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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [First Kings, Chapter II].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T K I N G S</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. II.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In this chapter we have David setting and Solomon at the same time
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rising.
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I. The conclusion of David's reign with his life.
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1. The charge he gives to Solomon upon his death-bed, in general, to
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serve God
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:1-4">ver. 1-4</A>),
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in particular, concerning Joab, Barzillai, and Shimei,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:5-9">ver. 5-9</A>.
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2. His death and burial, and the years of his reign,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:10,11">ver. 10, 11</A>.
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II. The beginning of Solomon's reign,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:12">ver. 12</A>.
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Though he was to be a prince of peace, he began his reign with some
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remarkable acts of justice,
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1. Upon Adonijah, whom he put to death for his aspiring pretensions,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:13-25">ver. 13-25</A>.
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2. Upon Abiathar, whom he deposed from the high priesthood for siding
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with Adonijah,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:26,27">ver. 26, 27</A>.
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3. Upon Joab, who he put to death for his late treasons and former
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murders,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:28-35">ver. 28-35</A>.
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4. Upon Shimei, whom, for cursing David, he confined to Jerusalem
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:36-38">ver. 36-38</A>),
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and three years after, for transgressing the rules, put to death,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:39-46">ver. 39-46</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>David's Dying Charge; David's Death and Burial.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1015.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he
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charged Solomon his son, saying,
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2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and
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show thyself a man;
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3 And keep the charge of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God, to walk in his ways,
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to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments,
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and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that
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thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever
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thou turnest thyself:
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4 That the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> may continue his word which he spake concerning
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me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk
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before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,
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there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of
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Israel.
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5 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did
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to me, <I>and</I> what he did to the two captains of the hosts of
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Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of
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Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put
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the blood of war upon his girdle that <I>was</I> about his loins, and
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in his shoes that <I>were</I> on his feet.
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6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar
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head go down to the grave in peace.
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7 But show kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite,
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and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came
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to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
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8 And, behold, <I>thou hast</I> with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a
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Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in
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the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at
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Jordan, and I sware to him by the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, saying, I will not put
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thee to death with the sword.
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9 Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou <I>art</I> a wise
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man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar
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head bring thou down to the grave with blood.
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10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city
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of David.
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11 And the days that David reigned over Israel <I>were</I> forty
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years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three
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years reigned he in Jerusalem.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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David, that great and good man, is here a dying man
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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and a dead man,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
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It is well there is another life after this, for death stains all the
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glory of this, and lays it in the dust. We have here,</P>
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<P>
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I. The charge and instructions which David, when he was dying, gave to
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Solomon, his son and declared successor. He feels himself declining,
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and is not backward to own it, nor afraid to hear or speak of dying:
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<I>I go the way of all the earth,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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Heb. <I>I am walking in it.</I> Note, Death is a way; not only a period
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of this life, but a passage to a better. It is <I>the way of all the
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earth,</I> of all mankind who dwell on earth, and are themselves earth,
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and therefore must return to their earth. Even the sons and heirs of
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heaven must <I>go the way of all the earth,</I> they must needs die;
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but they walk with pleasure in this way, <I>through the valley of the
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shadow of death,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+23:4">Ps. xxiii. 4</A>.
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Prophets, and even kings, must go this way to brighter light and honour
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than prophecy or sovereignty. David is going this way, and therefore
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gives Solomon directions what to do.</P>
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<P>
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1. He charges him, in general, to keep God's commandments and to make
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conscience of his duty,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:2-4"><I>v.</I> 2-4</A>.
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He prescribes to him,
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(1.) A good rule to act by--the divine will: "Govern thyself by that."
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David's charge to him is to <I>keep the charge of the Lord</I> his
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<I>God.</I> The authority of a dying father is much, but nothing to
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that of a living God. There are great trusts which we are charged with
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by the Lord our God--let us keep them carefully, as those that must
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give account; and excellent statutes, which we must be ruled by--let us
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also keep them. The written word is our rule. Solomon must himself do
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<I>as was written in the law of Moses.</I>
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(2.) A good spirit to act with: Be <I>strong and show thyself a
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man,</I> though in years but a child. Those that would keep the charge
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of the Lord their God must put on resolution.
