him, with the silent effect of their example, had-unknown, maybe, to him-so impregnated his being as to germinate into ungodly actions at any sudden. temptation or crisis, with sufficient power to sweep away for a time the tuition and principles of his heavenly life. In David's case, what mighty lessons this should teach! Here was a patriarch indeed, at the last moments of his existence succumbing to the seducing wiles and powerful instincts of his grosser nature. Men may well dread death, for then is the last great struggle between earth and heaven-nay, hell and heaven. It is Satan's last chance, and he puts forth his mighty energies in one last grand endeavour, in which the deadliest hate and fear, and every terrible passion, is at work, striving to counteract the power of his Almighty antagonist. But the Almighty knows him, and He knows us. Like David, we may be vengeful on our death-bed-our spirits may become dim, and weak, and faint; yet He knows our hearts that we are in Him, and He in us, and pardons the wanderings of our faltering footsteps as we totter to His threshold, until, as we gain the door and faintly knock, it opens wide, disclosing a scene of light, and joy, and bliss, with the inspiriting words sounding gladly in our ears-"Be of good courage, I will never leave thee or forsake thee!"—Homilist. GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES. Verses 5-9. Perhaps the dying monarch is solely anxious for the security of his young successor's kingdom. Perhaps he allows old animosities to revive, and is willing to avenge himself indirectly and by deputy, though he had been withheld by certain scruples from taking vengeance in his own person. We must not expect gospel morality from the saints of the Old Testament. They were only the best men of their several ages and nations. The maxim of them of old time, whether Jews or Gentiles, was "Love your friends and hate your enemies" (Matt. v. 43), and David, perhaps, was not, in this respect, in advance of his age. It would have been more magnanimous had he, either now or previously, freely forgiven these great offenders (Joab and Shimei) their offences against himself; but it would have been a magnanimity unexampled in the previous history of the world, and which we have no right to look for in one who was the warrior king of a nation just emerging from barbarism. If David was actuated by a sense of his own wrongs in the injunctions which he gave with respect to Joab and Shimei, we cannot justify the morality of his conduct; but it ought not to occasion us any surprise or difficulty. At any rate, it is satis factory to see that, if David did allow himself to accept the unchristian half of the maxim above quoted, and to indulge malevolent feelings against his enemies, at least he accepted equally the other half, and entertained warm feelings of affection towards his friends. His hatred pursues only the individuals who have done him wrong. His gratitude and love pass on from the doer of a kindness to the doer's children after their father's death.-Speaker's Comm. Verse 7. A noble heart does not forget what was done for him in times of trouble especially, and thinks of it even in the hour of death. The world is ungrateful. A blessing rests on deeds of faithfulness, and self-sacrificing, disinterested love; and it descends to children and children's children.-Lange. A spirit of kindness-1. Has a lively appreciation of help rendered in time of need. 2. Is prompt to acknowledge its obligations. 3. Delights in showing greater kindness than it received. 4. Is an important, practical feature of the Christian spirit. Verses 8, 9. A curse rests on those who curse the "powers' " which are God's ministers, instead of praying for them, and they are made, sooner or later, to feel the curse (1 Peter ii. 17, 6). The Lord prayed for those who cursed Him; but when they did not repent and become converted, Divine judgment came down on them. No doubt a wicked man often goes a long time unpunished for his deeds; but Divine justice does not fail to overtake him finally, ere he is aware. It required wisdom to punish: a premature, illjudged chastisement does more harm than good.-Lange. HOMILETICS OF VERSES 10-12. THE NIGHT OF AN OLD DYNASTY, AND THE MORNING OF THE NEW. The reign of David began in the midst of storm and condict. His was a long and eventful life, teeming with romance, ever menaced with danger, and ever escaping it, and yet continually advancing to a higher pitch of greatness and power. The trumpet of rebellion had roused him from his dying couch. As one accustomed to such scenes, and well knowing how to act, he crushed the incipient attempt before it had gathered strength enough to injure his throne. It was his last struggle. From that period an era of peace was inaugurated that lasted for years. At the beginning of this season of tranquillity the dynasty of the Warrior-King closes, and is followed by the rule of the Man of Peace. This change of government suggests a few reflections. I. That death is no respecter of person or rank. "So David slept with his fathers" (verse 10). The unpitying destroyer ravages alike the cottage and the palace. Even David, who had borne a charmed life in the fiercest battles, is at length overtaken by the enemy whose power he had seemed to defy. All the resources of a kingdom are utterly incompetent to arrest the inevitable and desolating stroke of Death. No amount of wealth can bribe him to betray his ghastly mission; no skill, however subtle, can baffle his designs; no pleadings, however pathetic, can move him to pity; no rank, however exalted, can escape his fatal visit. Silently, steadily, irresistibly, unweariedly he prosecutes his work. Like the gigantic vampire bat of Java, whose perfumed wings fan its victims into a profound sleep while it sucks the life-blood, so