in some versions, "The third and fourth books of the Kings;" as the two books of Samuel are, in the Septuagint and in the Vulgate, called "The first and the second books of the Kings."—It is evident, that they contain an abstract of the history, compiled from much more copious records, which seem to have been collected and preserved by contemporary prophets. (11:41. 14:29. 15:31. 22:39,45. 2 Chr. 9:29. 12:15. 13:22. 20:34. 26:22.) Indeed a considerable part, of the transactions of their own times, is recorded in connexion with the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. It is, however, uncertain by whom this compilation was made: but, if Ezra, as it is generally and probably supposed, compiled the books of Chronicles; it is not likely, that, (according to the opinion of some learned men,) he compiled these also: as they form a distinct history of the same times. If, therefore, they were arranged in the present manner, principally by one sacred writer, those, who ascribe them to Jeremiah, seem to have adopted the more probable opinion. Indeed, the second book of the kings and his prophecy end with the narrative of the same events; though, perhaps, both were added after his death by another hand: and it is not unlikely that some other trivial alterations were made in the days of Ezra, to render the narrative more perspicuous to the Jews after the captivity.-They have, however, been constantly received, both by Jews and Christians, as a part of the sacred canon, the holy Scriptures: and the events recorded are frequently referred to in the New Testament. (Matt. 1:7-12. 6:29. 12:42. Luke 4:25-27. Acts 2:29. 7:47-50. Jam. 5:17,18.) It is observable also, that our Lord and his apostle James not only speak of them as authentic records, and a part of the sacred oracles as received by the Jews; but especially attest some of the most wonderful miracles recorded in them; and thus affix a direct sanction to them, as given by inspiration of God.-They also contain many prophecies; especially that of Josiah, who was foretold by name three hundred years before his birth: (Note, 1 Kings 13:2.) but none of these predictions, in their most evident literal meaning, refer to events later than the Babylonish captivity.-After the death of David, the sacred historian records the principal transactions of Solomon's long and peaceable reign; which, however, was covered with a dark cloud towards the close: and under his successor, the nation was divided into the two distinct kingdoms of Judah and Israel.-The descendants of Solomon reigned over that of Judah till the captivity, for about three hundred and eighty-seven years. So that from the accession of David, during a course of four hundred and sixty-seven years, the throne was filled by his descendants, in lineal descent, except as the sons of Josiah succeeded one another. During this long term of years there was not a single revolution, or civil war; and but one short interruption, by Athaliah's usurpation. Perhaps it would be difficult to find, in universal history, any thing equal to this permanent internal order and tranquillity. Let the reader recollect how many revolutions, civil wars, murders of reigning kings by rivals and successors, and changes in the succession, are found in the English history, during the same number of years.Above half the kings of Judah supported true religion, and several of them were eminently pious men; and it is remarkable that their reigns were much longer, than those of the wicked princes; (11:42. 15:10. 22:42. 2 Kings 15:2,33. 18:2. 22:1.) so that they comprise much above three hundred years of this period; and the greatest part of this time was evidently passed, either in profound peace, or in remarkable prosperity. Let this state of things be compared with the history of Greece or Rome; and the situation of Judah must be allowed to have been exceeding. ly more desirable, than that of these celebrated heathen nations.-The kingdom of Israel continued about two hundred and fifty-four years, till the Assyrian captivity. The nineteen kings, of several families, who, during this period, reigned in succession, were all idolaters, and most of them monsters of iniquity: yet the Lord by his prophets, especially by Elijah and Elisha, preserved a considerable degree of true religion in the land, till the measure of their national wickedness was full; and then they were finally dispersed among the Gentiles: except as a remnant of them was in various ways, and at different times, incorporated among the Jews. In these books the history of the two kingdoms is carried on together: and the whole forms an admirable comment on the prophecies delivered to the nation by Moses and Joshua; (Notes, Lev. 26: Deut. 4: 28: 29: 30: 31: 32: Josh. 23:15,16.) and a striking illustration of the proverb, "Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is the reproach of any people."