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(3.) Good reasons for all this. This would effectually conduce,
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[1.] To the prosperity of his kingdom. It is the way to <I>prosper in
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all thou doest,</I> and to succeed with honour and satisfaction in
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every undertaking.
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[2.] To the perpetuity of it: <I>That the Lord may continue</I> and so
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confirm <I>his word which he spoke concerning me.</I> Those that
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rightly value the treasure of the promise, that sacred
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<I>depositum,</I> cannot but be solicitous to preserve the entail of
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it, and very desirous that those who come after them may do nothing to
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cut it off. Let each, in his own age, successively, keep God's charge,
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and then God will be sure to continue his word. We never let fall the
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promise till we let fall the precept. God had promised David that the
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Messiah should come from his loins, and that promise was absolute: but
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the promise that there should not fail him <I>a man on the throne of
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Israel</I> was conditional--if his seed behave themselves as they
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should. If Solomon, in his day, fulfil the condition, he does his part
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towards the perpetuating of the promise. The condition is that he walk
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before God in all his institutions, in sincerity, with zeal and
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resolution; and, in order hereunto, that he <I>take heed to his
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way.</I> In order to our constancy in religion, nothing is more
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necessary than caution and circumspection.</P>
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<P>
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2. He gives him directions concerning some particular persons, what to
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do with them, that he might make up his deficiencies in justice to some
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and kindness to others.
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(1.) Concerning Joab,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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David was now conscious to himself that he had not done well to spare
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him, when he had made himself once again obnoxious to the law, but the
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murder of Abner first and afterwards of Amasa, both of them great men,
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<I>captains of the hosts of Israel.</I> He slew them treacherously
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(<I>shed the blood of war in peace</I>), and injuriously to David:
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<I>Thou knowest what</I> he <I>did to me</I> therein. The murder of a
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subject is a wrong to the prince, it is a loss to him, and is against
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the peace of our sovereign lord the king. These murders were
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particularly against David, reflecting upon his reputation, he being,
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at that time, in treaty with the victims, and hazarded his interest,
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which they were very capable of serving. Magistrates are the avengers
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of the blood of those they have the charge of. It aggravated Joab's
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crime that he was neither ashamed of the sin nor afraid of the
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punishment, but daringly wore the girdle and shoes that were stained
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with innocent blood, in defiance of the justice both of God and the
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king. David refers him to Solomon's wisdom
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>),
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with an intimation that he left him to his justice. Say not, "He has a
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hoary head; it is a pity it should be cut off, for it will shortly fall
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of itself." No, let it not <I>go down to the grave in peace.</I> Though
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he has been long reprieved, he shall be reckoned with at last; time
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does not wear out the guilt of any sin, particularly that of murder.
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(2.) Concerning Barzillai's family, to whom he orders him to be kind
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for Barzillai's sake, who, we may suppose, by this time, was dead,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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When David, upon his death-bed, was remembering the injuries that had
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been done, he could not forget the kindnesses that had been shown, but
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leaves it as a charge upon his son to return them. Note, the kindnesses
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we have received from our friends must not be buried either in their
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graves or ours, but our children must return them to theirs. Hence,
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perhaps, Solomon fetched that rule
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:10">Prov. xxvii. 10</A>),
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<I>Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not.</I> Paul prays
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for the house of Onesiphorus, who had often refreshed him.
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(3.) Concerning Shimei,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:8,9"><I>v.</I> 8, 9</A>.
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[1.] His crime is remembered: <I>He cursed me with a grievous
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curse;</I> the more grievous because he insulted him when he was in
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misery and poured vinegar into his wounds. The Jews say that one thing
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which made this a grievous curse was that, besides all that is
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mentioned
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+16:1-23">2 Sam. xvi.</A>),
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Shimei upbraided him with his descent from Ruth the Moabitess.
