1 Kings 1

1 Kings 1:32-40

In this chapter, 1. David declines in his health, ver. 1—4. 2. Adonijah assures to the kingdom, ver. 5—10. 3. Nathan and Bathsheba secures the succession to Solomon, ver. 11—31. 4. Solomon is anointed, at which the people rejoice, ver. 32—40. 5. This puts a step to Adonijah’s usurpation, ver. 41—49. 6. Solomon dismisses him upon his good behaviour, 50—53.

1. NOW king David was old, and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he got no heat. 2. Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be fought for my lord the king, a young virgin, and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. 3. So they fought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishaq a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4. And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and miniftried to him: but the king knew her not.

2. 1—4. David is now fishing under years and infirmities. His frozen blood is ready to stagnate as it flows, and closets no longer are capable of recovering the vital warmth. His physicians therefore prescribe to him a virgin, in the bloom of youth and beauty, that her presence might be agreeable, and that lying in his bosom, she might cherish him. Probably be married her, See chap. xi. 22. though his enfeebled state presented all conjugal knowledge of her as a wife. Note, (1.) They who come to old age, must expect the burden of infirmities that attend it. (2.) Though the candle of life escape the furious blasts of disease or accident, it must shortly burn out of itself. (3.)

The view of approaching old age and death should enliven our diligence to work for God, whilst life and strength are with us.

5. Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king; and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6. And his father had not displeased him at any time, in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Abisdom. 7. And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah, helped him. 8. But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Sohoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. 9. And Adonijah flew sheep, and oxen, and fat cattle, by the stone of Zohetheth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’s servants. 10. But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother he called not.

6. 5—10. David’s troubles last almost to his last gasp. One son is dead by fratricide, another slain in rebellion against him, and now a third following his example.

7. Adonijah, even whilst his father lives, aspires to the throne. He was the son of Haggith, and next in birth to Abisdom; so that Chilean the second, as is supposed, being dead, he, as eldest, considered himself as presumptive heir to the crown; though the designation of Solomon, by the express command of God, and the intention of his father, was well known. He was a comely

a comely Chap. 1 Before Christ’s 1073.

A comely person, and, like Absalom, had been too much indulged by his father; and now David again smarts for his foolish fondness. Defusing his old and infirm parent and king, he thinks Israel wants a more active governor, and he will be the man. Note, (1.) An indulged son usually proves a spoiled child. (2.) The ambition of reigning Israel’s men to trample on the ordinances of God and man. (3.) To depose our aged papers for their infirmities, shews an ungrateful and wicked spirit.

2. The means he used to accomplish his designs were nearly the same which his brother Absalom had taught him. He made a great figure, to engage the people’s admiration, with his equinities, hoffemen, and running footmen; beyond the general and high-priest in his party; and, when his interest seemed strengthened by such an accelation, he began to take off the malls, and at a solemn feast, or perhaps a sacrifice, at Enrogel near Jerusalem, to which his friends were invited, and, among them, all the king’s sons, who deem to have comforted to his design, they refuse him king, and he recruits their congratulations on his advancement. Solomon was not invited, nor Zadok, Benaiah, Nathan, or the mighty men. Their known fidelity to David, and adherence to the forefinger of God’s appointment, made it in vain to tamper with them, or invite them to this seditious assembly. Note, (1.) They who make their folly their god, will side with any party that will but entertain them in saving and drinking. (2.) When the success of a wicked enterprise seems most secured, the greater confusion and disappointment of God bring on its propellers by blasting it.

3. ¶ Wherefore Nathan spoke unto Bath-sheba the hustler of Solomon, saying, ‘Halt thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggish doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? 12. Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee,’ give thee counsel, that thou mayest have thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon. 13. Go, and get thee unto king David, and say unto him, ‘Didst not thou, my lord, O king,’ ‘wear unto thine handmaid, saying, ‘Affurethy Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne; why then doth Adonijah reign? 14. Behold, while thou yet talked there with the king, I will also come in after thee, and I confirm thy words. 15. ¶ And Bath-sheba went in unto the king, into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shonamite: minisred unto the king. 16. And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obelisance unto the king: and the king said, ‘What wouldst thou? 17. And the said unto him, ‘My lord,’ thou fwarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, ‘Affurethy, Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne; 18. And now behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest it not: 19. And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle, and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abisbat the priest, and Joab the captain of the host; but Solomon thy servant hath he not called. 20. And thou, my lord, O king,’ the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, that thou shouldst tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21. Otherwise it shall come to pain, when my lord the king shall ye sheep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. 22. ¶ And lo, while the ye talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23. And they told the king, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24. And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hath thou said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? 25. For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen, and fat cattle, and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king’s sons, and the captain of the host, and Abisbat the priest; and behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. 26. But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon hath he not called. 27. Is this thing done by my lord the king, and thou hast not shewed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him? 28. ¶ Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba: and the came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king. 29. And the king swore, and said, ‘of the LORD liveth,’ that hath redeemed my soul out of all

distress, 30. Even as I swore unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, ‘Affurethy Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. 31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, ‘Let my lord king David live for ever.’

