1 Kings 1

Here (1) Abishag, a young woman, is procured to assist the declining health of king David

1 Kings 1:1-4

(2) His son Adonijah attempts to seize the kingdom, and feasts his party for that purpose

1 Kings 1:5-10

(3) Nathan and Bath-sheba contrive to secure the succession for Solomon, and obtain an order from David for his instalment

1 Kings 1:11-31

(4) Solomon is publicly anointed king, to the great joy of the people

1 Kings 1:32-40

(5) The news hereof stops Adonijah’s usurpation, and disperses his party; 41—19. (6) Solomon pardons Adonijah on condition of his good behaviour; 50—53. 2 Sam. 5. 4. Ps. 90. 10. NOW king David was ‘old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Gen. 20. 8 & 40. 20. & 41. 37. 38. i. e. courtiers. Deut. 1. 38. & 10. 8. 1 Sam. 16. 21. 22. ver. 1. Esth. 2. 2—4. Ch. 2. 17. 22. & 18. 12. & 29. 15. & 10. 21. 2 Sam. 3. 3. 4. 17. ch. 2. 28. —35. 2 Sam. 8. 17. 18. & 7. 2. & 12. 1—15. & 16. 5. 2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought 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 sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel; and found Abishag a Shunamite, and brought her to the king. 4 And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not. 5 Then Adonijah the son of Hag-gith 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 Absalom. 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 Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. 9 And Adonijah ‘slew sheep, and oxen, and fat cattle, by the stone of Zoheleth, 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. 11 ¶ Wherefore Nathan ‘spake unto Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? 12 Now therefore come, ’let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou ‘mayest save thine own life and the life of thy son Solomon. 13 Go, and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, “Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall ‘sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign? 14 Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I also will come in after thee, and ‘confirm thy words. 15 ¶ And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the ‘king was very old; and Abishag the Shunamite ministered unto the king. 16 And Bath-sheba ‘bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? 17 And she said unto him, ‘My lord. Before Christ 1016. 2 Sam. 23. 8-39. 1 Chr. 11. 10-47. -15. 2 Sam. 15. 17. & 17. 17. f. e. the fuller’s well. Is. 7. 3. 2 Sam. 7. 1215. & 12. 24. 1 Chr. 22. 9. & 3. 5. Ps. 37. 3. Prov. 17. 2. & 11. 14. & 21. 6. & 12. 15. 20. & 15. 22. & 27. 9. Ver. 21. Gen. 19. 17. Acts 28. 31. 2 Chr. 22. 9. 10. 2 Sam. 12. 24, 25. Deut. 17. 18. 1 Chr. 29. 25. & 28. 5. & 22. 9, 10. Heb. All up. Ver. 17-27. Ver. 1, 4. Gen. 18. 2. & 19. 1. Ruth 2. 10. 2 Sam. 9. 6, 8. & 14. 4, 28, 33. 1 Pet. 3. f. Gen. 18. 12. Eph. 5. 47. 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I.—The strongest constitution of men quickly wastes of itself, and every project for retaining of strength or vigour is foolish and ineffectual. A burden of infirmities attends old age; and happy they who, in the views of it, have all things ready for an eternal state! Indulgent parents are commonly in their old age contemned and plagued by their children, especially such as they most indulged. Ambition of reigning leads many to trample on the ordinances of both God and men. And they are in general most fond of high stations who neither know the duties of them, nor consider the labour and vexation which attend them. Such as make their belly their god will side with any party that will feast them best. But how easily God defeats every project inconsistent with his promise, even when it seems fully secured! In times of danger every prudent mean ought to be used for averting it. And they who know God’s will should be zealous for the accomplishment of it.—While kings are often kept ignorant of things nearly concerning their kingdom and interest, usurpers will stick at no cruelty to fix themselves on a throne. But, if the enemies of God’s people be alert and vigorous, their friends ought to be active and vigilant: and such as are weak, through infirmity, should be stirred up and encouraged. Our oaths should be ever remembered, and our consciences bound to fulfil them. Hearts truly grateful never forget God’s mercies, nor allow themselves to neglect opportunities of thankfully mentioning them. And it is extremely pleasant when aged saints take every opportunity of witnessing for God. What is right and seasonable should be done without delay: and that is most likely to prosper which is begun with dependance on God, and fervent prayer for his blessing. It is affection, not force, that can make dutiful subjects: and to leave church and state in a prosperous condition is the joy of a dying saint. What discouragement and danger attend a bad cause! And blustering traitors are often cowards when matters come to a crisis. How becoming is it when kings are ready to forgive those who have injured them. But much more astonishing is the pardoning mercy of our Lord Jesus to the guiltiest sinners who flee to his atonement, and prostrate themselves at his throne of grace. 2