forest of Ephraim, where his hair becoming entangled in the branches of an oak, his mule went from under him, and left him suspended from the tree. Joab hastened after him and pierced him through the heart: his body was cast into a pit, and covered with a heap of stones. (2 Sam. xviii.). DAVID was deeply grieved at the death of Absalom, and wept for him. (ver. 33.)

409. Absalom's rebellion. -When DAVID retired from Jerusalem before Absalom, he crossed Mount Olivet, where Ziba treacherously misrepresented the conduct of Mephibosheth; and on arriving at Bahurim, Shimei of the family of Saul cursed DAVID, and threw stones at the King and his followers. Abishai the brother of Joab would have slain Shimei, but was forbidden by David; and he ultimately received the King's pardon. (2 Sam. xvi. 5; xix. 18.). When DAVID reached Mahanaim, Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim brought provisions for him and his forces and after the defeat of Absalom, DAVID rewarded Barzillai's kindness by offering him a residence in his palace; but on account of his great age and infirmity, being 80 years old, Barzillai requested the honour to be given to his son Chimham. (2 Sam. xvi-xix.) B. c. 1023.

410. Sheba's rebellion.-No sooner was the insurrection of Absalom quelled than the zeal of the tribe of Judah in conducting DAVID back to Jerusalem excited the bitter jealousy of the other Tribes, and prompted Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, to revolt. Amasa, the King's nephew who had been general of Absalom's forces, but was now pardoned, was ordered to proceed against Sheba; but not being punctual in obeying, Abishai was despatched to stop the rebellion. Joab accompanied his brother Abishai, and instigated by revenge assassinated Amasa, and then pushed on to the city of Abel; the inhabitants to save themselves cut off the head of Sheba and threw it over the wall into the midst of Joab's forces: thus putting an end to the revolt. (2 Sam. xx. 6—20.). B. c. 1022.

411, Three Years' Famine.-Shortly after a famine for three successive years oppressed the land of Israel. DAVID enquired of the Lord, and discovered that it was an infliction on account of Saul's slaughter of the Gibeonites. This was an act of cruelty, as well as a public violation of that solemn oath of security given to them by

409. What befel David in his flight? 410. What did Sheba ? 411. How were the Gibeonites appeased?

Joshua, and the princes of Israel. (Josh. ix.). DAVID asked the Gibeonites what would satisfy them, and they demanded seven men of the family of Saul to be hung up before the Lord in Gibeon (Gibeah). DAVID surrendered them, and when they were executed, the famine ceased. 1019. B. C. Rizpah's maternal affection led her to watch the bodies of her sons day and night, to keep off birds and beasts. (2 Sam. xxi. 1-14.).

412. Numbering the people.-DAVID after all these successes was tempted to commit another transgression by numbering the people; which was in opposition to the Divine will. The prophet Gad came to the King by the command of God, and denounced punishment on David for his transgression. He offered him the choice of three visitationsa 7 years' famine (3 years', in 1 Chr. xxi. 12.)—a 3 months' defeat in war-or a 3 days' pestilence. The King preferred trusting to the mercy of God, and therefore chose the last. But after 70,000 of his people had perished, with a penitent heart he bought the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite for 50 shekels of silver, and there built an altar, and prayed that the plague might be stayed. The Almighty heard him, and the plague ceased. 2 Sam. xxiv.; 1 Chron. xxiv. 1017. B. C.

413. David's declining days.-DAVID's life now drawing to a close, he collected the materials for building the Temple; and remembering the predictions of Nathan, he appointed Solomon to succeed him; and after informing him of his divine election, instructed him in the details of his duty. 1 Chron. xxii. 1016. B. C.

414. Adonijah, the son of David by Haggith, aimed at superseding Solomon, and obtaining the government before David's death. He bought over Joab the captain general, and Abiathar the chief-priest, and at once assumed the state and privileges of sovereignty. But DAVID directed Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, to conduct Solomon to Gihon, and there proclaim him King. The party of Adonijah was in consequence broken up. Solomon forgave Adonijah, in this matter; but his intrigues at a subsequent period caused Solomon to order him to be put to death. (1 Kings i. ii.)

412. How was David punished for numbering the people? Where was the pestilence sent upon David stayed? 413. Who was to succeed him? 414. What was the conduct of Adonijah?

415. David's Death.-DAVID now oppressed with the infirmities of age, and declining health, summoned all his counsellors and officers. He then directed the arrangements of the service for the House of the Lord-gave orders for the management of the military department, and of the royal domains (1 Chron. xxiii-xxvii.), and afterwards died, aged 71 years, (1 Kings ii. 1-11.), after a reign of 7 years at Hebron, and 33 at Jerusalem, making altogether 40 years. 1015. B. C. 2989. A. M. He was buried in that part of Jerusalem called the 'City of David!'

