information, or cause for a
strong suspicion, that Adonijah was plotting with Joab and Abiathar
to give him disturbance, which warranted him to put this
construction upon Adonijah's request. (2.) He convicts and condemns
Adonijah for his pretensions, and both with an oath. He convicts
him out of his own mouth, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.23" parsed="|1Kgs|2|23|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>. His own tongue shall fall upon him; and a heavier
load a man needs not fall under. Bathsheba may be imposed upon, but
Solomon cannot; he plainly sees what Adonijah aims at, and
concludes, "He has <i>spoken this word against his own life;</i> he
is snared in the words of his own lips; now he shows what he would
be at." He condemns him to die immediately: <i>He shall be put to
death this day,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.24" parsed="|1Kgs|2|24|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:24"><i>v.</i>
24</scripRef>. God had himself declared with an oath that he would
establish David's throne (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.89.35" parsed="|Ps|89|35|0|0" passage="Ps 89:35">Ps. lxxxix.
35</scripRef>), and therefore Solomon pledges the same assurance to
secure that establishment, by cutting off the enemies of it. "As
God liveth, that establisheth the government, Adonijah shall die,
that would unsettle it." Thus the ruin of the enemies of Christ's
kingdom is as sure as the stability of his kingdom, and both are as
sure as the being and life of God, the founder of it. The warrant
is immediately signed for his execution, and no less a man than
Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, general of the army, is ordered to be
the executioner, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p14.6" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.25" parsed="|1Kgs|2|25|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:25"><i>v.</i>
25</scripRef>. It is strange that Adonijah may not be heard to
speak for himself: but Solomon's wisdom did not see it needful to
examine the matter any further; it was plain enough that Adonijah
aimed at the crown, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived.
Ambitious turbulent spirits commonly prepare for themselves the
instruments of death. Many a head has been lost by catching at a
crown.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iKi.iii-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.26-1Kgs.2.34" parsed="|1Kgs|2|26|2|34" passage="1Ki 2:26-34" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Kgs.2.26-1Kgs.2.34">
<h4 id="iKi.iii-p14.8">Joab Put to Death. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p14.9">b. c.</span> 1015.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iKi.iii-p15">26 And unto Abiathar the priest said the king,
Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou <i>art</i>
worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death,
because thou barest the ark of the Lord <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.1">God</span> before David my father, and because thou
hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.  
27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.2">Lord</span>; that he might fulfil the word of the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.3">Lord</span>, which he spake concerning the
house of Eli in Shiloh.   28 Then tidings came to Joab: for
Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom.
And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.4">Lord</span>, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
  29 And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the
tabernacle of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.5">Lord</span>; and, behold,
<i>he is</i> by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of
Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.   30 And Benaiah came to
the tabernacle of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.6">Lord</span>, and said
unto him, Thus saith the king, Come forth. And he said, Nay; but I
will die here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying,
Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.   31 And the king
said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him;
that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed,
from me, and from the house of my father.   32 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.7">Lord</span> shall return his blood upon his own
head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and
slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing <i>thereof,
to wit,</i> Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel,
and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.  
33 Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and
upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his
seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace
for ever from the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p15.8">Lord</span>.   34 So
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew
him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p16">Abiathar and Joab were both aiding and
abetting in Adonijah's rebellious attempt, and it is probable were
at the bottom of this new motion made of Adonijah for Abishag, and
it should seem Solomon knew it, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.22" parsed="|1Kgs|2|22|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. This was, in both, an
intolerable affront both to God and to the government, and the
worse because of their high station and the great influence their
examples might have upon many. They therefore come next to be
reckoned with. They are both equally guilty of the treason, but, in
the judgment passed upon them, a difference is made and with good
reason.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p17">I. Abiathar, in consideration of his old
services, is only degraded, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.26-1Kgs.2.27" parsed="|1Kgs|2|26|2|27" passage="1Ki 2:26,27"><i>v.</i> 26, 27</scripRef>. 1. Solomon convicts him,
and by his great wisdom finds him guilty: "<i>Thou art worthy of
death,</i> for joining with Adonijah, when thou knewest on whose
head God intended to set the crown." 2. He calls to mind the
respect he had formerly shown to David his father, and that he had
both ministered to him in holy things (<i>had borne before him the
ark of the Lord</i>), and also had tenderly sympathized with him in
his afflictions and been afflicted in them all, particularly when
he was in exile and distress both by Saul's persecution and
Absalom's rebellion. Note, Those that show kindness to God's people
shall have it remembered to their advantage one time or other. 3.
