1 Kings 2:15

_HE SAID MOREOVER, I HAVE SOMEWHAT TO SAY UNTO THEE. AND SHE SAID, SAY ON._ No JFB commentary on these verses....

12-25 Solomon received Bathsheba with all the respect that was owing to a mother; but let none be asked for that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request, or to appear in a bad cause. According to eastern customs it was plain that Adonijah sought to be king, by his asking for Abishag as his wife, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious, turbulent spirits commonly prepare death for themselves. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown....

Verse 1 Kings 2:15. _THOU KNOWEST THAT THE KINGDOM WAS MINE_] It certainly was his by the right of _primogeniture_, and it was his by the _voice_ _of the people_, and the consent of the _high priest_. But there was a right paramount to all these, the _right of God_; it was his kingdom; the kings were his _lieutenants_, and he had a right to give the crown to whomsoever he pleased, and he was pleased to give it to Solomon....

EXPOSITION ADONIJAH'S INTRIGUE. 1 KINGS 2:12 AND SOLOMON SATE ON THE THRONE OF DAVID HIS FATHER, AND HIS KINGDOM [_i.e; _dominion, sway] was established greatly. [Cf. 2 Chronicles 1:1, 2 Chronicles 1:2. This verse serves as a kind of heading or introduction to the rest of the chapter. It was principally by the removal of rivals and disaffected persons that his sway was established. 1 KINGS 2:13 AND ADONIJAH, the son of Haggith, came to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon....

AND HE SAID, THOU KNOWEST THAT THE KINGDOM WAS MINE,.... Belonged to him by virtue of his birthright; he was heir to it, being the eldest son: AND [THAT] ALL ISRAEL SET THEIR FACES ON ME, THAT I SHOULD REIGN; which was not true; for, as Bathsheba says, the body of the people were in suspense, their eyes being on David, waiting to hear whom he would declare his successor; and when Solomon was declared and anointed, vast numbers attended him; unless Adonijah thought that the high priest, and general of the army, with the captains, represented the whole people; however this he observes by way of preface, to show how unhappy he was, being disappointed, and to move the compassion of Bathsheba, that she might be the more easily prevailed upon to seek to obtain so small a favour as he was about to ask: HOWBEIT THE KINGDOM IS TURNED ABOUT, AND IS BECOME MY BROTHER'S; things had taken another t...

II. SOLOMON'S GLORIOUS REIGN. HIS FAILURE AND END 1. The Righteous judgment of Solomon CHAPTER 2:12-46) _ 1. Solomon upon the throne (1 Kings 2:12)_ 2. Adonijah's request (1 Kings 2:13) 3. Bath-sheba before Solomon (1 Kings 2:19) 4. Solomon's answer and sentence upon Adonijah (1 Kings 2:22) 5. Adonijah executed (1 Kings 2:25) 6. Abiathar thrust out (1 Kings 2:26) 7. Joab and Shimei executed ...

DEATH OF DAVID; SOLOMON ESTABLISHED ON HIS THRONE. The main source of this chapter is the same as that of 1, but interspersed are Deuteronomic additions (1 Kings 2:3 f., 1 Kings 2:10; 1 Kings 2:27). The authenticity of David's advice to Solomon has been disputed, especially the reasons given for procuring Joab's execution. Judged by any standard it places his character in an unamiable light. Solomon was advised to find a pretext for putting Joab and Shimei to death, and perfidy is inculcated as wisdom (1 Kings 2:6; 1 Kings 2:9). Without attempting to justify its mo

_Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine_ He means that as the eldest living son of David, he could rightly claim it. Thus he in a way apologizes for his previous attempt to secure the succession to himself. _set their faces on me_ They looked forward to my accession and were resolved on bringing it about. Comp. Jeremiah 42:17 -the men that set their faces to go down into Egypt … shall die." Adonijah would thus also make it appear that the voice and goodwill of the people had been on his side. _for it was his from the Lord_ He professes his resignation to what has happened, and ascribes it to the Divine will that he may the better cloak his desires and intentions. Perhaps -it became his from the Lord" would give the force of his words better. It is to be noted how, as if in friendship, he speaks of Solomon as his brother....

II. ADONIJAH'S SECOND CONSPIRACY AGAINST SOLOMON 2:13-35 At the collapse of his first conspiracy, Solomon had magnanimously spared the life of Adonijah. The traitor was spared on condition that he _show himself a worthy man_ and not get involved in any political intrigue again. Adonijah should have learned his lesson. But apparently he never relinquished his claim to the throne, nor overlooked any possibility of undermining his brother. The present paragraph describes (1) the subtle plot devised by Adonijah (1 Kings 2:13-18); (2) the innocent petition made on his behalf by Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:19-21); and (3) the stern punishment meted out by Solomon (1 Kings 2:22-25). A. THE PLOT DEVISED

DAVID'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT The recital of David's last charge to Solomon and his death is followed by an account of the execution of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. 3, 4. Cp. Deuteronomy 17; 2 Samuel 7; 2 Samuel 7. 5. ABNER.. AMASA] For Abner see 1 Chronicles 9:36; 1 Samuel 14:50; 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 2-3 for Amasa see 2 Samuel 17:25 (Cp....