‏ 1 Kings 2

* David's dying charge to Solomon. (1-4) David's charge as to

Joab and others. (5-11) Solomon reigns, Adonijah aspiring to the

throne is put to death. (12-25) Abiathar banished, Joab put to

death. (26-34) Shimei is put to death. (35-46)

1-4 David's charge to Solomon is, to keep the charge of the

Lord. The authority of a dying father is much, but nothing to

that of a living God. God promised David that the Messiah should

come from his descendants, and that promise was absolute; but

the promise, that there should not fail of them a man on the

throne of Israel, was conditional; if he walks before God in

sincerity, with zeal and resolution: in order hereunto, he must

take heed to his way. 5-11 These dying counsels concerning Joab and Shimei, did not

come from personal anger, but for the security of Solomon's

throne, which was the murders he had committed, but would

readily repeat them to carry any purpose; though long reprieved,

he shall be reckoned with at last. Time does not wear out the

guilt of any sin, particularly of murder. Concerning Shimei,

Hold him not guiltless; do not think him any true friend to

thee, or thy government, or fit to be trusted; he has no less

malice now than he had then. David's dying sentiments are

recorded, as delivered under the influence of the Holy Ghost,

#2Sa 23:1-7|. The Lord discovered to him the offices and the

salvation of that glorious personage, the Messiah, whose coming

he then foretold, and from whom he derived all his comforts and

expectations. That passage gives a decided proof that David died

under the influence of the Holy Ghost, in the exercise of faith

and hope. 12-25 Solomon received Bathsheba with all the respect that was

owing to a mother; but let none be asked for that which they

ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad

request, or to appear in a bad cause. According to eastern

customs it was plain that Adonijah sought to be king, by his

asking for Abishag as his wife, and Solomon could not be safe

while he lived. Ambitious, turbulent spirits commonly prepare

death for themselves. Many a head has been lost by catching at a

crown. 26-34 Solomon's words to Abiathar, and his silence, imply that

some recent conspiracies had been entered into. Those that show

kindness to God's people shall have it remembered to their

advantage. For this reason Solomon spares Abiathar's life, but

dismisses him from his offices. In case of such sins as the

blood of beasts would atone for, the altar was a refuge, but not

in Joab's case. Solomon looks upward to God as the Author of

peace, and forward to eternity as the perfection of it. The Lord

of peace himself gives us that peace which is everlasting. 35-46 The old malignity remains in the unconverted heart, and a

watchful eye should be kept on those who, like Shimei, have

manifested their enmity, but have given no evidence of

repentance. No engagements or dangers will restrain worldly men;

they go on, though they forfeit their lives and souls. Let us

remember, God will not accommodate his judgment to us. His eye

is over us; and let us strive to walk as in his presence. Let

our every act, word, and thought, be governed by this great

truth, that the hour is quickly coming when the smallest

circumstances of our lives shall be brought to light, and our

eternal state be fixed by a righteous and unerring God. Thus

Solomon's throne was established in peace, as the type of the

Redeemer's kingdom of peace and righteousness. And it is a

comfort, in reference to the enmity of the church's enemies,

that, how much soever they rage, it is a vain thing they

imagine. Christ's throne is established, and they cannot shake

it.