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The Hebrew Monarchy
- Causes Leading to Its Establishment. When Samuel became an old
Man, his sons Joel and Abiah, were made judges in Beersheba, but they
Disregarded the law of the Lord (Deuteronomy 16:18,19), and refused to walk in the footstep of their illustrious father (1 Samuel 8:1-3). The elders gathered at Ramah, expressed their dissatisfaction to Samuel, and
Requested him to make them a king to judge them like other nations
(1 Samuel 8:4,5). The Lord had previously intimated through Moses that the time would come when they would desire a king, and had
Recorded what He would require of him (Deuteronomy 17:14-20), but He had also declared that they should be above the other nations (Deuteronomy 26:19). The request of the elders greatly displeased Samuel, and he prayed to the
Lord for guidance. The Lord told him in answer, to grant their request,
But to protest solemnly against their rebellious proceedings, and
Announce to the people the troubles and labors a king would bring on
Them. Samuel did this, but his appeal was unavailing, and the people
Declared emphatically that they would have a king. Samuel rehearsed
The decision of the people to the Lord, and He told him to grant their
Request, and then he sent them to their homes (1 Samuel 8:6-22).
- Saul Anointed. Saul, the son of Kish, of the tribe of
Benjamin, went in search of some asses that had gone astray. After a
Futile search, the servant of Saul proposed that they go and interview
The seer, Samuel, which he agreed to do. When they approached the
Prophet, he received them with cordiality, gave them the desired
Information, and treated Saul as a distinguished guest. The day
Previous to this visit, the Lord intimated to Samuel, that He would
Send him a man out of the tribe of Benjamin whom he should anoint as
The leader of his people (1 Samuel 9:1-24). On the morning following Samuel arose and sent Saul away, accompanying him some distance. When
They came to the edge of the city, Samuel told Saul to send his servant
On, and he would show him the word of the Lord (1 Samuel 9:25-27). Then Samuel anointing him, saluted him with a kiss, and declared that
It was all because the Lord had anointed him to be captain over His
Inheritance (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel also told him what would come to pass that day, and his predictions were all fulfilled (1 Samuel 10:2-8).
- Saul Made King. As soon as Saul turned from Samuel, God gave him
A new heart, and when he came unto a company of prophets the Spirit of
God came upon him, and he prophesied among them, and subsequently the
People inquired if he were also a prophet, and judging from the inquiry
Of his uncle, it appears that the people were turning their minds
Toward him (1 Samuel 10:9-16). Samuel subsequently called the people together at Mizpeh, rehearsed to them the great deliverances of the
Lord, and announced to them that they had rejected the Lord from being
Their king. He commanded them to present themselves by their tribes,
And the tribe of Benjamin was taken, and finally Saul, of the family of
Matri, was selected but could not be found. They inquired of the Lord,
And he informed them that he was concealed among the stuff. When he was
Presented to the people, he was higher than any of them from the
Shoulders and upward (1 Samuel 10:17-23). Samuel then addressed the people and assured them that the Lord's chosen was superior to all his
Countrymen. The people shouted in recognition of the new king, and
Samuel wrote the laws for the government of the people in a book
(1 Samuel 10:24,25).
- Sauls First Battle'. Saul retired to his home in Gibeah,
Accompanied by a band of men whose hearts the Lord had touched,
But there were children of Belial who distrusted and despised him, and
Showed him no recognition, but he held his peace (1 Samuel 10:26,27). Subsequently Nahash, the Ammonite, made war on Jabeshgilead, and the
People proposed to serve him if he would make a covenant with them; but
He agreed to do this only on condition that they would submit to having
Their right eyes thrust out, that he might thereby reproach all Israel.
The elders of Jabesh requested seven days' respite, and immediately
Dispatched messengers to Gibeah, who found Saul leading the peaceful
Life of a shepherd. As soon as Saul received the information brought by
The messengers, his anger was greatly kindled, and he took a yoke of
Oxen, cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the coast of
Israel, declaring that destruction would be visited upon all who failed
To rally to the standard of himself and Samuel. The fear of the Lord
Fell on the people, and they came with one accord (1 Samuel 11:1-7). He numbered the army and found that it contained three hundred and thirty
Thousand men, and they proceeded to Jabesh. In the battle that
Followed, the Ammonites were completely routed, and Saul was so
Thoroughly enthroned in the affections of the people that they proposed
To put to death all who had refused to submit to him as king. Saul
Declared that in view of the Lord's help in the great battle, no man
Should be put to death that day (1 Samuel 11:8-13). They at once proceeded to Gilgal where they publicly recognized Saul as king, worshipped
The Lord by presenting peace offerings unto Him, and greatly rejoiced
(1 Samuel 14,15).
- Samuels Farewell'. Samuel seeing that Saul was established as
King over the people, delivered his farewell address to them at Gilgal.
He called on the people and the Lord's anointed to bear testimony to
His integrity from his youth up, and not a man dared to make an
Accusation against him (1 Samuel 12:1-5). He then reviewed their national history from the time of the exodus to that day, and in order
To impress upon them the gravity of their crimes, called upon the Lord
Who sent thunder and rain upon them in harvest time (1 Samuel 12:6-18). The people were greatly terrified, and requested Samuel to pray for
Them, and acknowledged their great sin in asking for a king
(1 Samuel 12:19). Samuel assured them that if they would walk in the right way, it would be well with them, otherwise, both they and their
King would be destroyed (1 Samuel 12:20-25).