-This first book contains the history of about a hundred and twenty years. Connected with the peace and prosperity of Solomon's reign, and the fame of his wisdoin, a full account is given of the temple having been built by him. God had commanded Israel to offer all their sacrifices at one place; Shiloh had for some time been that place; and the ark had been removed to Zion, by David, in order that a temple might there be built, which Solomon his son accomplished. (Note, Deut. 12:5—7.) A large proportion of the subsequent parts of the Old Testament relate to this temple; to the sins of the people in sacrificing elsewhere; to their profanation of the temple; to the judgments of God upon them for these crimes; especially to the destruction of the temple by the Chaldeans; and to the rebuilding of it by Zerubbabel: and these things so run through all the subsequent history and prophecies; that if Solomon did not build the temple by the express command of God, it must follow, that God punished the nation with tremendous judgments for violating merely human appointments.-When the Samaritans preferred mount Gerizim, our Lord told the woman of Samaria, that they "knew not what they worshipped, for salvation was of the Jews:" and this declaration, with his own constant attendance at the ordinances administered at the temple in Jerusalem, sufficiently attest the divine inspiration of those records, in which alone it is expressly declared, that Solomon built the temple by the direction and appointment of God himself. Solomon's fall into idolatry seems evidently implied in the book of Ecclesiastes: and the history of Rehoboam's imprudence, the division of his kingdom, Jeroboam's idolatry, and the subsequent events to the end of the book, are assumed as undoubted facts in the writings of all the prophets. So entirely does the whole canon of Scripture coincide; while each part confirms, and receives confirmation from, all the rest 194] CHAP. I. Abishag is procured to cherish David, in his old age and sick- ed and proclaimed king, 28-37. Zadok, Benaiah, and Na ceed him; and gives orders that he should, that day, be anoint- -53. NOW OW king David was old and 3 So they sought for a fair damsel h NOTES. p 1 Sam. 3:13. Prov. 22:15. 23: q 1 Sam. 9:2. 10.23. 2 Sam. 2:22,26-35. v 2:35. 2 Sam. 8:17,18. 20:25. 1 Chr. 27:5,6. Ez. 44:15. x 2 Sam. 7:2-4. 12:1-15. y 4:18. Zech. 12:13. word of God, though it is evidently contradictory CHAP. I. V. 1-4. David was seventy years to it!-Absalom had been displeased with his faold when he died, and these events occurred not ther, though most unjustly, because of the dislong before. He seems to have been a healthy grace under which he laid him for the murder of man: yet his constitution was entirely worn out;|| Amnon: (Note, 2 Sam. 14:28,29.) but David had perhaps in some measure through his great ex- never given Adonijah the least cause of displeasertions in his various wars.-The counsel of his ure; except that, in obedience to God, he intendcourtiers, or physicians, (if they may be so called and appointed Solomon to be his successor. It ed,) to excite in him a due degree of animal is probable, that Adonijah was of an imperious heat, especially when we advert to the pains be- disposition; and David very imprudently indulgstowed to find out a very fair damsel for the pur-ed him, and never restrained or reproved him in pose, deserves much censure: though similar advice has been given in other ages and countries. We may suppose, that David acceded to it merely in compliance with their wishes, and in deference to their judgment; but the appearance was not at all becoming his character, and circumstances. (Marg. Ref.-Note, 2:15-18.) V. 5, 6. Adonijah could not be ignorant, that Solomon had been appointed by God himself to succeed David in the kingdom; (Notes, 2 Sam. 7:12-16. 1 Chr. 22:6-10. 23:1.-28:5.) and his whole conduct shews, that he considered Solomon only as his rival. After the death of Absalom, Adonijah was David's eldest son: and no doubt be considered the kingdom as his birthright, and confided in the support of the people to seize upon it; without any regard to his father, or to the revealed will of God.-It is remarkable how frequently the first-born were set aside by his express appointment. In the ordinary course of things, it is expedient that the primogeniture should have the precedency; and the judicial law of Moses, (as well as the civil laws of most nations,) was formed accordingly. But the examples of Jacob, Judah, the sons of Joseph, David, Solomon, and others, prove that this is not grounded on moral obligation: that it is not divine, or unalterable, or to be put in competition with the welfare of whole nations, and the liberty and rights of all the rest of mankind; according to the sentiments of some authors, who most absurdly ground their doctrine upon the any matter. This was David's fault: for he ought to have exerted his authority, and kept him in subjection; but at the same time it aggravated Adonijah's contempt and ingratitude. He seems to have greatly resembled his elder brother Absalom: like him he was too much indulged, and beloved on account of his exterior acomplishments; and like him, he affected royal pomp and magnificence: (Notes, 2 Sam. 14:2527. 