brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Sol d See on 16,31.-2 Sam. 1:2. V. 49-53. Adonijah had doubtless expected to be joined by the multitude; but finding himself mistaken, and being deserted by his friends, he gave up all for lost. The murderer was to be taken from the altar and slain: (Note, Ex. 21:12 -14.) but in other crimes it was a customary refuge, at least till a pardon could be supplicated; as representing the method of obtaining forgiveness from God, through the great sacrifice for sin.-Adonijah acknowledged Solomon as king, both by word and deed; and received a conditional pardon, but Solomon gave him fair warning that he was put upon his good behavior. He also required him to go to his house and live a retired, private life, not affecting the splendor|| and state which he had before. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-10. times, have always employed one or both of these expedients, to subserve their own ambitious purposes; by which numbers have been inadvertently betrayed to concur in criminal measures, contrary to their judgments, consciences, characters, and interests.—In these days, when kingdoms are disposed of by common providence, the ministers of God have little to do with disputed successions; and are best at a distance froin the cabals, intrigues, and parties, which generally surround the courts of kings: yet the welfare of the state, as well as of the church, should lie near their hearts: and they ought to use all their influence, and embrace every opportunity, to remind the greatest men, to whom they are allowed access, of the words of God, and to excite them to do their duty according to his revealed will.-If a neighbor is in danger of being injured or murdered, without knowing it, or being able to avoid the snare; it must be the duty of every man, in all cases or at any hazard, to give him warning or counsel, and to interpose for his preservation.-When others are neglecting their duty, through inattention or multiplied infirmities or engagements, they should be put in remembrance of it: when they are slack to do it, prudent contrivances, and quickening expostulations may be successfully employed to incite them; and every means should be used to prevent manifest injustice, to exclude occasions of future discord, and to promote de cisive measures for the glory of God, and the good of his people: for if the enemies of religion be combined, active, and daring; its friends should not be timid, supine, and disunited.-The most respectful behavior to our superiors is very consistent with plainness of speech in the great concerns of God; and such language and behavior, combined in persons of known and approved character, will be very forcible with men of piety and integrity. The most vigorous constitutions must soon wear out, and our lives hasten to a close: and, though proper means of restoring health and prolonging our days should be used; yet a pious and wise man ought not to yield to such expedients as have the appearance of evil, or may become temptations to him. But carnal men counsel others according to their own inclinations, and often enforce their advice under specious pretexts; by which they impose upon such as mean no evil, but are induced to actions inconsistent with their character and profession.-Indulgent parents are commonly chastised with disobedient children, who ungratefully despise their infirmities, and are impatient to get possession of their estates.-Every depraved propensity gathers strength by being gratified: and when ambition comes within the reach of its object, it urges a man to violate all obligations, to break through all obstructions, to despise all dangers, and to disregard the examples of those who have before been ruined by similar attempts. So long as carnal self-love reigns in the heart, no worldly wisdom and experience, no maturity The true believer loves to review his past exof age, no rank or station in the community or perience: even the frequent recollection of his in the church, no previous fidelity or attachment distresses, from all which "the LORD hath redeemto princes or patrons, can secure men's contin- ed him," increases his comfort as well as his gratiuance in their former course or connexions: for tude; and inspires him with hope, and animates innumerable circumstances may occur, which him to his duty, though under the decays of namay prompt