SCENES IN THE CLOSING CAREER OF A GREAT KING CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— The opening word, “now,” is _and_, the _cop_. ו indicating the unbroken connexion of this book with a prior record. Originally the books of “Kings” were a continuation of those of “Samuel,” and constituted one whole narr... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 1 Kings 1:5. ADONIJAH, SON OF HAGGITH—No record of origin or rank of Haggith, therefore probably without any family distinction. Adonijah was David’s fourth son, and the eldest now alive. EXALTED HIMSELF—הִתְנַשֵּׂאֹ (_cf_. Proverbs 30:32); took advantage of his fat... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 1 Kings 1:12. SAVE THINE OWN LIFE, &c.; for had the scheme of Adonijah succeeded, all rivals to the throne would have been slain. 1 Kings 1:13. ASSUREDLY SOLOMON, &c.—The particle כִּי scarcely allows of so forcible a rendering; saying, _That_ Solomon shall reign.... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 1 Kings 1:16. BOWED AND DID OBEISANCE—The latter word denoting the prostrate attitude customary in the East before kings. 1 Kings 1:21. SHALL BE COUNTED OFFENDERS—Counted is not in the Hebrew, though implied in the connexion; they will be חַטָּאִים—_i.e._, guilty o... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 1 Kings 1:25. GOD SAVE KING ADONIJAH: _i.e._, Let the king live; literally, _Live the king!_ the usual Israelitish acclamation (1 Kings 1:34; 1 Samuel 10:24, &c.). 1 Kings 1:31. LET MY LORD, KING DAVID, LIVE FOR EVER—A form of blessing, used by the Hebrews only on s... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 1 Kings 1:33. TAKE THE SERVANTS OF YOUR LORD: viz., the royal body-guard (1 Kings 1:38). RIDE UPON MINE OWN MULE—The command that he “ride” was especially significant, for no one, under pain of death, might mount the king’s mule; to ride thereon was an actual declar... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 1 Kings 1:47. KING BOWED HIMSELF UPON HIS BED—His infirmities allowed him to do no more (compare Genesis 47:31). _HOMILETICS OF 1 Kings 1:41_ THE DEFEAT OF REBELLION I. THAT REBELS ARE MORE INTENT ON SELFISH INDULGENCE THAN THE PUBLIC GOOD. “As they had made an en... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 1 Kings 1:50. CAUGHT HOLD ON THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR: an act by which he appealed to God and man that his life, forfeited by his attempted usurpation of the throne, might be spared. Originally the place was appointed as an asylum for accidental homicides (Exodus 21:1... [ Continue Reading ]