CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.—
1 Kings 2:10. Buried in the city of David—A tomb probably prepared by the king before he died, and afterwards marked with great veneration, even in the time of Christ.
HOMILETICS OF 1 Kings 2:10-12
THE NIGHT OF AN OLD DYNASTY, AND THE MORNING OF THE NEW
The reign of David began in the midst of storm and conflict. His was a long and eventful life, teeming with romance, ever menaced with danger, and ever escaping it, and yet continually advancing to a higher pitch of greatness and power. The trumpet of rebellion had roused him from his dying couch. As one accustomed to such scenes, and well knowing how to act, he crushed the incipient attempt before it had gathered strength enough to injure his throne. It was his last struggle. From that period an era of peace was inaugurated that lasted for years. At the beginning of this season of tranquillity the dynasty of the Warrior-King closes, and is followed by the rule of the Man of Peace. This change of government suggests a few reflections.
I. That death is no respecter of person or rank. “So David slept with his fathers” (1 Kings 2:10). The unpitying destroyer ravages alike the cottage and the palace. Even David, who had borne a charmed life in the fiercest battles, is at length overtaken by the enemy whose power he had seemed to defy. All the resources of a kingdom are utterly incompetent to arrest the inevitable and desolating stroke of Death. No amount of wealth can bribe him to betray his ghastly mission; no skill, however subtle, can baffle his designs; no pleadings, however pathetic, can move him to pity; no rank, however exalted, can escape his fatal visit. Silently, steadily, irresistibly, unweariedly he prosecutes his work. Like the gigantic vampire bat of Java, whose perfumed wings fan its victims into a profound sleep while it sucks the life-blood, so Death often throws a stupor over the worn-out body while knawing away its vitality: the senses are numbed, the breath rifled, the pulse stilled, and all is over—the prince and the beggar are reduced to the same level. One event happeneth to all.
II. That the greatness of the son is often built on the wise provisions of the sire. “Then sat Solomon on the throne of David his father” (1 Kings 2:12). The exertions of David had made the kingdom of Israel what it was. By his conquests he greatly enlarged its territory and increased its wealth. As the crowning work of his life he set his heart upon building a temple for Jehovah; but this he was not permitted to do, though he had made extensive preparations for the undertaking. When, therefore, Solomon came to the throne, he found a kingdom thickly populated, and growing in wealth, prestige, and influence. A substantial basis was thus laid down on which the empire was raised to the height of affluence, splendour, and renown it afterwards attained. Whatever reputation Solomon might have won by his wisdom, he would never have been known to posterity as a mighty prince had he not inherited the substantial fortunes of his victorious father. The son of a great man and heir to vast possessions occupies no enviable position. He accepts a solemn responsibility—he has the prospect of a brilliant career. If he fails, his humiliation is most abject. He needs Divine help. The best guarantee of success is to possess heavenly wisdom.
III. That the progress of a nation advances notwithstanding the loss of its greatest men. “And his kingdom was established greatly” (1 Kings 2:12). There is an immense power in an individual life; it impresses itself upon the nation; it moulds its policy and guides its destiny, and becomes interwoven with the texture of its character; it seems indispensable to its existence. Yet it is humbling to discover how little one is missed and how soon forgotten. Great men die; but the nations they helped to create survive and flourish. How often are we made to feel:—
The individual is less and less,
The world is more and more.
Individuals perish—principles never: men depart, but humanity remains. The work of one generation is a preparation for the work of another; and thus, under the controlling hand of God, nations accomplish their respective destinies:
“There is a Power
Unseen, that rules the illimitable world—
That guides its motions, from the brightest star
To the least dust of this sin-tainted world;
While man, who madly deems himself the lord
Of all, is nought but weakness and dependence.”—Thomson.
LESSONS:—
1. All earthly governments are subject to change.
2. It is matter for gratitude to the nation when the end of one good reign is the beginning of another.
3. Amid the rise and fall of dynasties the Divine purpose concerning the race steadily advances.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
1 Kings 2:10-11. The death and burial of David.
1. His death was a rest from a long and toilsome life—as a storm having spent its force sinks gently into a peaceful and prolonged slumber. Rest is sweet after bearing the burden and heat of the day for forty years.
2. He was buried among the monuments of his energy and greatness. His own city was his tomb. Kings who build palaces should not forget their tombs; a small space must shortly contain all their greatness. David’s grave is a pledge that the memory of the just is blessed (Proverbs 10:7; Acts 2:29).
And now, when David hath set all things in a desired order and forwardness, he shuts up with a zealous blessing of his son Solomon and his people, and sleeps with his fathers. O, blessed soul, how quiet a possession hast thou now taken, after so many tumults, of a better crown! Thou that hast prepared all things for the house of thy God, how happily art thou now welcomed to that house of His, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens!—Hall.
David, a type of Christ.
1. Appointed by God to his high office, and consecrated to it with the holy oil.
2. Was long opposed by violent enemies.
3. Was sustained in his heaviest trials by a large measure of Divine consolation.
4. Was supreme governor of his people.
5. Ruled in righteousness.
6. Pardoned enemies and punished the obstinately rebellious.
7. Was confirmed in the kingdom by covenant (Psalms 89:3-4; Psalms 89:28-29).—Robinson.