‏ 1 Kings 1

** The history now before us accounts for the affairs of the

kingdoms of Judah and Israel, yet with special regard to the

kingdom of God among them; for it is a sacred history. It is

earlier as to time, teaches much more, and is more interesting

than any common histories.

* David's declining age. (1-4) Adonijah aspires to the throne.

(5-10) David makes Solomon king. (11-31) Solomon is anointed

king, and Adonijah's usurpation stopped. (32-53)

1-4 We have David sinking under infirmities. He was chastised

for his recent sins, and felt the effects of his former toils

and hardships. 5-10 Indulgent parents are often chastised with disobedient

children, who are anxious to possess their estates. No worldly

wisdom, nor experience, nor sacredness of character, can insure

the continuance in any former course of those who remain under

the power of self-love. But we may well wonder by what arts Joab

and Abiathar could be drawn aside. 11-31 Observe Nathan's address to Bathsheba. Let me give thee

counsel how to save thy own life, and the life of thy son. Such

as this is the counsel Christ's ministers give us in his name,

to give all diligence, not only that no man take our crown, #Re

3:11|, but that we save our lives, even the lives of our souls.

David made a solemn declaration of his firm cleaving to his

former resolution, that Solomon should be his successor. Even

the recollection of the distresses from which the Lord redeemed

him, increased his comfort, inspired his hopes, and animated him

to his duty, under the decays of nature and the approach of

death. 32-53 The people expressed great joy and satisfaction in the

elevation of Solomon. Every true Israelite rejoices in the

exaltation of the Son of David. Combinations formed upon evil

principles will soon be dissolved, when self-interest calls

another way. How can those who do evil deeds expect to have good

tidings? Adonijah had despised Solomon, but soon dreaded him. We

see here, as in a glass, Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of

God, exalted to the throne of glory, notwithstanding all his

enemies. His kingdom is far greater than that of his father

David, and therein all the true people of God cordially rejoice.

The prosperity of his cause is vexation and terror to his

enemies. No horns of the altar, nor forms of godliness, nor

pretences to religion, can profit those who will not submit to

His authority, and accept of his salvation; and if their

submission be hypocritical, they shall perish without remedy.