For this reason he spares Abiathar's life, but deposes him from his
offices, and confines him to his country seat at Anathoth, forbids
him the court, the city, the tabernacle, the altar, and all
inter-meddling in public business, with an intimation likewise that
he was upon his good behaviour, and that though Solomon did not put
him to death at this time he might another time, if he did not
conduct himself well. But, for the present, he was only thrust out
from being priest, as rendered unworthy that high station by the
opposition he had given to that which he knew to be the will of
God. Saul, for a supposed crime, had barbarously slain Abiathar's
father, and eighty-five priests, their families, and city. Solomon
spares Abiathar himself, though guilty of a real crime. Thus was
Saul's government ruined and Solomon's established. As men are to
God's ministers, they will find him to them. 4. The depriving of
Abiathar was the fulfilling of the threatening against the house of
Eli (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.2.30" parsed="|1Sam|2|30|0|0" passage="1Sa 2:30">1 Sam. ii. 30</scripRef>), for he
was the last high priest of that family. It was now above eighty
years since the ruin was threatened; but God's judgments, though
not executed speedily, will be executed surely.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p18">II. Joab, in consideration of his old sins,
is put to death.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p19">1. His guilty conscience sent him to the
horns of the altar. He heard that Adonijah was executed and
Abiathar deposed, and therefore, fearing his turn would be next, he
fled for refuge to the altar. Many that, in the day of their
security, care not for the service of the altar, will be glad of
the protection of it in the day of their distress. Some think Joab
designed thereby to devote himself for the future to a constant
attendance upon the altar, hoping thereby to obtain his pardon, as
some that have lived a dissolute life all their days have thought
to atone for their crimes by retiring into a monastery when they
are old, leaving the world when it has left them and no thanks to
them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p20">2. Solomon ordered him to be put to death
there for the murder of Abner and Amasa; for these were the crimes
upon which he thought fit to ground the sentence, rather than upon
his treasonable adherence to Adonijah. Joab was indeed worthy of
death for turning after Adonijah, in contempt of Solomon and his
designation to the throne, <i>though he had not turned after
Absalom,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.28" parsed="|1Kgs|2|28|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>.
Former fidelity will not serve to excuse any after treachery; yet,
besides that, Joab had merited well of the house of David, to which
and to his country he had done a great deal of good service in his
day, in consideration of which, it is probable, Solomon would have
pardoned him his offence against him (for clemency gives great
reputation and establishment to an infant government), and would
have only displaced him as he did Abiathar; but he must die for the
murders he had formerly been guilty of, which his father had
charged Solomon to call him to an account for. The debt he owed to
the innocent blood that was shed, by answering its cries with the
blood of him that shed, he could not pay himself, but left it to
his son to pay it, who, having power wherewithal, failed not to do
it. On this he grounds the sentence, aggravating the crime
(<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.32" parsed="|1Kgs|2|32|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>), that he
<i>fell upon two men more righteous and better than he,</i> that
had done him no wrong nor meant him any, and, had they lived, might
probably have done David better service (if the blood shed be not
only innocent, but excellent, the life more valuable that common
lives, the crime is the more heinous), that David knew not of it,
and yet the case was such that he would be suspected as privy to
it; so that Joab endangered his prince's reputation in taking away
the life of his rivals, which was a further aggravation. For these
crimes, (1.) He must die, and die by the sword of public justice.
