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Introduction Chapters 1 and 2 Chapter 3 Chapters 4 and 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapters 11 and 12 Chapter 13 Chapters 14 to 16 Chapters 17 and 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Conclusion |
The proclamation of Solomon as kingBefore David's death the iniquity and ambition of a son whom he "had not displeased at any time "led to the solemn proclamation of Solomon, to whom God had destined, and David promised, the throne. In this circumstance Joab, long restrained by prudence in David's lifetime, shews himself as he is. He makes himself necessary to Adonijah, as he had been to David. Abiathar, long under the sentence of God, takes the same course. Solomon, the elect of God, who held his rights from God, did not suit them. But after all, man's prudence fails before the judgment of God. God arranges events in such a manner as, sooner or later, to exhibit the most prudent in their true light. Apparently all goes on well. The elder and beloved son of the king, the captain of the host whom David himself could not resist, and the priest who had always accompanied David, are there, as well as all the king's sons, excepting the elect of God; but the thought of God, or His will, had no place there. The companions of David, who had truly served with him for the glory of God, were not there either. The prophet of God, the witness to His will, is employed in the fulfilment of that will, and Solomon is proclaimed king, and inaugurated before the eyes of David himself. Righteous judgment executed by the king reigning in glory
David's faith, if it had not energy enough to give each one his place
in judgment, had at least full intelligence of what was proper. He
communicates his judgment to Solomon, who is to execute it according
to his word.* Solomon at first shews clemency to Adonijah; but
the still restless will of the latter, who desired the deceased king's
wife, awakens the righteous judgment destined for those who had failed
in integrity, and who had risen up against God's anointed. It is
the first character attached to the king reigning in glory. He executes
righteous judgment in the earth. There is no escaping the vigilance
of this judgment. This is seen in the case of Shimei. We find at the same time the fulfilment of the word given to Samuel, namely, the humiliation of the priest. Solomon, Jehovah's anointed, sends Abiathar away, and puts Zadok in his place. |
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