Death often throws a stupor over the worn-out body while knawing away its vitality the senses are numbed, the breath rifled, the pulse stilled, and all is over-the prince and the beggar are reduced to the same level. One event happeneth to all. II. That the greatness of the son is often built on the wise provisions of the sire. "Then sat Solomon on the throne of David his father (verse 12). The exertions of David had made the kingdom of Israel what it was. By his conquests he greatly enlarged its territory and increased its wealth. As the crowning work of his life he set his heart upon building a temple for Jehovah ; but this he was not permitted to do, though he had made extensive preparations for the undertaking. When, therefore, Solomon came to the throne, he found a kingdom thickly populated, and growing in wealth, prestige, and influence. A substantial basis was thus laid down on which the empire was raised to the height of affluence, splendour, and renown it afterwards attained. Whatever reputation Solomon might have won by his wisdom, he would never have been known to posterity as a mighty prince had he not inherited the substantial fortunes of his victorious father. The son of a great man and heir to vast possessions occupies no enviable position. He accepts a solemn responsibilityhe has the prospect of a brilliant career. If he fails, his humiliation is most abject. He needs Divine help. The best guarantee of success is to possess heavenly wisdom. III. That the progress of a nation advances notwithstanding the loss of its greatest men. "And his kingdom was established greatly verse 12). There is an immense power in an individual life; it impresses itself upon the nation; it moulds its policy and guides its destiny, and becomes interwoven with the texture of its character; it seems indispensable to its existence. Yet it is humbling to discover how little one is missed and how soon forgotten. Great men die; but the nations they helped to create survive and flourish. How often are we made to feel: The individual is less and less, Individuals perish-principles never: men depart, but humanity remains. The work of one generation is a preparation for the work of another; and thus, under the controlling hand of God, nations accomplish their respective destinies : "There is a Power Unseen, that rules the illimitable world That guides its motions, from the brightest star While man, who madly deems himself the lord Of all, is nought but weakness and dependence."—Thomson. LESSONS:-1. All earthly governments are subject to change. 2. It is matter for gratitude to the nation when the end of one good reign is the beginning of another. 3. Amid the rise and fall of dynasties the Divine purpose concerning the race steadily advances. GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES. Verses 10, 11. The death and burial of David. 1. His death was a rest from a long and toilsome life—as a storm having spent its force sinks gently into a peaceful and prolonged slumber. Rest is sweet after bearing the burden and heat of the day for forty years. 2. He was buried among the monuments of his energy and greatness. His own city was his tomb. Kings who build palaces should not forget their tombs; a small space must shortly contain all their greatness. David's grave is a pledge that the memory of the just is bless.d (Prov. x. 7; Acts ii. 29). And now, when David hath set all things in a desired order and forwardness, he shuts up with a zealous blessing of his son Solomon and his people, and sleeps with his fathers. O, blessed soul, how quiet a possession hast thou now taken, after so many tumults, of a better crown! Thou that hast prepared all things for the house of thy God, how happily art thou now welcomed to that house of His, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens !Hall. David, a type of Christ. 1. Appointed by God to his high office, and consecrated to it with the holy oil. 2. Was long opposed by violent enemies. 3. Was sustained in his heaviest trials by a large measure of Divine consolation. 4. Was supreme governor of his people. 5. Ruled in righteousness. 6. Pardoned enemies and punished the obstinately rebellious. 7. Was confirmed in the kingdom by covenant (Psalm lxxxix. 3, 4, 28, 29). -Robinson. HOMILETICS OF VERSES 13-25. THE DOOM OF A TREASONABLE SPIRIT. 1. That a treasonable spirit is slow to learn a lesson from past misfortunes. One would have thought that after the lamentable and disgraceful failure of his recent enterprise Adonijah would not have had the hardihood to risk another defeat. His conduct at this time reveals his character as a restless, intriguing, ambitious man. There are some men who will not be taught. The advice of the wise is contemptuously thrown away: the most calamitous events and their obvious lessons are speedily forgotten. The love of plotting and scheming amounts in some men to a passion; they are often blinded by their own cunning, and caught in the snares they had laid for the feet of others. Envy and ambition are turbulent elements, difficult to allay, and often hurrying their victims to certain ruin. II. That a treasonable spirit has no scruple as to the method adopted in gaining its end. 1. It will flatter a mother's vanity. Treason is a tortuous policy, and seeks to use others as tools to accomplish its designs. Instead of going direct to the king, Adonijah strove to influence the mother in his favour. He spoke of her son in a way to gratify the mother's heart, and to disguise the insincerity that lay beneath his words. Flattery is one of the most polished and effective weapons of the schemer. 