Wesley Corpus

Chapter II David's charge to Solomon ver. 1 - 9. His death and burial, with the beginning of Solomon's reign, ver. 10 - 12. He puts Adonijah to death, ver. 13 - 25. Deposes Abiathar from the high - priesthood, ver. 26, 27. Puts Joab to death, ver. 28 - 35. Confines Shimei, to Jerusalem, ver. 36 - 38. Puts him to death, ver. 39 - 46. 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 strong - For, to govern his people according to the law of God, requires great fortitude, or strength of mind. And a man - In manly wisdom, and courage, and constancy, though thou art but young in years. The law - Which the prince was enjoined to transcribe and read, Deut 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 depend upon piety. Confirm his word - Fulfil his promise, the condition upon which it was suspended, being performed. 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 instrument, to affect what he secretly designed. And shed - He slew them as if they had been in the state of war, when there was not only a cessation of arms, but also a treaty of peace. Put the blood - This is added to note his impenitency, that although by his perfidious manner of killing them when he pretended to embrace them, he stained his own garments with their blood, yet he was not ashamed of it, but gloried in it, and marched boldly along with the army, with the same girdle and shoes which were sprinkled with their blood.