- Sauls Sin'. After Saul had reigned two years, he equipped a
Standing army of three thousand men, and placed himself and Jonathan at
The head. Jonathan inaugurated new hostilities by smiting the
Philistine garrison in Geba. Saul then made a proclamation throughout
All Israel, and the people gathered to him at Gilgal. The Philistines,
With an immense army, gathered at Michmash. The men of Israel were so
Frightened that a majority of them abandoned the king, and those who
Were with him followed with fear (1 Samuel 13:1-7). Saul tarried seven days according to the set time of Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1-8), but the failure of Samuel to appear led him in his impatience to present an
Offering unto the Lord. About this time Samuel arrived, and Saul
Attempted to excuse his presumption. Samuel rebuked him and told him
That he had acted foolishly in failing to keep the commandments of the
Lord and predicted that the Lord would dethrone him and elevate to the
Throne a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:8-14). After this the land was substantially under the control of the Philistines, and the
Israelites were reduced to the humility of having to go to the
Philistines to have their instruments sharpened (1 Samuel 13:15-23). Subsequently a battle was inaugurated by Jonathan that resulted in a
Degree in throwing off the Philistine yoke, but the war between the
Philistines and the Israelites continued all the days of Saul
(1 Samuel 14:1-52).
- Sauls Rebellion'. Samuel approached Saul and told him that the
Lord remembered his threat (Exodus 17:8-16) against the Amalekites, and commanded him to go and destroy them. Saul gathered an army of two
Hundred and ten thousand men, invaded the land of the Amalekites and
Smote them from Havilah to Shur. They captured Agag, the king, and took
The best of the cattle (1 Samuel 15:1-9). The word of the Lord came to Samuel declaring that He repented that He had made Saul king, assuring
The prophet that Saul had failed to keep His commandments. Samuel was
Greatly grieved and cried unto the Lord all night. He arose early in
The morning, and when he came to the king, Saul recognized him as
The servant of the Lord, assuring him that he had performed the Lord's
Commandments (1 Samuel 15:10-13). Samuel replied by asking him the meaning of the bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the cattle. Saul
Endeavored to lay the responsibility on the people, saying they spared
The best of the cattle for sacrificial purposes. Samuel told him to
Stay, and he would tell him what the Lord had said to him the previous
Night. He rehearsed Saul's history, ending with his disregard for the
Word of the Lord in failing to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:13-19). Saul insisted that he had obeyed the word of the Lord, and Samuel asked
Him if the Lord had as great delight in sacrifices as He had in
Obedience. He also assured him that obedience was better than
Sacrifice, and hearkening that the fat of rams. He further rebuked Saul
By declaring that rebellion was as bad as witchcraft and that
Stubbornness was as bad as iniquity and idolatry. He then announced to
Saul that because he had rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord had
Rejected him from being king (1 Samuel 15:20-23). Saul acknowledged to Samuel that he had sinned and asked for pardon, but Samuel declared to
Him that the Strength of Israel would neither lie nor repent
(1 Samuel 15:24-29). Saul again acknowledged his sin, and besought Samuel to honor him before the people which he did (1 Samuel 15:30,31). After this Samuel hewed Agag in pieces and departed from Saul (1 Samuel 15:32-35).
- David Anointed. Samuel mourned on account of Saul, but the
Lord commanded him to fill a horn with oil and go to Jesse the
Bethlehemite and anoint one of his sons as king. Samuel was afraid to
Go because of Saul, but He told him to take a heifer, say he had come
To offer sacrifice unto the Lord, and call Jesse to the sacrifice.
Samuel approached Bethlehem; the elders of the town trembled at his
Coming and inquired of him if he had come peaceably, and he assured
Them that he had and invited them to the sacrifice; he also invited
Jesse and his sons, having first sanctified them (1 Samuel 16:1-5). When they came and Samuel saw Eliab, he said surely the Lord's anointed was
Before Him, but the Lord commanded Samuel not to look upon his
Countenance or his height because He had refused him, for the Lord does
Not see as man sees; man looks upon the outward appearance, but the
Lord looks upon the heart. Jesse's sons passed in succession before the
Prophet, and he finally inquired of Jesse if he had any more children,
And he answered that he had one, the youngest, who was attending his
Sheep. He was immediately sent for, and when they brought him before
The prophet he proved to be a very attractive youth, and the Lord
Commanded him to arise and anoint him, for this was His selection. The
Venerable prophet poured the anointing oil upon him in the midst of his
Brethren, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day
Forward, and Samuel arose and went to Ramah (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
- Saul Punished. As soon as David was anointed, the Spirit of
The Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord
Troubled him. Saul's servants approached him and asked him to consent
To the selection of a musician who should play before him and soothe
His troubled mind. He gave a favorable answer, and one of the servants
Recommended David for whom the king immediately sent. David came and
Stood before the king by whom he was fervently loved, and elevated to a
Position of honor and trust. David played before the king, and he was
Refreshed, and the evil spirit departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
- War--Davids Valor'. After this, the Philistines invaded the
Land, and the army of Israel was greatly terrified by the challenge of
The champion of the Philistines, Goliath of Gath, who was clad in armor
And equipped with weapons, offensive and defensive. He proposed to hang
The issues of the war upon personal combat and invited the hosts of
Israel to furnish a man to meet him, and he insolently defied the
Armies of the living God (1 Samuel 17:1-11). David had, previous to this, returned to his father's home at Bethlehem. Three of his brothers,
Eliab, Abinadab and Shammah, were in the army. Jesse sent him to them
With provisions, and he found the two armies engaged in battle in the
Valley of Elah, and David left his carriage, ran into the army and
Saluted his brethren. While he was talking with them, the Philistine
Champion appeared again, and the men of Israel were greatly afraid, and
Said that the king would enrich the man who killed him, give him his
Daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. David
Inquired into the matter and again received these assurances from the
Servants of Saul (1 Samuel 17:1-27). When David's brother Eliab heard this his anger was greatly kindled, and he rebuked him in very severe
Terms. David proposed to Saul to go and fight the Philistine, but Saul
Doubted his ability to do so. However, David gave him some examples of
His prowess, and declared that the Philistine should be as one of the
Slain, seeing he had defied the armies of the living God
(1 Samuel 17:28-37). Saul clothed him with his armor and otherwise equipped him for the contest; but he refused all these things and took his
Staff, his sling and five smooth stones from the brook. The contest
Resulted in the death of the champion, the defeat of the Philistine
Army, and a great victory for Israel (1 Samuel 17:38-54). It appears that owing to David's absence at Bethlehem, Saul had forgotten him, and
After the war he inquired of Abner who he was. Abner said that he did
Not know. When he came before Saul, the king asked him whose son he
Was, and replied that he was the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite
(1 Samuel 17:55-58).