them to some new method of at- ture, and at the approach of death. In preparatempting to gratify their reigning inclinations. tion for that event, we should arrange all our So that disgust, fear, conscious guilt, or the hope domestic or more public concerns, as may best of greater authority, influence, or wealth, may speedily induce them to measures, which stand should lose no time before we do so useful a secure peace and good to the survivors: and we in opposition to all their former lives! We ought work, even though it somewhat interrupt our retherefore to depend on the Lord to preserve us from the deceitfulness of our own hearts, and well, which are conducted with piety and integligious exercises.-Those enterprises must end from the fickleness and treachery of men.-Po-rity, in simple dependence on God, and cordial litical wisdom frequently contradicts the word of acquiescence in his will.-We can see no one so God, and proves in the event the greatest folly: wise, so good, or so happy, in this world, but we and crafty seducers can discern who are, and who are not, fit for their purpose; and will shunmay well desire that others may be more wise, determined honest characters as their enemies and rivals. V. 11-27. In every age men form designs, which their own consciences condemn as contrary to the will of God: and yet they hope for success from the favor and assistance of man! But those, who are vain of their own accomplishments, often flatter themselves with the imagined attachment of numbers, that have no real esteem or affection for them.-A feast, and a sacrifice, are proper baits to draw in the sensual or the unsuspecting: and aspiring men, according to the taste of the V. 28-53. more holy, and more happy than he; and every pious man must long that it may be thus with his beloved children, both for their sakes, and for the benefit of the community.-They, who are engaged in a bad cause, are exposed to continual terrors: and no good man can bring other than evil tidings to those who are rebelling against God and the king.-Vain confidence and sensual pleasure are the usual forerunners of temporal and eternal destruction.-Combinations formed upon iniquitous principles will speedily be dissolved, when self-preservation or self-interest calls another way. But clemency becomes those in power, especially towards such CHAP. II. David charges Solomon to serve God; and directs him how to act towards Joab, the sons of Barzillai, and Shimei, 1-9. His death, and the years of his reign, 10, 11. Solomon suc ceeds him, 12. Adonijah persuades Bath-sheba to ask SoloAbiathar's life is spared, but he is deprived of the high priest hood, 26, 27. Joab, having fled to the altar, is there put to mon to give him Abishag to wife; and is put to death, 13-25. death, 28-34. Benaiah succeeds Joab, and Zadok, Abiathar, 35. Shimei is, by Solomon, required to reside in Jerusalem, and engages by oath to do so: but breaking his engagement, he is put to death, 36-46. TOW Now of David he charge what he did to the two captains of the the days of David drew nigh P Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and 3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his & statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: k * 22:5. a Gen. 47:29. Deut. 31:14. 33: If Deut. 29:9. Josh. 1:7. 1 Chr. 22:12,13. 28:8,9. 29:19. Josh. 23:14. Job 16:22. 30:23. h Deut. 4:45. Ps. 19.7. 119:2, i Deut. 17:18-20. Mal. 4:4. k 2 Sam. 8:6,14. 2 Kings 18:7. 2 as have rather injured them than the public: yet, no government can pardon or tolerate a traitor, who perseveres in his treasonable machinations. But 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 the conspiracies and opposition of his enemies. (Notes, Ps. 2:) His kingdom is far greater than that of his father David; and all the true people of God most cordially rejoice in his exaltation. The prosperity of his cause and the triumphing of his servants, are the vexation and terror of his enemies: and no "horns of the altar," no foring of godliness, no pretences to religion of any kind, can profit those who will not submit to his authority and accept of his salvation. He spares and is ready to pardon those, who have most desperately rebelled against him, when they seem disposed to repent, and do works meet for repentance. But if wickedness be afterwards found in them, discovering the hypocrisy of their professed submission, they will at length die without mercy, and perish without remedy. NOTES. r host of Israel, unto 9 Abner the son of war in 6 Do therefore" according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave y in peace. 