15:1-6.) and he succeeded to his ambitious projects, though he concealed and deferred them, till his father was, as he supposed, finally incapacitated for business. V. 7. It seems wonderful that Joab and Abiathar, who were persons of years, experience, and capacity; who had long attended on David, and were highly preferred under him; and who doubtless understood his intentions concerning Solomon, should at last concur in Adonijah's conspiracy! But perhaps Joab, though attached to David, was not favorable to Solomon, and preferred Adonijah as more congenial with his own disposition. Being destitute of piety, he disregarded the divine appointment, and deemed it more politic to place the eldest son upon the throne; and no wrong to David, who, he might think, injured Adonijah in preferring his younger brother. Perhaps he was still afraid of being called to account for his murders; and hoped to secure himself, to continue his preferment, and to increase his influence, by helping Adonijah to the kingdom: and it may be supposed, that he secretly resented David's conduct in attempting to lay him aside, and to put Amasa in his place. (Notes, 2 Sam. 19:9-15, 20:6-10.)-Abiathar, though high priest, seems to have been less regarded by David than Zadok was: (Note, 2 Sam. 15:24-29.) and perhaps he suspected that Solomon would set his family aside, in favor of the line of Eleazar to which Zadok belonged. But by attaching himself to Adonijah, he hastened that event, and shewed, that David had good reasons for preferring Zadok, who probably was a man of much deeper and more serious religion. (Notes, 2:26,27,35. 1 Sam. 2:31-36. Ez. 44:15, 16.) V. 8-10. Adonijah knew that it would be in vain and dangerous, to tamper with Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, who were firmly attached to the cause of Solomon, as well as to that of David. It is highly improbable, that Shimei, the son of Gera, would be much regarded by either party. (Notes, 2:8,9,36--46. 2 Sam. 16:5-14. 19:19-23.) Solomon afterwards preferred a person of this name: (4:18.) and probably he was a man of considerable consequence. (Note, Zech. 12:9-14.)-We know nothing further of Rei, but no doubt he also was a person of rank and great influence.-The mighty men were the chieftains before enumerated. (2 Sam. 23:8-39.) -It is most likely that Adonijah made a solemn sacrifice, as well as a magnificent feast, on the occasion; and thus he concealed his designs, till ripe for execution. (Note, 2 Sam. 15:7-9.)-Enrogel was in the vicinity of Jerusalem. (Marg. Ref:) V. 11-14. Solomon could not be ignorant of Adonijah's intentions, of which he made no secret: but he remained quiet, and left his cause with God. His life and succession were secured by promise: yet it was proper that Nathan and Bath-sheba should use prudent means for his preservation, and the maintenance of his right. Had Adonijah succeeded, he would, no doubt, have put Solomon and Bath-sheba to death: for the history of the world demonstrates, that when men are aspiring after dominion, they are easily tempted to the most enormous crimes, which seem necessary for their purpose, even when most contrary to their apparent natural disposition. (Notes, Judg. 9:4-6. 2 Kings 11:1,2. Matt. 2:3-6,16-18.) V. 15-18. It is not recorded, on what occasion David sware to Bath-sheba, that Solomon should succeed him: but it is supposed with prob ability, that it took place after Absalom's rebellion; and as God himself had settled the succession, he might very properly give her this assurance.-David was aware that Adonijah had taken great state upon him; but he did not know that he had actually advanced a claim to the kingdom: this both enhanced Adonijah's crime and pleaded David's excuse. V. 20. The people knew, that "the Spirit o the LORD spake by David, and his word was in his tongue:" (Note, 2 Sam. 23:1,2.) and they had great confidence in his wisdom, piety, and affeetion. They therefore waited to know the will of God from him. David, though anointed to the kingdom, did not assume regal authority at first, without the concurrence of the elders of Judah and Israe': (Notes, 2 Sam. 2:4. 5:1-5.` B. C. 1015. 28 Then king David answered and And she said, Call me Bath-sheba. came into the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29 And the king sware and said, the LORD liveth that 'hath redeemed soul out of all distress, 2:10. Gen. 15:15. ▾ See on Deut. 31:16. Heb. sinners. 2:15,22-24. Job 1:16-13. I Gen. 24:15. y See on Pet. 2:17. z 14.18. a 5,13,17. 16.-Rom. 13:7. b See on 9.-1 Sam. 11.14,15. 1 Chr. 29:21-23. Heb. Let king Adonijah live. 2 Sam. 16: 1 Sam. 10.24. 34. As my 16. 2 Kings 11:12. 2 Chr. 23: c 8,19. 2 Sam. 7:2,12-17. 12:25. e 2:24. 17:1. 18:10. Judg. 8:19. f Gen. 48:16. 2 Sam. 4:9. Ps. 7. and after Absalom's rebellion, he did not return to the exercise of it without their approbation. (Note, 2 Sam. 19:9-15.) He could not therefore claim a right to dispose of the kingdom by will, as if it had been his own private property, according to the statement of some writers: but he might very properly inform the people of the Lord's appointment in that behalf: (Note, 1 Sam. 8:19-22.) and so far were they from eagerly joining Adonijah, as they had done Absalom; that they remained in suspense, till his determination was notified. V. 23. He bowed, &c.] The exterior indications of civil honor, to persons in authority, were generally rendered by the most eminent servants and prophets of God. The refusal of them may arise from an erroneous conscience: but it has the appearance of pride and affected moroseness. (Acts 26:25.) 