1 Kings
The history now before us accounts for the affairs of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, yet with
special regard to the kingdom of God among them; for it is a sacred history. It is earlier as to time,
teaches much more, and is more interesting than any common histories.
Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
David's declining age. (1–4)
Adonijah aspires to the throne. (5–10)
David makes Solomon king. (11–31)
Solomon is anointed king, and Adonijah's (32–53)
usurpation stopped.Verses 1–4
We have David sinking under infirmities. He was chastised for his recent sins, and felt the
effects of his former toils and hardships.
Verses 5–10
Indulgent parents are often chastised with disobedient children, who are anxious to possess
their estates. No worldly wisdom, nor experience, nor sacredness of character, can insure the
continuance in any former course of those who remain under the power of self-love. But we may
well wonder by what arts Joab and Abiathar could be drawn aside.
Verses 11–31
Observe Nathan's address to Bathsheba. Let me give thee counsel how to save thy own life,
and the life of thy son. Such as this is the counsel Christ's ministers give us in his name, to give all
diligence, not only that no man take our crown, Re 3:11, but that we save our lives, even the lives
of our souls. David made a solemn declaration of his firm cleaving to his former resolution, that
Solomon should be his successor. Even the recollection of the distresses from which the Lord
redeemed him, increased his comfort, inspired his hopes, and animated him to his duty, under the
decays of nature and the approach of death.
Verses 32–53
The people expressed great joy and satisfaction in the elevation of Solomon. Every true Israelite
rejoices in the exaltation of the Son of David. Combinations formed upon evil principles will soon