I go the way, &c. — Even the sons and heirs of heaven, must go the way of all the earth, of all who dwell thereon. But they walk with pleasure in this way, thro' the valley of the shadow of death. Prophets, yea kings must go this way to brighter light and honour than prophecy or sovereignty. Be stro... [ Continue Reading ]
The law — Which the prince was enjoined to transcribe and read, Deuteronomy 17:11, that be might govern his own and his peoples actions by it. Mayest profit — Or, behave thyself prudently. Hereby he intimates, that religion is the truest reason of state, and that all true wisdom and good success dep... [ Continue Reading ]
Confirm his word — Fulfil his promise, the condition upon which it was suspended, being performed.... [ Continue Reading ]
To me — That is, against me; in what he did against Abner and Amasa: whose death was a great injury to David, as it was a breach of his laws and peace; a contempt of his person and government; a pernicious example to his subjects, and a great scandal to him, as if Joab had been only David's instrume... [ Continue Reading ]
Do therefore — That is, what in reason and justice thou seest fit. For tho' I was forced to forbear him, yet I never forgave him; punish him according to his demerits.... [ Continue Reading ]
For so — With such kindness.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will not, &c. — The words are, The king said unto Shimei, thou shalt not die: and the king sware unto him, 2 Samuel 19:23. The oath, we see, was absolute. It was not, I will not put thee to death now. or, I will not put thee to death with the sword. But who can reconcile his charge to Solomon with... [ Continue Reading ]
Benaiah — For the execution of justice was not then committed to obscure persons, as now it is; but to persons of great honour and authority. It is far from clear, that Solomon did right herein, or that Adonijah had any ill design in asking Abishag.... [ Continue Reading ]
Because, &c. — Thus Solomon shews respect to his sacred function. He mixes mercy with justice, and requites Abiathar's former kindness to David; hereby teaching princes, that they should not write injuries in marble, and benefits in sand, as they have been so often observed to do.... [ Continue Reading ]
Which he spake — Concerning the translation of the priesthood from the house of Eli, and of Ithamar, to that of Eleazar: which being threatened eighty years ago, is now executed. So divine vengeance, though sometimes it be slow, is always sure.... [ Continue Reading ]
He said, Nay, &c. — For he supposed, either, that Solomon would not defile that place with his blood, but would spare him for his respect to it, as he had done Adonijah: or, he had a superstitious conceit, that his dying there might give his guilty and miserable soul some advantage.... [ Continue Reading ]
Do, &c. — Kill him, though he be there; take him from that place, and then kill him: for, Exodus 21:14, doth not command the ruler to kill the murderer there, but to remove him thence, to take him from the altar, that he may die.... [ Continue Reading ]
Wilderness — Places which have but few houses and inhabitants, are often so called in scripture. He was buried privately, like a criminal, not pompously, like a general.... [ Continue Reading ]
Go not forth — This Solomon ordered, both for his own security; and as a penalty for his former wickedness.... [ Continue Reading ]
Kidron — A brook nigh Jerusalem, which he particularly names, because that was the way to Bahurim, his former habitation: but this is not all, for the restraint was general, that he should not go forth thence any whither. Thy blood — The blame and guilt of thy blood shall lie upon thyself only.... [ Continue Reading ]
Is good — Thy sentence is more merciful than I expected, or deserved.... [ Continue Reading ]
Achish — A king, but subject and tributary, to Solomon. Permitted to enjoy the title and honour of a king, but not the full power; whence it was, that Achish could not keep these servants though they had fled to him for protection; but suffered Shimei to take them away from his royal city.... [ Continue Reading ]
To seek his servants — By seeking his servants, says Bp. Hall, he lost himself. These earthly things either are, or should be our servants. How commonly do we see men run out of the bounds set by God's laws, to hunt after them, till their souls incur a fearful judgment.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thine heart — For which thine own conscience accuseth thee, and there is no need of other witnesses. The Lord — God hath punished thee for thy former wickedness, by suffering thee to expose thyself to thy deserved death.... [ Continue Reading ]