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[2.] His pardon is not forgotten. David owned he had sworn to him that
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he would not himself put him to death, because he seasonably submitted,
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and cried <I>Peccavi--I have sinned,</I> and he was not willing,
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especially at that juncture, to use the sword of public justice for the
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avenging of wrongs done to himself. But,
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[3.] His case, as it now stands, is left with Solomon, as one that knew
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what was fit to be done and would do as he found occasion. David
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intimates to him that his pardon was not designed to be perpetual, but
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only a reprieve for David's life: "<I>Hold him not guiltless;</I> do
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not think him any true friend to thee or thy government, nor fit to be
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trusted. He has no less malice than he had then, though he has more
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sense to conceal it. He is still a debtor to the public justice for
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what he did then; and, though I promised him that I would not put him
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to death, I never promised that my successor should not. His turbulent
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spirit will soon give thee an occasion, which thou shouldst not fail to
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take, for the bringing of his <I>hoary head to the grave with
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blood.</I>" This proceeded not from personal revenge, but a prudent
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zeal for the honour of the government and the covenant God had made
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with his family, the contempt of which ought not to go unpunished. Even
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a hoary head, if a guilty and forfeited head, ought not to be any man's
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protection from justice. <I>The sinner, being a hundred years old,
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shall be accursed,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+65:20">Isa. lxv. 20</A>.</P>
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<P>
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II. David's death and burial
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>):
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He <I>was buried in the city of David,</I> not in the burying place of
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his father, as Saul was, but in his own city, which he was the founder
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of. There were set the thrones, and there the tombs, of the house of
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David. Now <I>David, after he had served his own generation, by the
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will of God, fell asleep, and was laid to his fathers, and saw
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corruption,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:36">Acts xiii. 36</A>,
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and see
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:29">Acts ii. 29</A>.
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His epitaph may be taken from
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+23:1">2 Sam. xxiii. 1</A>.
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Here lies <I>David the son of Jesse, the man who was raised up on high,
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the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel,</I>
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adding his own words
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+16:9">Ps. xvi. 9</A>),
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<I>My flesh also shall rest in hope.</I> Josephus says that, besides
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the usual magnificence with which his son Solomon buried him, he put
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into his sepulchre a vast deal of money; and that 1300 years after (so
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he reckons) it was opened by Hircanus the high priest, in the time of
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Antiochus, and 3000 talents were taken out for the public service. The
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years of his reign are here computed
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>)
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to be forty years; the odd six months which he reigned above seven
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years in Hebron are not reckoned, but the even sum only.</P>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_17"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_18"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_19"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_20"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_21"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_22"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_23"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_24"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Ki2_25"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Adonijah's Impudent Request; Adonijah Put to Death.</I></FONT></TD>
|
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1015.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
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</TABLE>
|
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<P>
|
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<FONT SIZE=+1>12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and
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his kingdom was established greatly.
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13 And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother
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of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said,
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Peaceably.
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14 He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she
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|
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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
|
|
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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
I. Solomon's accession to the throne,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+12:8">2 Sam. xii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+3:7">2 Sam. iii. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
and to beg a favour"
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
that she would use the great interest she had in her son to gain his
|
|
consent, that he might marry Abishag
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:16,17"><I>v.</I> 16, 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
and, if he may but obtain this, he will thankfully accept it,
|
|
|
|
(1.) As a compensation for his loss of the kingdom. He insinuates
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
"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>
|
|
|
|
3. Bathsheba's address to Solomon on his behalf. She promised to speak
|
|
to the king for him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>)
|
|
|
|
and did so,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
God had himself declared with an oath that he would establish David's
|
|
throne
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+89:35">Ps. lxxxix. 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_34"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Joab Put to Death.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1015.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 G<FONT SIZE=-1><B>OD</B></FONT> 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
|
|
L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>; that he might fulfil the word of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>; 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
|
|
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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
I. Abiathar, in consideration of his old services, is only degraded,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:26,27"><I>v.</I> 26, 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+2:30">1 Sam. ii. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
II. Joab, in consideration of his old sins, is put to death.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
as theirs does whom he had murdered,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+21:14">Exod. xxi. 14</A>,
|
|
|
|
<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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>)
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+25:5">Prov. xxv. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_41"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_42"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_43"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_44"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_45"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Ki2_46"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Shimei's Punishment.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1014.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
I. The preferment of Benaiah and Zadok, two faithful friends to Solomon
|
|
and his government,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+2:35">1 Sam. ii. 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:36,37"><I>v.</I> 36, 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:42"><I>v.</I> 42</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thither he pursued them, and thence brought them back to Jerusalem,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:41"><I>v.</I> 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
The king sends for him, and,
|
|
|
|
(1.) charges him with the present crime
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:42,43"><I>v.</I> 42, 43</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:45"><I>v.</I> 45.</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+2:46">v. 46</A>.
|
|
|
|
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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