7 But shew kindness unto the sons of 1 Gen. 18:19. Deut. 7:12. 1 p 1:7,18,19. 2 Sam. 3:39. 18:5, 1 Chr. 28:9. John 15:9,10. Jude 14. 19:5-7. 20,21,24. m 2 Sam. 7:11-16,25. 1 Chr. Ps. 89:29-37. 132:11,12. n 3:3,14. 8:23. Gen. 17:1. Lev. o Deut. 6.5. 10:12. 11-13. Matt. q 2 Sam. 3:27. r 2 Sam. 20:10. s 2 Sam. 17:25. Ithra. + Heb. put. t Jer. 2.34. 6:15. Ez. 24:7,8. u 9. Prov. 20:26. x 28-34. Gen. 9:6. Num. 3!: Heb. be cut off from thee y 2 Kings 22:20. Ps. 37:37. Is. manifest, than that the law of Moses, as wrillen V. 4. (Notes, Gen. 18:18,19. 2 Sam. 7:12— 16.) The continuance of the kingdom to David's posterity was sure, as it respected the Messiah and his spiritual reign: nor would every transgression forfeit the temporal kingdom entailed upon his descendants; for chastisements would be used to bring them to repentance: yet obstinate and aggravated disobedience would cut off the entail. Thus the Lord punished Solomon's idolatry by the defection of the ten tribes from his son: (Notes, 11:9-13. 12:8-15.) and at length, the family of David was deprived of all authority, till Christ came and set up his spiritual kingdom. V. 5, 6. These dying counsels of David ought by no means to be imputed to personal resentment; but to a regard to justice, and a wise and pious concern for the security of Solomon's throne, which was the cause of God and of Israel. -Joab had long deserved to die: and David's timidity had left blood-guiltiness upon his family and kingdom. (Notes, Num. 35:31–34. 2 Sam. CHAP. II. V. 1, 2. Solomon could not at 3:28,29.) His late conspiracy proved him to be this time be more than twenty years of age; and, a factious and dangerous person: and, though his it is probable, he was not so much: an early pe- influence seems to have been weakened by it; riod for him to enter upon so weighty a charge, yet his party was still so strong, that it was not as the government of God's people! (Note, 3:5-probable Solomon would reign in peace while he 14.) But he was endowed with extraordinary || wisdom; and David charged and exhorted him to shew all Israel, that though he was but a child in years, he was a man in capacity and attention to business. (Notes, Num. 27:19. 1 Tim. 4:11-16. 2 Tim. 2:1,2.) V. 3. (Notes, Josh. 1:7,8. 1 Chr. 22:11-13. 28:9.) Testimonies, in this connexion, may signify those laws, which preserved the remembrance of great events; as the sabbaths, the passover, and others. (Notes, Deul. 6:1. Ps. 19:7-11. Is. 8:16,20.)-Nothing can be more lived.—He had not so much as attempted to conceal the base murders which he had committed; but he avowed and vindicated them, without shame or fear of punishment; and it was evident that he did not now repent, but would readily repeat them, to carry his purpose and secure his preferment. His murders were crimes against David, as committed upon two men who were connected with David: and yet they were so conducted, as to bring him into suspicion as if privy to them. David, therefore, reminded his successor to expiate the guilt of these murders r on. 15 And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should 9 Now therefore hold him not guilt-reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned less: for thou art a wise man, and know- about, and is become my brother's; for est what thou oughtest to do unto him: it was his from the LORD. but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave h with blood. [Practical Observations.] 10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. k 11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. 12 ¶ Then sat Solomon upon the z 2 Sam. 17:27-29. 19:31-38. | g 6. Gen. 42:33. 44:31. a 2 Sam. 9.10. 19:23. Luke 12: b 2 Sam. 15:13-15. e 36-46. 2 Sam. 16:5-3. d 2 Sam. 19:16-23. Jer. 4:2. i See on 1:21.-1 Chr. 29:28. j 3:1. 11:43. 2 Sam. 5:7. 1 Chr. 11:7. k 2 Sam. 5:4. 1 Chr. 29:26,27. by Joab's blood, that he and his kingdom and 16 And now I ask one petition of thee, + deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on. 17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. t 18 And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king. 19 Bath-sheba therefore went unto king Solomon to speak unto him for Adon m 2 Sam. 7:12,13,29. Ps. 89:36, n See on 1:5-10,50-53. o 1 Sam. 16:4,5. 