- Sauls Envy'. After this, Jonathan, Saul's son, and David
Loved each other with a deathless devotion, and Jonathan clothed him
With royal robes and placed in his hand implements of war in keeping
With his exalted position (1 Samuel 18:1-4). David rendered strict obedience to the requirements of his sovereign, and acted wisely in all
Things, and he became commander-in-chief of the army and the most
Distinguished man of the nation. When he returned from the slaughter of
The Philistines, the women of Israel came out to meet him with great
Demonstrations of joy, ascribing great honor to him and but little to
Saul. Saul was very angry, and asked in disgust and impatience what
More he could have save the kingdom (1 Samuel 13:5-9). From that day forward his chief desire seemed to be to take David's life. He
Endeavored to smite him with a javelin (1 Samuel 17:9-11), and endeavored to hasten his death by offering him his daughter in marriage
(1 Samuel 17:12-30).
- Jonathan. Jonathan, the son of Saul, was a valiant warrior
(1 Samuel 13:4; 1 Samuel 14:1-16), but his name will forever live on account of his love for David (1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 20:1-42).
- David a Wanderer. Saul determined to destroy David and pursued
Him constantly. On his account he attempted to kill his son Jonathan
(1 Samuel 20:24-34), and killed eighty-five of the priests of the Lord (1 Samuel 21:1-5; 1 Samuel 22:1-23). During these days of uncertainty in the life of David, he twice spared the life of Saul (1 Samuel 24:1-22; 1 Samuel 26:1-25). He also rescued Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1-13); invaded the land of Geshurites, Gezrites and Amalekites (1 Samuel 27:5-12) and almost exterminated the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:1-25).
- Death of Saul. The Philistines again gathered their armies
Together against Israel; at this time David was living at Ziklag,
Ostensibly as a loyal subject to Achish the king. He proposed to show
His devotion to his adopted country by joining the army, and the
King gladly accepted his services (1 Samuel 28:1-3). Samuel had died, and his countrymen had buried him with great honors at Ramah, and Saul
Had expelled all those who had familiar spirits and all witches from
The land (1 Samuel 28:1-3), and when the king saw the gathering hosts of his old-time enemy and contemplated his comparatively defenseless
Condition and failed to secure any promise of help from the Lord, his
Apostasy was completed by his turning to the witch at Endor. This woman
Called for Samuel, and he appeared in a form that enabled Saul to
Recognize him. Upon his enquiring why Saul had disquieted him, the king
Told him that God had forsaken him and that every source of help had
Been cut off from him. Samuel told him that his destiny was sealed, and
Predicted that on the morrow Saul and his sons would be with him. All
Courage seemed to depart from Saul, but after receiving nourishment
Prepared by the woman he arose and departed (1 Samuel 28:5-25). When the time for the battle came, the lords of the Philistines refused David
The privilege of going with the army (1 Samuel 29:1-11). The battle was fought on Mount Gilboa; the army of Israel was defeated; Saul and his
Sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Melchishua were slain (1 Samuel 31:11-16). The children of Israel forsook their cities, and they were occupied by
The Philistines (1 Samuel 31:7). On the following day when the Philistines came to the battlefield to strip the dead, the found Saul and his three
Sons. They cut off Saul's head, stripped off his armor, and sent
Messengers to proclaim their victory to their countrymen. They put
Saul's armor in the house of Ashtaroth and fastened his body to the
Wall of Bethshan (1 Samuel 31:8-10). Saul's body was subsequently rescued by the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead, who also secured the bodies of his
Sons, and, after burning them, buried their bones under a tree in
Jabesh (1 Samuel 31:11-13). On the third day after the battle, an Amalekite came to the camp of David at Ziklag and professed to have assisted Saul
In taking his life. He also brought the crown of Saul and his bracelet.
David and his associates expressed their sorrow and indignation by
Rending their clothes, weeping, mourning, and fasting. David had the
Young man put to death because he had testified that he had slain the
Lord's anointed (2 Samuel 1:1-16). David's lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan is beautiful and touching in the extreme (2 Samuel 1:17-27).
- Causes of Sauls Death'. Saul's death is ascribed to two causes:
- His transgression;
- and consulting one who had a familiar spirit (1 Chronicles 10:13,14).
Saul's transgression was, in his eyes, an insignificant affair, and yet
It cost him his throne, his happiness, his life!
- David Anointed the Second Time. After the death of Saul, David
Inquired of the Lord if he should go up to any of the cities of Judah,
And He told him to go up to Hebron. He was accompanied by his two wives
And the men who had been with him (2 Samuel 2:1-3). When he arrived the men of Judah gathered themselves together and anointed him king over
Judah. They also informed him that the men of Jabeshgilead had buried
Saul, and he sent messengers to them, complimenting them for their
Valor, and informing them that the house of Judah had made him king
(2 Samuel 2:4-7).
