The Carlisle independent., 1915-07-08
LESSON FOR JULY II
SOLOMON ANoINTED KING.

LESSON TEXT-I Kings 1:28-40.
 GOLDEN TEXT-Know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind. I Chron 28:9.
 'The king is dead; long live the king" Old and decrepit at seventy years oi iRge, a successor must soon take the shepherd kings seat of power.
 Dayid's record is wonderful one as an empire builder, an organizer and an accumulator of wealth Read care fully I Chron. 29 28. Three characters are the most outstanding for our con s1deration in this lesson.
 |. David. (a) He had to make a selection (vv. 20, 27) but God used Da- vid to make his own choice of Solo mon. Jedidiah, 'the beloved of Jeho- vah," e Sam 12:25), was he whom Jehovah desired to sit upon the throne. (b) David had a promise he must needs fulfill (vv. r, 30). While his second son, who sought to usurp his throne, is engaged with his fellow con- spirators (yv. g, 41) in feasting and rejoicing in their supposedly easy vic tory over the aged father, David ral- lies and gives direction for the public proclamation of Solomon as king, thereby redeeming his promise. Many professed Christians treat their prom ises far too lightly. Bath-sheba em- boldened by her need (v. 16) enters the kings chamber where now another ministers in her stead, and lays the facts of Adonijahs rebellion before David. concluding her petition with the dramatic words of verse twenty. Bath sheba's petition is re-enforced by the words of David's mentor, Nathan (vv. P, 27). Turning again to Bath-sheba David emphatically reiterates his de- 1 termination to carry out to the full Gods commandments relative to his successor. Even in the hour of his de- parture David remembers that it is l Jehovah that hath redeemed my soul put of all distress" (v. 29). (c) David then gives careful command relative to the public proclamation of the new king (vv. 32, 35). Calling to his help his trusted and tried friends, Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet (see 2 Sam. 12:24, 25) and Benaiah the sol dier q Chron, 1122-25), he directs them to place Solomon upon his own mule (v. 33) and take him to Gihon there to be anointed and proclaimed king in David's stead. Contrast Da- vids scrupulous obedience regarding tl, xxyif that of Absalom @ Sam. 15:1 and Adonijah (v. ). Note also it was the priest and the prophet alone who were to anoint the king (v. 34). In this we see a parable of the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of righteous ness by the Prince of Peace and not by means, or use, of the sword.
 This anointing was symbol of dedication to God (Lev. S:19-12) and the oil of our 'anointing by the Holy Spirit which is all essential and suf- ficient for the subjects of his king dom (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:5-S). But as these were only outward form and symbol, they must petition Jehovah to keep the new king (v. 34). (d) David took no chances but steps aside fully, while he yet lived, that all question of Solomon's right should be removed (v 35).
 II. Solomon. (a) God-chosen. q Chron. 2S:5; 29:1). Solomon was the first son of David and Bath-sheba after their legal marriage. His name means Peaceful (see I Chron. 22:9) and may suggest the fact that David had found the peace of forgiveness. Solo, mon inherited the strength of David's maturity and christening also, and through his mother, the wisdom of Ahithophel, whose advice was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God" @ Sam 16:23) (b) He was chosen be- cause of intercession (ch. 1:1D. The standing of the Christian is what it is in the sight of God because of one who mercedes on our behalf (John I'D. (c) He was chosen in the midst of con- troversy and as against antagonists (v. 5. So the Christian, chosen be- fore the foundation of the world in Christ, also has great opposition and a dangerous antagonist and, like Solo, mon, he is secure in spite of the as- saults of the evil one q Cor. 10:13. Jude 24). (d) Solomon was chosen for definite work q Chron. 2S:10). The sad spectacle presented today is to see so many professed Christians who seem to have no sense of respon- sibility much less an appreciation of their privileges in Christ Jesus. Gel Solomon was promised help q Chron. 2S:9) so are we and according to each days duty ESQ shall thy strength be-" T can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13).
 Higher Efficiency.