2 Kings 9:18- p 2 Sam. 14:12. Luke 7:40. q 1:5,25. 2 Sam. 15:6,13. 16:18. r 2 Sam. 7:12. 12:24. 1 Chr. ↑ Heb. turn not away my face. V. 14.-18. It is evident that Adonijah had by no means given up his pretensions to the throne: and highly probable, that neither he, nor Joab, nor Abiathar expected safety, unless in success; and that they were in concert forming new designs against Solomon. With this V. 7. Notes, 2 Sam. 17:27-29. 19:31-39. view, they seem to have thought, that if Adoni V. 8, 9. (Notes, 2 Sam. 16:5-14. 19:19-23.) jah married Abishag, it would increase the Shimei also deserved to die, though for an of number of his adherents; both by the accession fence of a different kind from Joab's. Probably of her friends and relations, and from the gen he retained his old enmity to the family of Da- eral notions which prevail, concerning the wives vid, and his partiality to the house of Saul. Sol- and concubines of deceased kings. (Notes, omon was not bound by the oath, which David 2 Sam. 3:6-10. 12:8. 16:20-23.) But they had sworn not to put him to death: his punish- could not get possession of Abishag, without ment, at first, would indeed have been a salu- Solomon's consent; which they had no hopes of tary act of justice; yet David would not then obtaining, but by the interposition of Bath-sheba. consent to it, because unsuitable to his circum--In Adonijah's speech to her, he insinuated, stances: and had he been suitably affected with that the kingdom was his, by the right of priDavid's lenity, and acted properly afterwards, mogeniture: and that he had been in possession he would have been fully and finally pardoned. of it, by the consent of all Israel. This, howBut it is evident that he had not done this: and ever, was totally false: the kingdom had never the case was different with Solomon; who might been his, except in his own groundless opinion, take occasion from some recent offence, to re- and that of the few who abetted his usurpation; member the old crimes, and to execute deserved for the people generally favored Solomon. But vengeance on an irreconcileable enemy to him he meant to induce Bath-sheba to compassionand the peace of the kingdom. David there- ate his case; and to make a merit with her of fore counselled him, as a wise man, not to trust peaceably receding from his claim: and that Shimei, but to watch him narrowly; and he she might not suspect any ill design, he at would be sure to find just cause for punishing length conceded, that "it was Solomon's from hin. (Note, 36-46.) the LORD." But though his language was not well calculated to inspire confidence; and his request was in itself improper, and highly indecorous at least; yet, according to his hopes, Bath-sheba suspected no ill, but considered him as entitled to compassion, and supposed his request to be the result of love, not ambition: and perhaps she thought this an easy way of satisfy ing Adonijah, and securing Solomon in the king V. 10, 11. (Marg. Ref.) The remains of Saul, and his sons, were buried in the sepulchre of Kish his father. (2 Sam. 21:14.) But David was not buried in the sepulchre of Jesse at Bethlehem; but in that city which he had taken from the Jebusites, and made the capital of his kingdom, and the seat of his government, and that of his family. (Note, Acts 2:25-32.) nay. a 21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. 23 Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. e 24 Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. u Ex. 20:12. Lev. 19:3. x Ps. 45:9. 110:1. Matt. 25:33. y Matt. 20:21. John 2:3,4. z Matt. 7:7-11. 18:19. Mark 10:35,36. 11:24. Luke 11:9,10. John 14:13,14. 15:16. a 2 Sam. 16:21,22. b Matt. 20:22. Mark 10:38. Jam. 4:3. e 1:5-7,11,24,25. d 20-10. Ruth 1:17. 1 Sam. 14: 44. 2 Sam. 3:9,35. 19:13. 2 k Kings 6:31. e Ps. 64:8. 140:9. Prov. 18:6,7. Ec. 10:12. Luke 19:22. f See on 1:29. g 3:6,7. 10:9. 1 Chr. 29:23. 2 Chr. 1:8,9. h Ex. 1:21. 1 Sam. 25:28. 2 Sam. 7:12,13,27. 