- A Rival Kingdom. Abner, the son of Ner, the captain of Saul's
Hosts, took Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, brought him to Mahanaim and
Made him king over Israel, and he reigned two years. War followed, and
The result was that the house of David became stronger and stronger,
And the house of Saul became weaker and weaker (2 Samuel 2:8-3:1), and finally Abner disagreed with Ishbosheth and declared that he would
Transfer the kingdom to David. He sent messengers to this effect to
David, who replied that he should not see his face unless he should
Bring his wife Michal, the daughter of Saul; and Abner did as requested
(2 Samuel 3:2-16). Abner laid the matter before the elders of Israel and received their endorsement, and he, with twenty of his men, visited
David at Hebron, the arrangement was consummated, and David sent Abner
Away in peace (2 Samuel 3:17-21). During the conference between David and Abner, Joab, the captain of David's host, was absent pursuing a troop.
When he returned and discovered what had been done, he reproached the
King, sent messengers after Abner, and on his return wickedly took his
Life (2 Samuel 3:22-27). David expressed great sorrow and indignation, declared that he and his kingdom were guiltless, called Abner a
Great man and a prince in Israel, and declared that notwithstanding he
Was king the sons of Zeruiah, his nephews, Abishai, Joab and Asahel,
Were too much for him (2 Samuel 3:28-39; 1 Chronicles 2:16,17).
- Death of Ishbosheth. Ishbosheth was murdered by two of his
Captains, Baanah and Rechab (2 Samuel 4:1-8). David had these men put to death (2 Samuel 4:9-12).
- David Anointed the Third Time. After the death of Ishbosheth,
All the tribes of Israel assembled at Hebron, acknowledged their
Relationship to the king and expressed their appreciation of his
Services in the past, and he made a league with them before the Lord,
And they anointed him king over Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-3).
- Jerusalem Taken. Soon after this David, with his army, made war
On Jerusalem. The inhabitants taunted him, declaring that he could not
Even overcome their blind and lame, but in spite of their insults, he
Took the city (2 Samuel 5:4-7). David proclaimed throughout his army that the man who should get up into the gutter and smite the Jebusites,
Should be captain of his army (2 Samuel 5:8). The distinction was gained by Joab, and the king subsequently took up his abode in the conquered
City, improved it, and grew on in favor with God and man (2 Samuel 5:9,10 1 Chronicles 11:4-9).
- Hirams Kindness'. Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David
And building material, and erected him a house, and David recognized
The fact that the Lord was with him and that He had made him king for
Israel's sake (2 Samuel 5:11,12).
- Sin. David's prosperity was too great for his faith,
Consequently he flagrantly violated the law of God by multiplying
Concubines (Deuteronomy 17:14-17; 2 Samuel 5:13-16).
- War. When the Philistines heard of the anointing of David
They invaded the land, but with the help of the Lord he gained two
Great victories over them (2 Samuel 5:17-25).
- The Ark Brought to Zion. David gathered together thirty
Thousand chosen men of Israel in order to transport the ark of God from
Kirjathjearim to his own city. They set the ark upon a new cart, and
The two sons of Abinadab, Uzzah and Ahio drove the cart. The king and
All the people expressed their joy by playing upon all sorts of musical
Instruments (1 Samuel 6:1-9). When they came to Nachon's threshing floor, the oxen caused the ark to shake; Uzzah put forth his hand to support
It, and God smote him for his error, and he died (2 Samuel 6:7,8). David was displeased and frightened, and carried the ark aside into the house
Of Obededom, the Gittite, where it remained three months, and the Lord
Blessed his household on account of its presence (2 Samuel 6:8-11). David was informed that the Lord had blessed the house of Obededom
(2 Samuel 6:12). He therefore prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. He also recognized the law of the Lord that the
Ark of the covenant should be borne upon the shoulders of the Levites
(Numbers 4:1-15; Numbers 7:9). He then assembled the children of Aaron and the Levites, and commanded Zadok, Abiathar, Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah,
Eliel and Amminadab to sanctify themselves with their brethren in
Order to bring the ark unto the place he had prepared for it. He
Declared that their neglect of the law of the Lord had caused Him to
Make a breach upon them when they made their first effort to remove the
Ark (1 Chronicles 15:1-14). The priests and Levites sanctified themselves, and the ark was transported according to the law of Moses (1 Chronicles 15:14,15). The ark was moved with great rejoicing, and set in the place that David
Had prepared for it. Numerous sacrifices were presented and liberal
Gifts were made to the people (2 Samuel 6:13-19). David celebrated the return of the ark by writing a psalm (1 Chronicles 16:1-36). When David returned to his house, his wife, Michal, bitterly reproached him for
Having danced before the ark. David answered that it was before the
Lord that he danced, and expressed a determination to be honored by the
Handmaids of Israel (2 Samuel 16:20-23).
- Proposal to Build the House of God. After the removal of the
Ark, David enjoyed an era of peace, and he called Nathan the prophet
And declared that while he dwelt in a house of cedar, the ark of the
Lord dwelt only within curtains. Nathan caught his meaning and told him
To do all that was in his heart for the Lord was with him (2 Samuel 7:1-3). On the following night the word of the Lord came to the prophet, and He
Told him that He would not permit David to build Him a House, but
Assured him that when his days were fulfilled, and he should sleep with
His fathers, He would raise up a son for him and establish his
Kingdom, and that he should build the house of the Lord. The prophet
Communicated to David the will of the Lord; and when he heard this, he
Went in and sat before the Lord, and in a most beautiful prayer
Acknowledged the guiding hand of the Lord, his dependence upon Him for
All his blessings, and his great appreciation of the promise of future
Prosperity (2 Samuel 7:4-29).