<i>By man must his blood be shed,</i> and it lies upon his own head
(<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.32" parsed="|1Kgs|2|32|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>), as theirs
does whom he had murdered, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.33" parsed="|1Kgs|2|33|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:33"><i>v.</i>
33</scripRef>. Woe to the head that lies under the guilt of blood!
Vengeance for murder was long in coming upon Joab; but, when it did
come, it remained the longer, being here entailed <i>upon the head
of his seed for ever</i> (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.33" parsed="|1Kgs|2|33|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:33"><i>v.</i>
33</scripRef>), who, instead of deriving honour, as otherwise they
might have done, from his heroic actions, derived guilt, and shame,
and a curse, from his villainous actions, on account of which they
fared the worse in this world. The seed of such evil doers shall
never be renowned. (2.) He must die at the altar, rather than
escape. Joab resolved not to stir from the altar (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.6" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.30" parsed="|1Kgs|2|30|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>), hoping thereby either
to secure himself or else to render Solomon odious to the people,
as a profaner of the holy place, if he should put him to death
there. Benaiah made a scruple of either killing him there or
dragging him thence; but Solomon knew the law, that the altar of
God should give no protection to wilful murderers. <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.21.14" parsed="|Exod|21|14|0|0" passage="Ex 21:14">Exod. xxi. 14</scripRef>, <i>Thou shalt take him
from my altar that he may die,</i> may die a sacrifice. In case of
such sins as the blood of beasts would atone for the altar was a
refuge, but not in Joab's case. He therefore orders him to be
executed there, if he could not be got thence, to show that he
feared not the censure of the people in doing his duty, but would
rectify their mistake, and let them know that the administration of
justice is better than sacrifice, and that the holiness of any
place should never countenance the wickedness of any person. Those
who, by a lively faith, take hold on Christ and his righteousness,
with a resolution, if they perish, to perish there, shall find in
him a more powerful protection than Joab found at the horns of the
altar. Benaiah slew him (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p20.8" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.34" parsed="|1Kgs|2|34|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:34"><i>v.</i>
34</scripRef>), with the solemnity, no doubt, of a public
execution. The law being thus satisfied, he was <i>buried in his
own house in the wilderness,</i> privately, like a criminal, not
pompously, like a soldier; yet no indignity was done to his dead
body. It is not for man to lay the iniquity upon the bones,
whatever God does.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p21">3. Solomon pleased himself with this act of
justice, not as it gratified any personal revenge, but as it was
the fulfilling of his father's orders and a real kindness to
himself and his own government. (1.) Guilt was hereby removed,
<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.31" parsed="|1Kgs|2|31|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>. By returning
the innocent blood that had been shed upon the head of him that
shed it, it was taken away from him and from the house of his
father, which implies that the blood which is not required from the
murderer will be required from the magistrate, at least there is
danger lest it should. Those that would have their houses safe and
built up must put away iniquity far from them. (2.) Peace was
hereby secured (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.33" parsed="|1Kgs|2|33|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:33"><i>v.</i>
33</scripRef>) upon David. He does not mean his person, but, as he
explains himself in the next words, Upon <i>his seed, his house,
and his throne,</i> shall there be <i>peace for ever from the
Lord;</i> thus he expresses his desire that it may be so and his
hope that it shall be so. "Now that justice is done, and the cry of
blood is satisfied, the government will prosper." Thus
<i>righteousness and peace kiss each other.</i> Now that such a
turbulent man as Joab is removed there shall be peace. <i>Take away
the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be
established in righteousness,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.25.5" parsed="|Prov|25|5|0|0" passage="Pr 25:5">Prov.
xxv. 5</scripRef>. Solomon, in this blessing of peace upon his
house and throne, piously looks upward to God as the author of it.