9. 11-31. An attempt to disgrace to them, if it succeeded, alarmed Nathan the prophet and Bath-sheba.

10. Nathan bears of the assembly of Adonijah, and carries the news to the queen, that the might impart it to the king, who knew nothing of these proceedings, to contrary to his will, and the appointment of God. No time was to be lost, as her life and her son’s were in danger, since Adonijah, to secure his throne, would be slain to disgrace his trust, and those who cleared to him. Nathan engages to second her petition by dropping in as it were unhappily, just as the man when she had spoken to the king of his oath to her, in behalf of Solomon for his forefinger. Note, (1.) In times of danger, every prudent means is to be used for our own security. (2.) They who know God’s will, should be zealously affected to comply with it.

11. Bath-sheba without delay goes to the king into his chamber, where Abishag ministered to him, as he lay decrepit on his bed, and approaching with all respect, in answer to the king’s enquiry of her desire, reminds him of his oath to her, to leave his crown to Solomon; informs him of the ambitious project of Adonijah, of which she knew he was unacquainted; the aboved dislike expressed to Solomon, whom he had not invited to his feast; the danger she and her son should be expected to, who would be regarded as traitors, if David did not immediately interpose, to confirm the forefinger according to his promise; and expresses her confidence, that as the eyes of all Israel were upon him, such deference would be paid to his public proclamation, that none would dare dispute his appointment. Note, (1.) Kings are often kept in ignorance of matters that must nearly relate to their kingdom and interest. A faithful friend in a palace is true. (2.) He who usings a throne, will stick at no cruelty to his himself safe in it.

12. Nathan, who probably went with Bath-sheba, and waited without till she had done speaking, is introduced to the king, and having made his due obelisance, as one surprised at the late event, expresses his advertisement, by a pointed interrogation, if the deed of Adonijah’s was with the king’s poetry or content, which Nathan conceives impossible, considering both David’s oath, and God’s designation of Solomon, as well as his never mentioning it to so faithful a servant as himself. Therefore he intimates the daring influence of Adonijah, even in David’s life-time, thus to usurp the throne; and the necessity of immediately placing Solomon thereon, who, with himself, Zadok, and Benaiah, had not been invited to Adonijah’s feast, because their oath know a fidelity to the king would not suffer them to be companions with traitors. Note, (1.) When the enemies of God’s people are so alert and vigorous, shall their friends be less active and vigilant? (2.) They who, though well-meaning, are weak through infirmity, should be stirred up and encouraged for the duty to which they are called.

13. Bath-sheba having retired when Nathan came, David bids her return, and with no oath confirms his former solemn appointment of Solomon for his forefinger; and that day his reign should begin, as far as the Lord lived, who had redeemed his soul out of all distress; the remembrance of which mercy would engage him to adhere to the divine appointment of his forefinger. Bath-sheba, perfectly satisfied as the king’s declaration, expresses her thankfulness, and with low obelisance adds, May the king live for ever. Though she followed the forefinger for her son, the king’s life and happiness had her warmest wilson. Note, (1.) Our nation should ever be remembered, and bind our consciences to fulfil them. (2.) A grateful heart order forges the divine mercies, or misses an opportunity to make thankful mention of them. (3.) Good children desire not, for the sake of their estates, the death of their aged parents, but with they may live long and happily to enjoy them.

14. ¶ And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king. 33. The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and ‘cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mole, and bring him down to Gilson. 34. And let Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, ‘anoint him there king over Israel: and ‘show ye with the trumpet, and say, ‘God save king Solomon. 35. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel, and over Judah. 36. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen:

The LORD God of my lord the king say so to us.

37. As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so he he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

38. So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Chereithites, and the Pelechites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gibon.

39. And Zadok the priest took an horn of ‘oil out of the tabernacle, and moistened Solomon: and they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, God love king Solomon. 40. And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.

David having expressed his solemn resolution, takes care it shall be immediately executed.