- War Again. David subsequently subdued the Philistines and
Moabites, and pushed his victories to the river Euphrates, thus
Fulfilling the promise of the Lord to Abraham (Genesis 15:18; 2 Samuel 8:1-3). Numerous engagements followed, in all of which David was victorious
(2 Samuel 8:4-14). David reigned over all Israel and executed judgment and justice to all his people, and in this he was supported and assisted by
The chief men of his kingdom (2 Samuel 8:15-18).
- Mephibosheth. In the days of David's prosperity, he inquired if
Any were left of the house of Saul, for he desired to show them
Kindness on account of Jonathan. The desired information was given by
Ziba, who told told him of a crippled son of Jonathan. David called
Him, restored unto him the land that belonged unto his grandfather
Saul, appointed Ziba and his servants to cultivate the land for him,
Permitted him to dwell in Jerusalem, and to eat continually at the
Table of the King (2 Samuel 9:1-13).
- An Insult Resented. After these events the king of Ammon
Died, and Hanun, his son, reigned in his stead. David remembered
The kindness of Nahash and sent a deputation of his servants to comfort
The king. The princes of the children of Ammon suggested to the king
That David's motive was not an honorable one, and they therefore caught
The servants of David and treated them shamefully. When David heard of
This, he told his messengers to tarry at Jericho until their beards
Were grown (2 Samuel 10:1-5). The result of this treatment of David's representatives was war with the Ammonites who were assisted by the
Assyrians, and a great victory for David followed (2 Samuel 10:6-19).
- Davids Great Sin'. At the beginning of another year, the king
Sent Joab and the army against the Ammonites. During the absence of the
Army, David committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, the
Hittite. Afterwards Joab sent Uriah to David, and the king attempted to
Cover up his crime, but Uriah was too magnanimous to go to his home
While the ark and Israel and Judah abode in tents, and the servants of
The king were encamped in the open field (2 Samuel 11:1-13). The king dismissed him, and he returned to the army, and Joab, on his
Instructions, placed him in a dangerous position, and he was killed
(2 Samuel 11:1-17). Joab sent a message to David detailing some of the disastrous results of the battle with the Ammonites, and the king urged
Him to push the work of destruction until the city should be
Overthrown; and as soon as Uriah's wife had ceased to mourn for her
Husband he brought her into his house; she became his wife and bore him
A son. David's actions displeased the Lord (2 Samuel 11:18-27), and He sent Nathan the prophet to him, who, by an ingenious parable, caused
Him to condemn and pass the sentence of death upon himself
(2 Samuel 12:1-7). The prophet reminded the king of God's blessings on him, declared that he had despised the commandment of the Lord because he
Had slain Uriah with the sword of Ammon. He predicted that the sword
Should never depart from the house because he had taken the wife of
Uriah to be his wife; he also predicted terrible calamities upon his
House (2 Samuel 12:7-12). The king acknowledged his sin, and the prophet consoled him with the assurance that he should not be put to death, but
In view of the disgrace he had brought upon his people, the child born
To Bathsheba should die (2 Samuel 12:13,14). The child became dangerously sick, and his father fasted and prayed constantly until it died, after
Which David arose and expressed the hope of meeting it again
(2 Samuel 12:15-23).
- Birth of Solomon. Subsequently David comforted Bathsheba, and
She bore him another son, and he named him Solomon, but Nathan the
Prophet called him Jedidiah (2 Samuel 12:24,25).
- Ammon Subjugated. Joab pushed his conquest until the royal city
Was overcome. He sent a message to the king requesting him to come and
Lead the final charge and receive the honor of the victory. He did this
And took the king's crown, and subjected the conquered people to most
Sever torture, and then returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 12:26-31).
- Family Trouble. In the fulfillment of the prediction of
Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 12:7-11), trouble began to arise in the king's family; Ammon defiled his sister Tamar, and was killed for his crime by
His brother Absalom, who was compelled to flee from home and take up
His abode in Geshur (2 Samuel 13:1-38). David longed to see Absalom (2 Samuel 13:39), and Joab, by an admirable piece of strategy, procured the king's consent for his return to his native land, but the king
Refused to see his face until after the expiration of two years, when
They met in love and peace (2 Samuel 13:1-33).
- Absaloms Rebellion'. After this Absalom lived in royal
Splendor, and by cunning ways captivated the hearts of his countrymen,
And inaugurated a rebellion against his father (2 Samuel 12:7-11), which by reason of the young and brilliant leader, attracted many of the people
And also David's distinguished counselor, Ahithophel, the Gilonite
(2 Samuel 15:1-12). A messenger came to David and informed him that the hearts of the men of Israel had turned to Absalom. He and his servants,
Therefore, fled from the city. Night brings out the stars, and in this
Hour of trouble the devotion of Ittai, the Gittite, who was a
Comparative stranger in the kingdom, shines brightly and is worthy of
All honor and emulation (2 Samuel 16:13-23), The priests adhered to David, and followed him with the ark of God, but he commanded them to return
With it to Jerusalem, declaring that, if it as the Lord's will he would
See both the ark and its habitation, otherwise, he expressed himself as
Willing to submit to His will (2 Samuel 15:24-29). As David ascended Mount Olivet in great distress he heard that Ahithophel was among the
Conspirators with Absalom, and he besought the Lord to turn the
Counsels of Ahithophel into foolishness (2 Samuel 15:30,31). When David arrived at the top of the mountain, he was met by Hushai the Archite,
Who was in great distress. The king sent him back to the city with
Instructions to defeat, if possible, the counsels of Ahithophel, and
Told him to communicate the results to him by the sons of the priests,
Ahimaaz, and Jonathan (2 Samuel 15:32-37).
