The Green Forest tribune., 1915-07-09

The king is dead; long live the King. Old and decrepit at seventy years of age, successor must soon take the shepherd kings seat of power
 David's record is a wonderful one as an empire builder, an organizer and an accumulator of wealth. Read care. fully Chron. 29:2S Three characters are the most outstanding for our con- sideration in this lesson.
 l. 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," c Sam. 12:25), was he whom Jehovah desired to sit upon the throne. (b) David had a promise he must needs fulfill (vv. IF, 30). While his second son, who sought to usurp his throne, is engaged with his fellow con- spirators (vv. 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 Adonijah's rebellion before David, concluding her petition with the dramatic words of verse twenty. Bath shebas petition is re-enforced by the words of David's mentor, Nathan (vv. 22, 27). Turning again to Bath-sheba David emphatically reiterates his de- 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 Jehovah that hath redeemed my soul out 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, 11:22-25) 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- vid's scrupulous obedience regarding the use of horses (Deut. 17:16) with that of Absalom @ Sam. 15:D and Adoniiah (v. 5. 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 a symbol of dedication to God 0ev. 8:19-12) and the oil Of our amounting by the Holy Spirit which is all essential and suf- ficient for the subjects of his king dom (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:5-8). 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:D. Solomon was the first son of David and Bath-sheba after their legal marriage. His name means Peaceful (see I Chron. 22:O and may suggest the fact that David had found the peace of forgiveness. Solo mon inherited the strength of Dav1ds maturity and christening also, and through his mother, the wisdom or Ahithophel, whose advice "was as II man had inquired at the oracle or God @ Sam. 16:23). (b) He was chosen be- cause of intercession (ch. HID. The standing of the Christian is what 1t IS in the sight of God because of one Who intercedes on our behalf (John ID. (c) He was chosen in the midst Of con- troyersy and as against antagonists (y. 5). So the Christian, chosen De- fore the foundation of the world ln Christ, also has great opposition anu a dangerous antagonist and, like Solo- mon. he is secure in spite of the as- saults of the evil one q Cor. 1O:13, Jude 24. (d) Solomon was chosen for a definite work q Chron. 2S:lo). The sad spectacle presented today is to see so many professed Christians who seem to have no sense or respon- sibility much less an appreciation or their privileges in Christ Jesus. le) solomon was promised help q Chron. 2S:9) so are we and according to each dav,s duty "so shall thy strength be" "J can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13).
 Ill. Adonilah. (a) He was self-se, lected king (v. 5 and as such lacked not only the approval of God but the ability to execute his designs. He had Joab the bloody solcier and Abiathar tbe iealo,- priest as his consplrators, vet all 5ined could not set aside tbe decree of God. (b) He was snoiled child. His father had not displeased him at any time" Gall his life, V. 6). True he was Davlo eiues' living son, yet he was not ln the me of Cod's selection. Throughout tne