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T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
August 1924
“Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and 1 will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon; and I will give peace and quiet ness unto Israel in his days.” Nathan called him Jedidiah, (the beloved of Jehovah) 2 Sam. 12:25. He was trained by Nathan the prophet, but was brought up in luxury and knew nothing of hardship. Solomon was probably twenty years old when anointed. David was seventy years old, but old for his years, owing to the severe hardships of his youth and many family troubles and the exacting toil of the organization of the kingdom. “ Call me Bathsheba” is the cry of the king, and Bath- sheba came into the presence of the king. David had cov enanted with Bathsheba that Solomon should be king (vs. 13-17). The Lord had also chosen him (1 Chron. 22:9, 10). David lost no time in this crisis, and sealed the interview with an oath (v. 30). David appoints Solomon king (vs. 32-38). David called his counsellors and gave instructions for the inauguration. Solomon was placed upon the king’s mule and the choice was ratified before the princes of Israel. David gave a solemn charge to Solomon (1 Chron. 2 9 :9 ). Hia desire for him is found in Psa. 72:1, 2: “Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.” Benaiah, the warrior, gave a hearty “Amen” to the pro ceedings. (vs. 36, 37). Zadok Anoints Solomon, vs. 39, 40. The priest took a horn of oil and anointed Solomon, and the people set their seal, with great rejoicing, to the cere mony. The anointing of Solomon is a picture of our Lord’s anointing (Isa. 4 2 :1 ). He rode upon the foal of an ass (Zech. 9 :9 ). He was anointed of God (Acts 10 :38 ). Sol omon ushered in a reign of peace, and so will our Lord. (Isa. 1 1 :9 ). (2 ) THE PASSING OF DAVID. David’s Charge to Solomon, vs. 1-9. There is always something solemn and impressive in last words, and espec ially so in thi^ instance as they are the last words of one of God’s great men. Listen, “ I go the way of all the earth; be thou strong, therefore, and show thyself a man.” Like the words of the Lord to Joshua (Josh. 1:2-7) they are a charge of justice, judgment and mercy. David’s Death, vs. 10, 11. Saul was chosen because of his physical qualifications; David, because of his moral qualities. His name has found a large place in the hearts of men. From his appearance on the battle field in the slaying of Goliath, to the end of his days, he was loyal, brave, magnanimous, tender, forgiving, just, faithful, to his trust,— the man after God’s own heart; not perfect, for there never was but one. Read the record (1 Ki. 15:5 and 1 Ki. 1 1 :4 ). Death of Adonijah, vs. 13-25. Bathsheba asked for the life of Adonijah, but Solomon demanded his death. Degradation of Abiatlmr, vs. 26, 27. The priest was not killed, but thrust out from the priesthood. Death of Joab and of Shimei, vs. 36-40. Thus this chap ter cleans the slate and leaves King Solomon an opportunity to promote the cause of the Lord. There has been no change in human nature since the days of Adam. Condi tions today are much the same qs in the days of Solomon. (3) THE PRAYER OF SOLOMON. Solomon’s Regal Sacrifice, vs. 1-4. Solomon went to Gibeon. The tabernacle was there (2 Chron. 1 :3 ) ; the place where God met with His people (Ex. 29:42, 43). The tabernacle was a type of Christ— our meeting-place. God
meets man, in Christ. (John 1:14; 1 4 :6 ). Here Solomon made a great feast and sacrificed a thousand burnt offers ings. His purpose was to unite all the people under the new kingdom and to awaken a new religious influence (1 Sam. 11 :15 ). Solomon’s Request of Jehovah, vs. 5-9. Jehovah appeared to Solomon in a dream as He did to Jacob (Gen. 20:12, 1 3 ); as He did to Joseph, the husband of Mary (Matt. 1 :2 0 ); as He did to Paul. He issued a challenge to Solo mon. God always begins with Himself. The glory of God appeared to Abraham (Acts 7 :2 ) ; the angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses (Ex. 3 :2 ). In every experience in which there is blessing, God takes the initiative. God’s challenge is “Ask” (John 14:13, 14; 1 5 :17 ; 1 John 3:21, 22). He loves to give, for giving glorifies Him. Whoever refrains from receiving, or refuses to receive, robs God. God puts Himself at the disposal of man (Jer. 3 3 :3 ). Solomon took the place of humility (Matt. 1 8 :4 ). He looked backward and saw what God had done. He looked inward and saw his own insufficiency. He looked outward and saw the great need. He looked upward and saw God as the source of supply. He recited the mercies of God, (2 Sam. 7 :5 ). He recited God’s grace and favor to his father, his own unworthiness, his own insufficiency, and pleaded for wisdom (2 Chron. 1 :1 0 ). This is the crux of the whole prayer. Wisdom is the principal thing (Prov. 4 :7 ; 8 :1 1 ). Worldly wisdom is foolishness (1 Cor. 3 :1 9 ; Jas. 1 :1 7 ). Solomon put first things first. He made heaven the center -—not earth; eternity-snot time. God’s Response, vs. 10-15. Solomon’s request pleased God. Why? Because the spirit of his prayer was right, the basis was right, the request was right. He made an unselfish choice. He sought the best interests of his people. There has never been any change in Christ’s order: “ If any man will come after me, let him deny himself.” In order to be a channel of blessing to human lives and to a lost world, there must be the crucifixion of self, or the cross means nothing. God graciously responded to Solomon’s prayer and gave him wisdom, wealth and world power. He gave him his heart’s desire and threw in the rest for good measure. How definite are the promises of God: “Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give the desires of thine heart.” “ Seek first His glory, and the windows of Heaven will be open.” “ Covet earnestly the best gifts.” The record of Solomon’s wisdom is found in 4:27-34. Topics for Study (1) Is there danger in delay when dealing with evil? (Prov. 11:27). (2) What lesson would you draw from 1 Chron. 28:9? (3) Was Christ established as our Solomon in spite of His enemies? (Psa. 2:2j 3). (4) Would a valuable and practical topic for the pres- . ent day to consider be “Does sparing the rod spoil the child” ? (5) What suggestions are provoked by the contrast in pictures: Adonijah and his conspirators feasting: and the anointing of Solomon as king. (6) Who made Solomon king, and why? (3 :7 ). (7) Was the attitude of Solomon in confessing his limi tations a commendable one (Jer. 1 :6 ; 1 Chron. 2 9 :1 ). (8) Why did the prayer of Solomon please the Lord? (9) Did Solomon forfeit the promise of long life? (1 Ki. 11:4, 9). (10) What are the best gifts to seek?
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