- Answering of Prayer. We must labor toward the answering of
Our own prayers. The king prayed to God to defeat the counsel of
Ahithophel, and then sent a wise diplomat to assist in the
Accomplishment of the work.
- Suppression of the Rebellion. David proceeded, and when he was
A little past the top of the hill, Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth,
Approached and attempted to gain his respect by slandering his master
(2 Samuel 16:1-4). When David came to Bahurim, he was gravely insulted by Shimei, the son of Gera, of the house of Saul. Abishai proposed to go
Over and behead him, but David bade him let him alone for the Lord had
Commanded Shimei to curse him. He said that his own son was seeking his
Life and that enmity might naturally be expected of a Benjamite. He
Also expressed, in the midst of his troubles, the hope that the Lord
Would again bless him (2 Samuel 16:5-14). Absalom and his adherents assembled at Jerusalem. Hushai also arrived there and proclaimed
His allegiance to the new king. Ahithophel in answer to Absalom's
Request, counseled him to defile his father's concubines which he did,
Thus making a reconciliation impossible (2 Samuel 16:15-23). Ahithophel also proposed to choose an army of twelve thousand men, pursue David
And smite him, and bring the people back to Absalom. This suggestion
Met the approval of Absalom and all Israel, but Absalom called Hushai
The Archite in order to hear what he had to say. Hushai declared that
The counsel of Ahithophel was not good at that time, and gave as a
Reason for his declaration that David was a mighty and cunning man of
War. He also counseled that an immense army be gathered together, and
War be waged upon David and his adherents until all should be
Destroyed. Absalom and all the men of Israel declared that the counsel
Of Hushai was better than the counsel of Ahithophel, for the Lord was
Helping Hushai in order to bring evil upon Absalom (2 Samuel 17:1-14). Hushai immediately dispatched messengers to David informing him of the
Situation, and David arose, and passed over the Jordan, and came to
Mahanaim. When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not accepted, he
Returned to his home, put his business in order and hanged himself
(2 Samuel 17:15-24). Absalom passed over Jordan with his army and pitched in the land of Gilead. David and his army were comforted and
Refreshed by Shobi, Machir and Barzillai (2 Samuel 17:24-29). David hastily organized his army and placed Joab, Abishai and Ittai at the
Heads of the three grand divisions. He proposed to take personal
Command, but his army protested on the ground that the danger to him
Would be very grave, and he decided not to go (2 Samuel 18:1-3). The king stood beside the gate as the army passed out, and he commanded the
Leaders of the army to deal gently with the young man Absalom for his
Sake. The battle was fought in the wood of Ephraim, and ended in the
Death of Absalom and a great victory for the forces of David. The news
Of the victory was carried to the king, and he went up into the chamber
Over the gate and wept bitterly for his lost son (2 Samuel 18:4-33).
- Restoration of Peace. Joab was informed that David was weeping
For his son, and all Israel mourned that day out of sympathy for the
King. Joab approached the king while he was pouring out his soul in
Sorrow and rebuked him with great severity, and declared that if he did
Not arise and speak to the people that he would lead a rebellion that
For malignance and destruction would be worse than all the evils that
Had befallen the king from his youth forward (2 Samuel 19:1-7). The king arose and sat in the gate, and the restoration of peace began. The
Chief incidents following were,
- the king's message to Judah,
- the elevation of Amasa to the position of commander-in-chief of the army,
- the forgiveness of Shimei,
- the restoration of Mephibosheth to the king's favor,
- the magnanimous actions of Barzillai the Gileadite,
- and the sharp dispute between Judah and Israel (2 Samuel 9:8-43).
- Shebas Rebellion'. Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite, took
The advantage of the unsettled condition of affairs in the kingdom and
Inaugurated what appeared to be a formidable rebellion David commanded
Amasa to assemble the army and suppress it, but he was not prompt in
Meeting the demands of the situation, and Joab was given command.
Subsequently Joab murdered Amasa, and succeeded in suppressing the
Rebellion, after which he occupied his old position as captain of the
King's forces (2 Samuel 20:1-26).
- Famine. After the suppression of the rebellion the country
Was visited by a famine of three years' duration, and upon the inquiry
The Lord informed David that it was on account of Saul's having broken
(Joshua 9:1-21) the covenant with the Gibeonites. David asked the Gibeonites what would satisfy them, and they replied by asking of seven
Of the sons of Saul. This request was granted, the seven men were
Executed, and after the burial, with the remains of Saul and Jonathan,
The Lord was entreated for the land (2 Samuel 21:1-14).
- War. The Philistines again made war on Israel, and in one of
The battles the king came near losing his life, but he was rescued by
Abishai, and the war resulted in the death of four of the champions of
The Philistines (2 Samuel 21:15-22). David celebrated his great deliverances and his victories over his enemies by a psalm of
Thanksgiving (2 Samuel 22:1-51).
- Davids Mighty Men'. David's mighty men were,
- Adino the Eznite, Eleazar the son of Dodo, Shammah the son of Agee (2 Samuel 23:8-17);
- Abishai, Benaiah and probably Asahel (2 Samuel 23:18-24);
- Asahel, Elhanan, Shammah the Harodite, Elika, Helez, Ira, Abiezer, Mebunnai, Zalmon, Maharai, Heleb, Ittai, Benaiah, Hiddai, Abialbon, Azmaveth, Eliahba, Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam, Eliphalet, Eliam, Hezrai, Paarai, Igal, Bani, Zelek, Nahari, Ira, Gareb, and Uriah (2 Samuel 23:24-39).
