2 Samuel 1

Chap. I. Ver. 1. Stricken in years.—[David was probably now about sixty his nee, gave the information to Bath-sheba, and advised her to go to the king and inform him, at the same time pretaking his promise on the behalf of Solomon; and promised immediately to second her application, which he did, as we are informed, with complete success. It may be worthy of remark, that Adonijah had omitted to invite Nathan and other of the king’s known friends; and the omission seems to intimate, that he was not only aware that Nathan had given his decided sanction to the succession of Solomon; but that also he considered him, and those who acted with him, as faithful in his cause. It is well when public men have that decided character for integrity, that no man dare attempt to corrupt them.

Ver. 28—53. David orders Solomon to be proclaimed king.— This unexpected news appears to have roused the energies of David; and renewing his promise and his oath to Bath-sheba, he proceeds directly to fulfil them. by his officers and body guards, to proclaim him king; a measure so popular and acceptable to the people, that (hyperbolically speaking) the earth was rent (we should have said the air) with the rejoicings and acclamations of the people. This, however, was no music to the ears of Adonijah and his party, whose mirth was suddenly at an end, and who himself fled to the horns of the altar, to save his life. This was readily and justly granted, but upon condition that he staid at home, and attempted to raise no insurrection against his brother Solomon, now proclaimed. It seems to have been a custom, as ancient as the days of David, to address the throne on all changes in the government; and both the address and answer here recorded, well merit our attention.

‘The king’s servants’—whether we say David’s or Solomon’s, it is all the same—‘The king’s servants said to David, May God make the name of Solomon better than thy name; and make his throne greater than thy throne! And the king (David) bowed himself on his bed,’ evidently in an act of worship, saying, ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.’