"It shall be peace from the Lord, and peace for ever from the
Lord." The Lord of peace himself give us that peace which is
everlasting.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iKi.iii-p0.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.35-1Kgs.2.46" parsed="|1Kgs|2|35|2|46" passage="1Ki 2:35-46" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Kgs.2.35-1Kgs.2.46">
<h4 id="iKi.iii-p21.5">Shimei's Punishment. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p21.6">b. c.</span> 1014.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iKi.iii-p22">35 And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada
in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in
the room of Abiathar.   36 And the king sent and called for
Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and
dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.   37 For it
shall be, <i>that</i> on the day thou goest out, and passest over
the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt
surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.   38 And
Shimei said unto the king, The saying <i>is</i> good: as my lord
the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in
Jerusalem many days.   39 And it came to pass at the end of
three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto
Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying,
Behold, thy servants <i>be</i> in Gath.   40 And Shimei arose,
and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his
servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
  41 And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from
Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.   42 And the king sent
and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to
swear by the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p22.1">Lord</span>, and protested
unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out,
and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and
thou saidst unto me, The word <i>that</i> I have heard <i>is</i>
good.   43 Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p22.2">Lord</span>, and the commandment that I have
charged thee with?   44 The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou
knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou
didst to David my father: therefore the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p22.3">Lord</span> shall return thy wickedness upon thine own
head;   45 And king Solomon <i>shall be</i> blessed, and the
throne of David shall be established before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.iii-p22.4">Lord</span> for ever.   46 So the king commanded
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him,
that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of
Solomon.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p23">Here is, I. The preferment of Benaiah and
Zadok, two faithful friends to Solomon and his government,
<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.35" parsed="|1Kgs|2|35|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>. Joab being
put to death, Benaiah was advanced to be general of the forces in
his room, and, Abiathar being deposed, Zadok was made high priest
in his room, and therein was fulfilled the word of God, when he
threatened to cut off the house of Eli (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.2.35" parsed="|1Sam|2|35|0|0" passage="1Sa 2:35">1 Sam. ii. 35</scripRef>), <i>I will raise me up a
faithful priest, and will build him a sure house.</i> Though sacred
offices may be disgraced, they shall not be destroyed, by the
mal-administration of those that are entrusted with them, nor shall
God's work ever stand still for want of hands to carry it on. No
wonder that he who was a king so immediately of God's making was
empowered to make whom he though fit high priest; and he exercised
this power with equity, for the ancient right was in Zadok, he
being of the family of Eleazar, whereas Eli and his house were of
Ithamar.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.iii-p24">II. The course that was taken with Shimei.
He is sent for, by a messenger, from his house at Bahurim,
expecting perhaps no better than Adonijah's doom, being conscious
of his enmity to the house of David; but Solomon knows how to make
a difference of crimes and criminals. David had promised Shimei his
life for his time. Solomon is not bound by that promise, yet he
will not go directly contrary to it. 1. He confines him to
Jerusalem, and forbids him, upon any pretence whatsoever, to go out
of the city any further than the brook Kidron, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.36-1Kgs.2.37" parsed="|1Kgs|2|36|2|37" passage="1Ki 2:36,37"><i>v.</i> 36, 37</scripRef>. He would suffer him to
continue at his country seat lest he should make mischief among his
neighbours, but took him to Jerusalem, where he kept him prisoner
at large. This might make Shimei's confinement easy to himself, for
Jerusalem was beautiful for situation, <i>the joy of the whole
earth,</i> the royal city, the holy city (he had no reason to
complain of being shut up in such a paradise); it would also make
it the more safe for Solomon, for there he would have him under his
eye and be able to watch his motions; and he plainly tells him that
if he ever go out of the rules he shall certainly die for it. This
was a fair trial of his obedience, and such a test of his loyalty