30 Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly 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. k 32 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, I to ride upon and cause Solomon my son mine own mule, and bring him down to "Gihon. m 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and P blow ye with the trumpet, and say, a 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. t 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: " the LORD God of my lord the king say so too. 37 As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, y and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David. g See on 13,17. am. 9.6. Esth. 3:2. Matt. 21:37. Eph. 5:33. Heb. 12:9. i See on 25.-Neh. 2:3. k See on 8,26,38. Dan. 15,38,44. Gen. 41:43. Esth. 6. 6-11. 11:14. Ps. 98:5-7. q See on 25.-2 Kings 11:12 r See on 13,17. 2:12. s 2:15. 1 Chr. 23.1. 28:4,5. Ps 2:6. 72: title. 1,2. t Deut. 27:15-26 Ps. 72:19 Jer. 11:5. 28:6. Matt. 6:13. 28 20. 1 Cor. 14:16. Heb. the mule which belong- u 1 Sam. 25:29. Ps. 18:2. 1. 89:20,26. 63 x 3:7-9. Ex. 3:12. Josh. 1:5, y 47. 2 Sam. 24.3. 2 Kings 2:9. V. 24-27. (Marg. Ref.) As the transaction was so public, and so many eminent persons were concerned, it had the appearance of being countenanced by the king: but after all that had passed, the prophet could not believe that David would have taken such a step without informing him. V. 29. Notes, Gen. 48:16. 2 Sam. 4:9. V. 31. Live for ever.] This common expression of loyalty and affection to princes, as here used, implied that Bath-sheba cordially desired the continuance of David's life, in preference to her son's succession to the throne. (Notes, Neh. 2:3. Dan. 2:4.) V. 33. Mine own mule.] Noles, 5,6. Esth. 6: 6-11. V. 36, 37. The language of Benaiah, on this occasion, not only expressed the most loyal attachment to Solomon, but also fervent piety; and [19 a 38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan|| the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon. 39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and e anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save 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. 41 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 is this noise of the city being in an uproar? k 42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings. n m 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 Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule. 1. Zech. 9:9. Luke 19:37. h Job 20:5. Prov. 14:13. Matt. i Ex. 32:17,18. Job 15:21,22. k Matt. 21:9-11,15. Acts 21:31. m 22:18. 2 Sam. 18:27. 2 Kings n See on 32-40. an earnest desire of the prosperity of Israel, under the government which God had placed over them. This instance serves to explain the original use and emphasis of the word Amen. (Notes, Deut. 27:15-26. Ps. 72:17-19. Matt. 6:13.) V. 38. Notes, 1 Chr. 23:1. 29:21-25.-Gihon.] A fountain near Jerusalein. (33. 2 Chr. 32:30.) It does not appear, that there was any special reason, why this spot was selected; but, probably, it was a place so much frequented, that it was peculiarly suited to make the transaction speedily known throughout the whole city. 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. P'This is the noise that ye have heard. 46 And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom. 8 47 And moreover, the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne: and the king bowed himself upon the bed. 48 And also thus said the king, " Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it. 49 And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way. a 50 And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. 51 And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to-day, that he will not slay his servant with the sword. 52 And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth; but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die. 53 So king Solomon sent, and they o 40. 1 Sam. 4:5. Ezra 3:13. p 14.6. 1 Sam. 28:29. Dan. 5: q 13. 1 Chr. 29:23. Ps. 132:11. r Ex. 12:32. 2 Sam. 8:10. 21:3. 8 See on 37.-Luke 19.38. being types of Christ, the anointed of the Father. The oil, with which Solomon was anointed, was taken out of the tabernacle; being, as it is probable, the same holy oil with which the priests were anointed. (Note, Ex. 30:22—33.) V. 41. Adonijah and his guests seem to have wasted much time upon this magnificent feast, when far more important concerns waited their attention, and when ruin hung over their heads. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Dan. 5:1-9. Nah. 1:9,10.) V. 42. (Note, 2 Sam. 17:17-21.) It is probable, that Jonathan was not invited to the feast, nor concerned in the conspiracy; but he went to warn his father of the danger: though some think he was left in the city to learn what should occur, and to bring an account of it to Adonijah. V. 39. An horn, &c.] Neither Absalom, nor Adonijah, regarded this expressive ceremony: perhaps presuming on the right of primogeniture; for we do not find that kings, who succeeded as the first-born of their predecessors, without any interruption, were anointed. (Notes, 19:15 V. 43-48. The loud acclamations of the -17. 1 Sam. 10:1. 16:13. 2 Kings 9:5-10. 11: people on this occasion, and the pious and fer12.) The anointing denoted both their appoint- vent congratulations of David's servants, were ment expressly from God, and the qualifications especially suited to dismay the conspirators with which he would endow them; and their||(Notes, Matt. 21:6-11) |