- The People Numbered. The anger of the Lord was kindled
Against Israel, and Satan stood up and provoked David to number the
People (2 Samuel 24:1; 1 Chronicles 21:1). Joab was delegated by the king to make the enumeration, and notwithstanding his strong opposition to this
Movement of the king, he was finally compelled to submit. Joab and the
Captains of the host departed, and returned after an absence of nine
Months and twenty days and reported that, not withstanding the work was
Incomplete, Judah and Israel numbered one million and three hundred
Thousand (2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-8). David saw his mistake and prayed for forgiveness (2 Samuel 24:10; 1 Chronicles 21:7,8). The Lord sent Gad, the seer, to David, who gave him his choice between seven years of famine, three
Months of defeat in war, and three days of pestilence. David
Acknowledged that he was in a great strait but expressed his
Willingness to abide by the will of the Lord. The Lord sent a
Pestilence upon the people and seventy thousand died between Dan and
Beersheba, but when the angel of the Lord stretched out his hand upon
Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented of the evil He had
Proposed to do to them. When David saw the angel he expressed his
Willingness to take the punishment due his sin. The prophet Gad came to
David and commanded him to go and rear up an altar at the threshing
Floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and David proceeded to obey the command.
Araunah received the king with respect and inquired why he had come to
Him, and he told him. Araunah expressed a willingness to allow the king
To take whatever he desired, but he declined, declaring that he would
Not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing. David brought the
Threshing floor and oxen for fifty shekels of silver, and the entire
Place for six hundred shekels of gold, and he then built an altar,
Offered sacrifices, and the Lord was entreated for the land and the
Plague was stayed (2 Samuel 24:11-25; 1 Chronicles 21:9-27). When David saw that his offering was accepted he proceeded to offer sacrifices there, for
The tabernacle of the Lord was at this time on the high place at
Gibeon, and he was afraid to go there because of the sword of the angel
Of the Lord (1 Chronicles 21:28-30).
- Preparation for the Temple. Toward the close of David's life
The Lord gave him a plan for the future temple (1 Chronicles 28:11,12), and he made extensive preparations for it in stone, wood, gold, silver and
Brass. He also called Solomon and charged him to build the house,
Assuring him that it was the will of the Lord, and commanded the
Princes to help him (1 Chronicles 22:1-19).
- Divisions of the Levites. At the command of David, the
Priests, singers and porters were divided into twenty-four courses each
(1 Chronicles 23:1-26:32).
- Gifts for the Temple. David exhorted the people, in view of his
Gifts, and the fact that his heart was set upon it, to give to the
Building of the house of God, and the result was they gave with willing
Minds and great liberality. David blessed the Lord, and then called on
The people to join him in honoring His holy name which they did with
Great reverence (1 Chronicles 29:1-21).
- Solomon Made King. When David became old and feeble Adonijah
Attempted to usurp the throne. He attracted to this standard, Joab,
Abiathar and other distinguished men of the nation (1 Kings 1:1-10). The prophet Nathan communicated to Bathsheba a knowledge of the situation.
And she immediately laid the matter before king David, and while she
Was in his presence the prophet went in and confirmed her words. The
King at once announced his purpose to have Solomon inaugurated, and
Called Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah and commanded them to take his
Servants, cause Solomon to ride upon the king's mule and proceed to
Gihon and there proclaim him king. David's chief men expressed their
Submission to the king's desire and made Solomon king. The people
Received the young king with great shouts of joy, and when Adonijah's
Adherents heard it they forsook him, and he fled and laid hold upon the
Horns of the altar. When Solomon learned this, he declared that if his
Brother would show himself a worthy man, he would be protected,
Otherwise he would be put to death. He subsequently dismissed him
And sent him to his home (1 Kings 1:1-53).
- Davids Charge to Solomon'. After Solomon became king, David
Gave him a solemn charge, telling him that he was going the way of all
The earth and exhorting him to be strong and show himself a man. He
Urged him to obey the law of Moses, assuring him that the perpetuity of
His throne depended on it. He also commanded him to punish Joab and
Shimei, and show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite
(1 Kings 2:1-9).
- Death of David. David died and was buried in the city of David.
He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem
(1 Kings 2:10,11). It is declared of him that he died in a good old age, full of riches and honor (1 Chronicles 29:28).
- Solomons Early Reign'. The Lord magnified Solomon, and all
Israel submitted to his authority (1 Chronicles 29:23-25). Among the first acts of his reign were,
- the execution of Adonijah,
- the execution of Joab and the elevation of Benaiah to his position,
- the expulsion of Abiathar from the priestly office and the elevation of Zadok to his place,
- and the suspension of the sentence of Shimei (1 Kings 2:12-46).
- Solomons Marriage'. Soon after Solomon became king, he made affinity with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and married his daughter (1 Kings 3:1).
- Solomons Choice'. Solomon and many of his countrymen repaired
To the high place of Gibeon to the tabernacle, where numerous
Sacrifices were offered to the Lord. The Lord appeared to him by
Night and asked him what He should give him. Solomon replied by
Acknowledging God's great mercies to his father, and expressing his
Appreciation to the Lord's hand in his elevation to the throne; and
Also declared that in view of his youth he desired an understanding
Heart that he might wisely rule his people (1 Kings 3:2-9; 2 Chronicles 1:3-10). The request greatly pleased the Lord, and He told him that He would
Give him wisdom, also riches and honor, and promised him long life on
Condition of obedience to His commandments (1 Kings 3:10-14; 2 Chronicles 1:11,12).