as he had no reason to complain of. He has his life upon easy
terms: he shall live if he will but be content to live at
Jerusalem. 2. Shimei submits to the confinement, and thankfully
takes his life upon those terms. He enters into recognizance
(<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.38" parsed="|1Kgs|2|38|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:38"><i>v.</i> 38</scripRef>), under the
penalty of death, not to stir out of Jerusalem, and owns that the
saying is good. Even those that perish cannot but own the
conditions of pardon and life unexceptionable, so that their blood,
like Shimei's, must rest upon their own heads. Shimei promised,
with an oath, to keep within his bounds, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.42" parsed="|1Kgs|2|42|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:42"><i>v.</i> 42</scripRef>. 3. Shimei forfeits his
recognizance, which was the thing Solomon expected; and God was
righteous in suffering him to do it, that he might now suffer for
his old sins. Two of his servants (it seems, though he was a
prisoner, he lived like himself, well attended) ran from him to the
land of the Philistines, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.39" parsed="|1Kgs|2|39|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:39"><i>v.</i>
39</scripRef>. Thither he pursued them, and thence brought them
back to Jerusalem, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.40" parsed="|1Kgs|2|40|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:40"><i>v.</i>
40</scripRef>. For the keeping of it private he <i>saddled his
ass</i> himself, probably went in the night, and came home he
thought undiscovered. "Seeking his servants," says bishop Hall, "he
lost himself; those earthly things either are, or should be, our
servants. How commonly do we see men run out of the bounds set by
God's law, to hunt after them, till their souls incur a fearful
judgment!" 4. Solomon takes the forfeiture. Information is given
him that Shimei has transgressed, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.6" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.41" parsed="|1Kgs|2|41|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:41"><i>v.</i> 41</scripRef>. The king sends for him, and,
(1.) charges him with the present crime (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.7" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.42-1Kgs.2.43" parsed="|1Kgs|2|42|2|43" passage="1Ki 2:42,43"><i>v.</i> 42, 43</scripRef>), that he had put a great
contempt upon the authority and wrath both of God and the king,
that he had broken <i>the oath of the Lord</i> and disobeyed the
commandment of his prince, and by this it appeared what manner of
spirit he was of, that he would not be held by the bonds of
gratitude or conscience. Had he represented to Solomon the urgency
of the occasion, and begged leave to go, perhaps Solomon might have
given him leave; but to presume either upon his ignorance or his
connivance was to affront him in the highest degree. (2.) He
condemns him for his former crime, cursing David, and throwing
stones at him in the day of his affliction: <i>The wickedness which
thy heart is privy to,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.8" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.44" parsed="|1Kgs|2|44|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:44"><i>v.</i>
44</scripRef>. There was no need to examine witnesses for the proof
of the fact, his own conscience was instead of a thousand
witnesses. That wickedness which men's <i>own hearts</i> alone
<i>are privy to</i> is enough, if duly considered, to fill them
with confusion, in expectation of its return upon <i>their own
heads;</i> for if the heart be privy to it, God is greater than the
heart and knoweth all things. Others knew of Shimei's cursing
David, but Shimei himself knew of the wicked principles of hatred
and malice against David which he displayed in cursing him and that
his submission was but feigned and forced. (3.) He blessed himself
and his government (<scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.9" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.45" parsed="|1Kgs|2|45|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:45"><i>v.</i>
45.</scripRef>): <i>King Solomon shall be blessed,</i>
notwithstanding Shimei's impotent curses, which perhaps, in fury
and despair, he now vented freely: <i>Let them curse, but bless
thou.</i> And <i>the throne of David shall be established,</i> by
taking away those that would undermine it. It is a comfort, in
reference to the enmity of the church's enemies, that, how much
soever they rage, it is a vain thing they imagine. Christ's throne
is established, and they cannot shake it. (4.) He gives orders for
the execution of Shimei immediately, <scripRef id="iKi.iii-p24.10" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.2.46" parsed="|1Kgs|2|46|0|0" passage="1Ki 2:46">v. 46</scripRef>. All judgment is committed to the Lord
Jesus, and, though he be King of peace, he will be found a King of
righteousness; and this will shortly be his word of command
concerning all his enemies, that would not have him to reign over
them: <i>Bring them forth, and slay them before me;</i> the
reproaches of those that blasphemed him will fall on themselves, to
their eternal condemnation.</p>
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