1. He calls for Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the great officers civil and military; commands the guards to be drawn out to grace the Solemnity; his own mule with the royal trappings to be prepared for Solomon; and out of the sanctuary an horn of oil to be taken for his confection, which was to be performed at Gibon, a place perhaps of public concourse. There, by sound of trumpet, and joyful acclamations, they should proclaim his acrerdion to the throne; with him long life and prosperity; and bringing him amidst the shouts of the people, place him upon the royal throne, as king; either as associated with his father, or as his viceroy under him, and to be his forcerest, Nate, (1.) That which is right to be done, should be dispatched. What those hand fudeth to do, do quickly. (2.) The King of Peace, whom Solomon represented, was anointed not with the oil of the sanctuary, but with the oil of gladness above his fellows, and appointed and qualified for the administration of that kingdom which is an everlasting kingdom, by the Spirit, which the Father gave not by measure unto him.

2. Benaiah, in the name of all the king’s faithful servants, cries Amen, to the resolution, highly fastidied in the choice, and praying God to give his blessing thereon; wishing loyalty the divine benediction on the king elect, and that his throne might be greater than even David’s; a wish, in which David himself heartily concurred. Nate, That is likely to prosper, that is begun with prayer for the divine blessing, and performed in dependence on his providence.

3. The king’s commands are instantly executed. Nathan and Zadok, the priest and prophet, perform the ceremony of the king’s confection, and the people, with mule and loyal acclamations, shout after them, God love king Solomon. Nate, (1.) They are kings indeed, who reign in the affliction of their subjects. (2.) When the believer shall ascend to his throne of glory, it shall be amidst the joyful acclamations of angels, and with the trump of God.

4. And Adonijah, and all the guests that were with him, heard it as they had made an end of eating: and when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore it this noise of the city being in an uproar?

5. And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiahar the priest came, and Adonijah said unto him, Gorge it, for thou art a valiant man, and bringeth good tidings. 43. And Jonathan answered and said, to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king. 44. And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Chereithites, and the Pelechites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king’s mule. 45. And Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, have anointed him king in Gibon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city may appear: thus is the noise that ye have heard. 46. And all the Solomon siteth on the throne of the kingdom. 47. And moreover, the king’s servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than any name, and make his throne greater than any throne: and the king’s bowed himself upon the dead! 48. And also thus said the king, that he the LORD, God of Israel, which hath given me to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it. 49. And all the guests that were with Adonijah, were afraid, and unto up, and were every man his way. 50. And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and a wife, and were, and caught hold of the horse of the altar. 51. And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah roareth king Solomon, for so, he hath caught hold on the brunt of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon be, I.

mon farce unto me to-day, that he will not stay his servant with the sword. 52. And Solomon said, If he will draw himself a worthy man, there shall not an heir of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die. 53. So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar; and he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, ‘Go to thine house.

1 Kings 1:41-53

When sin spreads the table of rigorous feasting, the end of that mirth will be heaviness.

1. Tidings are brought to Adonijah and his guests, in the midst of their entertainment, of what had passed in Jerusalem. At first he promises himself, because the messenger Jonathan was a valiant man, that he brought good news for his party; but he is quickly unbelieved. They who do ill, must not expect messages of peace. Jonathan, who had been present at what had passed, relates the coronation of Solomon, the persons employed in it, v. 44. The zeal of the king’s servants for him, the universal satisfaction of the people, and especially David’s own great joy and thankfulness in seeing his son on his throne, and his hearty conduct and appreciation of the loyal wishes of his servants, that Solomon’s throne might be greater than his own. Nate, The greatest satisfaction an aged Christian knows, is to see the peace of God’s blood established, and his own children happily settled, and walking in the fear of God.

2. Adonijah and his company are disobedient with the news: every man instantly shuts for himself, afraid to be caught in so treasonable an assembly; and Adonijah, that just now fast as a king, flies to the horns of the altar to secure his life, which was forfeited by his treason. Nate, (1.) There is yet hope for the sinner, even after his deepest provocation, if he flies to Jesus Christ for refuge, who is the true altar, on the horns of which that atoning blood is sprinkled, which cleanseth from all sin. (2.) Traitors are generally cowards, from the consciousness of a bad cause.

3. He humbly rises to Solomon, as his king, for pardon, which he as graciously grants; and requiring an oath for his security, Solomon assures him, if he approves himself for the future a loyal subject, his past attempt shall not be his death; but if he should be found turbulent or seditious, then he must no longer expect the clemency he had abused. Nate, (1.) They who cry earnestly to the Prince of Peace for pardon, may hope to find an answer of peace. (2.) We are, by our loyalty to our king, to prove the reality of our subjection to him. If we still retain the love of sin in our hearts, or indulge it in our practice, it is not saying Lord, Lord, will secure us from eternal death.