- Solomons Wisdom'. Soon after the king's return to Jerusalem, he
Manifested his great wisdom by deciding a difficult question between
Two women touching the motherhood of a child (1 Kings 3:15-28), God continued to fulfill His promise to Solomon and he surpassed all his
Contemporaries. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs were a
Thousand and five. Many people were attracted to him on account of his
Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34).
- Civil and Military Arrangements. During Solomon's reign the
Promise to Abraham was fulfilled, and Solomon reigned in peace over all
The kingdoms, from the Euphrates to the river of Egypt. In order to
Maintain his position, he gathered around him distinguished men, and
Also made extensive military preparations (1 Kings 4:1-28; 2 Chronicles 1:13-17).
- The Temple. Solomon's fame spread abroad, and he entered into
A commercial relation with Hiram, king of Tyre, who assisted him
Greatly in preparing material for the house of God. Cedar and fir
Timber were transported by sea to Joppa and from thence to Jerusalem by
Land (1 Kings 5:1-10). In return Solomon paid Hiram liberally, both for his household and his servants (1 Kings 5:11,12; 2 Chronicles 2:8-10). Many of the children of Israel and all the strangers sojourning in the land
Were required to assist the king in his great undertaking (1 Kings 5:13-17 1 Chronicles 2:17,18). They began to build the house in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and in the four hundred and eightieth year after the
Exodus (1 Kings 6:1; 2 Chronicles 3:2), and so thoroughly had the building material been prepared, that during the erection no sound of tools was heard
(1 Kings 6:7). The dimensions of the house were, allowing eighteen inches to the cubit, ninety feet long, thirty feet wide and forty-five
Feet high, and the porch before it was thirty feet long, fifteen feet
Wide and once hundred and eighty feet high (1 Kings 6:2,3; 2 Chronicles 3:3,4). It was divided into two apartments
- the temple or holy place,
- the oracle or most holy place.
The first apartment was, allowing eighteen inches to the cubit, sixty
Feet long, thirty feet wide and forty-five feet (?) high. The second
Apartment was thirty feet long, thirty feet wide, and thirty feet high
(1 Kings 6:2-20; 2 Chronicles 3:3-8). The furniture of the temple consisted of, in the court,
- altar of brass,
- molten sea,
- and ten lavers (2 Chronicles 4:1-6);
In the first apartment,
- ten candlesticks,
- ten tables,
- and altar of incense (1 Kings 6:22; 2 Chronicles 4:7,8);
In the oracle, the ark of the covenant overshadowed by the wings
Of the cherubim (1 Kings 6:23-30; 2 Chronicles 3:11-13). The house was beautiful and glorious in all its appointments (2 Chronicles 3:14-17). After the completion of the temple, the ark of the covenant, constructed at Mount
Sinai, was placed in the most holy place, and the staves were taken
Out, indicating that the days of its pilgrimage were past, and the Lord
Filled the house with His glory (1 Kings 8:1-11; 2 Chronicles 5:1-9). At the time the ark was placed in the temple there was nothing in it save the two
Tables placed there by Moses (2 Chronicles 5:10). Solomon officiated at the dedication of the temple, and the chief point of his prayer was that
The Lord should always hear His people when they turned their faces in
Prayer toward His holy house (1 Kings 8:12-61; 2 Chronicles 6:1-7:11). A vast number of sacrifices were presented to the Lord, and the people
Rejoiced in His presence (1 Kings 8:62-66). The Lord appeared to Solomon during the erection of the temple and promised him that on condition of
Obedience He would dwell among the children of Israel and not forsake
Them (1 Kings 6:11-13). He appeared to him after the dedication of the house and assured him that He had heard his prayer, and that He had
Hallowed the house and would watch over it perpetually. He also
Promised the king to perpetuate and establish his throne if he would
Obey Him, and threatened to send terrible calamities on Israel if the
People should depart from His law (1 Kings 9:10).
- Solomons Home'. The king built a residence for himself
Of magnificent proportions and a throne of precious material at great
Cost (1 Kings 7:1-12; 1 Kings 10:18-20).
- Hiram Rewarded. After the work in which the king was engaged
Was completed, he rewarded his distinguished assistant, Hiram, king of
Tyre, by giving him twenty cities in Galilee. Hiram inspected the
Cities and refused to accept them on the ground that they were
Displeasing (1 Kings 9:11-13).
- Solomons Naval Operations'. Solomon subsequently formed a
Business relation with Hiram, and great success resulted from their
Voyages (1 Kings 9:26-28; 1 Chronicles 8:17,18).
- Queen of Sheba. Solomon's glory spread in every direction, and
The queen of Sheba hearing of his great wealth determined to see for
Herself. Upon her arrival the king exhibited his magnificent
Achievements to the extent that she was completely overcome and
Declared that the half had never been told. After exchanging presents
With the king, she returned to her own country (1 Kings 10:1-10 1 Chronicles 9:1-9).
- Apostasy. Toward the close of Solomon's reign and in the days
Of his great prosperity he forsook the Lord and formed alliances with
All the surrounding nations. He had seven hundred wives and three
Hundred concubines. They turned away his heart from the Lord, and he
Became associated with his wives in the support and perpetuation of the
Idolatrous practices of the nations from which they had come. The
Lord's anger was kindled against the king, and He declared that, in
View of his sins, He would rend the kingdom from him and give it to his
Servant, but told him that He would give him one tribe for
David's sake, and also that he would postpone the division of the
Kingdom until after his death (1 Kings 11:1-13).
- Sunset Darkness! From this time forward Solomon was vexed by
Foes from without and within, and at last he sank into the grave
Dishonored by his Maker--proclaiming to all subsequent generations that
The only safe way is strict and continued obedience to the appointments
Of Heaven.
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And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 