416. Music, Singing, and Public Offices.DAVID ordered the various services of the Levites, adding music, and singing to the appointed service of God. (1 Chron. xvi. 37-42.; xxv.) He ornamented and fortified Jerusalem (2 Sam. v. 4-11.); and made preferment in the army dependent upon valour. (2 Sam. xxiii. 8–13; 1 Chron. xi. 20-47.). He also established different departments of public affairs: a commander-in-chief; a recorder, or public historian; and a King's secretary. (2 Sam. viii. 16, 17.)

417. Joab exercised great influence over David, and being a popular man with the army the King dared not call him to account for acts of disobedience; neither for the murders of Abner, and Amasa; nor for the death of Absalom. Joab was cruel, revengeful, and imperious; and on the rebellion of Adonijah in David's old age, Joab having sided with him, David on his death-bed counselled Solomon to punish him for his crimes; and he was eventually put to death.

418. David's character.-David was a prophet, and an eminent type of our Saviour; he composed the greater part of the Psalms, which were written by Divine inspiration, and foretold many things concerning Christ. (Luke xxiv. 44.; Acts ii. 29, 30.) The chief blemishes of David's life were his conduct to Bathsheba, his effecting the death of Uriah, and his pride in numbering the people.

415. When did David die? 416. What addition did David make to the appointed service of God? 417. Whence arose the influence of Joab with David? What was the end of Joab? By whose orders was he put to death? 418. What was the character of David? What were his writings? what were his chief sins?

K

419. The two Books of Kings are supposed to have been written by Ezra, although some have inscribed them to Jeremiah; and some, to Isaiah.

420. The First book of Kings embraces a period of 126 years, from the last year of David's reign 1015. B. C. to the death of Jehoshaphat, 889. B. C.; it describes the conspiracy of Adonijah; the death of David; the reign of Solomon; the revolt of the Ten Tribes, and formation of the two Kingdoms of Israel, and Judah; and the reigns of their Kings down to Jehoshaphat.

421. Solomon.-On the death of David, 1015. B. C. Solomon by the express declaration of God succeeded to the throne; among his first acts was the putting of his brother Adonijah to death for rebellion.

422. Joab, and Shimei likewise were condemned to lose their lives. Joab hastened the day of punishment by plotting with Adonijah against SOLOMON; he was slain by Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, at the command of the King. (1 Kings ii. 34.) B. c. 1014.

423. The high-priest Abiathar having also abetted the conspiracy of Adonijah; he was banished by SOLOMON to his native city Anathoth, his life being spared for the services he had rendered David. Zadok succeeded him in the priest-hood.

424. Solomon's power.-When at Gibeon, sacrificing to the Lord, GoD said to Solomon in a dream Ask what I shall give thee.' The King immediately desired 'wisdom and knowledge' (2 Chron. i. 7-10.); 'an

420.

419. Who was the author of the Book of Kings? What period is embraced in the first Book of Kings? What does it describe? 421. What was one of the first acts of Solomon on coming to the throne? 422. How did Joab hasten the day of his punishment? 423. What befel Abiathar? 424. What did God say to Solomon in a dream when at Gibeon, and what was the king's reply?

'understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may 'discern between good and bad.' This was granted to him; and as he had not requested worldly and selfish advantages, the Almighty super-added riches and honour far beyond what all his predecessors had possessed, or any successor would enjoy. 1 Kings iii. 5-14.

His wisdom. ·Solomon became the wisest of mankind. The first display of his wisdom occurred in a claim which was set up by two women to an infant child. Each asserted to be the mother of the child brought before him. Solomon ordered the child to be cut in two, and be divided between them; whence the solicitude of the real mother gave up her claim, rather than her child should be injured. (ib. 16-28.)

425. Shimei, who had cursed David when at Mahanaim (2 Sam. xvi. 7, 8.), had been pardoned by the late king; yet David said to Solomon 'hold him not guiltless, 'for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.' (1 Kings ii. 8, 9.). So Shimei was ordered by SOLOMON to take up his abode in Jerusalem, where he was to reside under penalty of death. Shimei obeyed three years, when two of his servants running away, he pursued them to Gath, Solomon immediately ordered him to be put to death for transgressing his command. (1 Kings ii. 13—34). B. C. 1011.

426. Extent of his kingdom.-Peace now prevailed, and the kingdom of Israel attained its greatest extent. Solomon ruled over all the countries from beyond the Euphrates to the Nile; and his neighbours either paid him tribute, or were his allies; and he had horses, and chariots of war in abundance. Hiram king of Tyre, congratulated him on his accession, and subsequently assisted him with men and materials for building the Temple of the Lord. The king of Tyre also sent builders, and masons, and skilful workers in metal, wood, and linen, and in dying, and carving. 1 Kings v. 8-12; 2 Chron. ii. 7-15.

427. The Temple. Solomon now laid the

425. What became of Shimei ? 426. What was the extent, and condition of Solomon's kingdom just before building the Temple? To what king was Solomon indebted for assistance in the erection of the Temple? To what nation had Solomon recourse for builders, and wood-carvers? 427. By whom, when, and where, was the Temple built? On what Mount?