1 Chr. 17:10, 17,23. Ps. 127:1. i 1 Chr. 22: 10. k Ec. 8:11-13. dom. She did not look upon Abishag as the wife of David, (Note, 1:1-4.) and therefore did not consider her marriage with Adonijah as unlawful: and she readily consented to become his intercessor with Solomon. (Note, Matt. 20:20 -23.) Nor would sound policy admit of any delay; when persons of so great authority and extensive influence were joined in the conspiracy, and had far more specious reasons for opposing Solomon, than Absalom had for rebelling against David. V. 20. For I, &c.] All such general prom-omon's government, as Absalom had to David's. ises imply the supposition, that the request is lawful and proper to be granted: for even the assurances of God's word, that whatever we ask of him, shall be given, admit of a similar limitation: i. e. if consistent with his glory, and for our real good. (Notes, Rom. 8:24-27. Jam. 4: 1-3. 1 John 5:14,15.) V. 22. Solomon immediately saw through Adonijah's intentions, and was fully convinced that he was aiming to take the fortress by sap, (so to speak,) which he had failed of seizing by surprise. He perceived him still restless, aspiring, and scheming; that he considered this as one step to the throne, and that Joab and Abiathar were concerned in the project. To shew the inefficacy therefore of every application in his favor; to convince Bath-sheba of the impropriety and impolicy of her request; and to declare the necessity of his death, in order to public peace, and the establishment of his authority, he spoke with great earnestness and decision. (Notes, Matt. 12:46-50. John 2:1-5.) V. 23-25. Solomon has been censured, as too severe and precipitate in this execution; but V. 26, 27. Solomon's language to Abiathar, and his silence, clearly prove, that some recent conspiracies had been formed. Abiathar had suffered much with David, and had been faithful and useful to him; (1 Sam. 22:20-23. Notes, 1 Sam. 23:1-13. 2 Sam. 15:24-29.) so that, in remembrance of his services, as well as in respect to his sacred character, Solomon resolved to spare his life: and as he had not committed murder, this clemency might properly be exercised. In deposing Abiathar from the high priesthood, Solomon purposely intended to fulfil the word of God to Eli. (Notes, 1 Sam. 2:30-36.) And in confining him to his own estate in the country, he only put him under a disgrace which he justly merited. (Notes, 36-46. 2 Sam. 14: 28,29.) The entire subjection of the priests, and even of the high priest, to the kings of Israel, in all civil and political concerns, is clearly shewn in this instance: nor is any exemption from capital punishment, in the case of treason, or other crimes deserving death, even in favor of the high priesthood itself, in the least intimated.-How different from the claims of the Roman hierarchy in these respects! V. 28-34. (Note, 5,6.) In fleeing to the altar, Joab pleaded guilty of the treason charged upon him: and Solomon, in ordering him to be slain before the altar, not for that crime alone, but especially for his former murders, evinced his knowledge of, and his regard for, the law of God, and his superiority to vulgar prejudices. He also shewed the people, that no place, how thou shalt surely die: P thy blood shall be upon thine own head. B. C 33 And Shimei said unto the king, a The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. 39 And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath. r 101 40 And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants; and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath. 41 And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again. 42 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, t Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good. 43 Why" then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with? 44 The king said moreover to Shimei, y Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head; 45 And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever. 46 So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out and And the fell upon him, that he died. kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon. ever sacred, should secure a murderer from justice. (Note, Ex. 21:12—14.)—His language, on this occasion, proves, that he considered the guilt of innocent blood as resting on his family and kingdom, so long as Joab's murders remained unpunished. (Note, Num. 35:31-34.) V. 35. Zadok.] The high priesthood seems to have continued, from this time, in the line of Eleazar and Phinehas, at least till long after the Babylonish captivity. (Marg. Ref.-Note, 1 Chr. 6:4-15.)-Nothing further is said of Jonathan the son of Abiathar. (Note, 1:42.) V. 36-46. No doubt Solomon suspected, that Shimei's influence would be dangerous upon his |