2. It is regardless of veracity. "Thou knowest that all Israel set their faces on me." This was a great exaggeration. He had really no very large following (see chapter i. 39, 40, 45, 49). It was well known the Lord had chosen Solomon. Accuracy as to matters of fact never troubles the conscience of some people. The liar is never at a loss for arguments, nor very particular as to their character. Says the proverb-"It is an easy thing to find a staff to beat a dog with." 3. It can affect a mock saintliness. "For it was his from the Lord." From such lips, this sounds very much like cant! The aim was evidently to deceive Bathsheba as to the real intention of securing her advocacy. Of all methods to attain sinister ends, the rôle of the religious hypocrite is the most detestable. There are some natures over whom it exerts a potent charm. III. That a treasonable spirit is prompted by base motives (verse 17). The beauty of Abishag had made its impression on Adonijah. Blinded by sensual passion and the lust of power, he disregarded the incestuous proposal to marry his father's widow. Such an union was directly contrary to positive law (Lev. xviii. 8). The darkest designs are the offspring of the lowest motives, and an ambitious zeal for place and the public weal often covers the desire for a wider scope in the personal indulgence of sensual instincts (Psalm xxxvii. 12). IV. A treasonable spirit knows no bounds to its ambition. Nothing short of kingship could satisfy Adonijah. His possession of Abishag was intended as a means to that end. Her eminent beauty and near relation to David would give her a powerful interest at court. In the oriental mind a monarch was so sacred, such a divinity hedged him in, that whatever was brought near to him was thenceforth separate from common use. This sacred and separate character attached especially to the royal harem. The inmates either remained widows for the rest of their lives, or became the wives of the deceased king's successor. When a monarch was murdered or dethroned, or succeeded by one whose title was doubtful, the latter alternative was almost always adopted. The PseudoSmerdis married all the wives of Cambyses (Herod. iii. 68); and Darius married all the wives of the Pseudo-Smerdis (ib. ch. 88). So David, when he succeeded Saul, had all the wives of Saul (2 Sam. xii. 8); and Absalom, when he seized the crown, by the advice of Ahitophel, went in unto his father's concubines (ib. xvi. 22). These are examples of what seems to have been a universal practice; and the result was such a close connection in public opinion between the title of the crown and the possession of the deceased monarch's wives, that to have granted Adonijah's request would have been the strongest encouragement to his pretensions.-Speaker's Comm. Woman is often courted for the sake of the place and power to which she can introduce her suitor: the serpent addressed the woman first in order to gain the man. The ambition of a treasonable spirit is as avaricious and insatiable as it is reckless in the agencies it employs. V. That a treasonable spirit is unexpectedly detected and exposed (verses 22, 23). Solomon at once saw through the design of Adonijah. He appears, too, to have discovered some indications of another attempt at rebellion, in which Abiathar and Joab were implicated (verse 22). He showed Bathsheba how she had been deceived by the flattery of Adonijah; and we can conceive with what alarm she would start back from the dark pitfall into which she was about unwittingly to plunge herself and son! A course of villany may go on for a long time in uninterrupted prosperity; but detection is sure to come, and the exposure will be humiliating and complete. Be sure your sin will find you In these days of literary enterprise, the columns of a thousand journals will exhibit your disgrace to the world in unmistakeable characters. If the mask could be torn from the face of society, what a horrid index would be presented to the festering mass of deceit, envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness which is ever heaving and spreading there! A day is coming when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed, and all wrongs redressed. But who can fathom the depth of that Divine patience that bears with the enormities of the wicked, and calmly waits for the hour of retribution? Better to find out and deplore our own sins before they are exposed and punished by omniscient and omnipotent justice. VI. That a treasonable spirit meets with summary and unfaltering vengeance (verses 24, 25). Adonijah had before been pardoned, and his life spared, on condition that he acted worthily (i. 52). That condition was violated; and now, without admitting any intercession for his life, he is solemnly doomed to death, and the sentence forthwith executed. The perils of the state sometimes demand the prompt and rigorous punishment of offenders. Sin entails a life of disappointment and misery, and a death of shame and infamy. The cunning of the wicked often overreaches itself, and the plot which is intended to gain a fortune terminates in a dishonoured grave. Many a head has been lost in the attempt to seize a crown. The ruin of the enemies of Christ's kingdom is as sure as the unshakeable stability of that kingdom. LESSONS:-1. A treasonable spirit demoralizes man's whole nature. 2. The cleverest plotter is no match for the simple wisdom of uprightness. 3. Persistency in sin intensifies the severity of the punishment. GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES. Verses 13-25. Adonijah's attempt to gain the throne. 1. Wherein this attempt consisted (verses 13-18). 2. How it ended (verses 19-25). Adonijah and his faction show the truth of what is often found-namely, that revolutionary men are not discouraged by the failure of their plans, and even disgraceful defeat, but always brood over the means of attaining their ambitious views and gratifying their thirst for power. Pardon and forbearance do not change them, but generally harden and em- |