Open an explanation beneath verses with notes. Your notes and highlights stay on this device.
After him, Nathan rose up to prophesy in the days of David.
Verse 1. Nathan. Many other prophets lived at the same time. But he was most conspicuous, and crowned Solomon. Calmet.—Greek “and after him Nathan arose to prophesy,” ( Bible.) and keep up the succession.
As is the fat when it is separated from the peace offering, so was David separated from the children of Israel.
Verse 2. Flesh. Greek “peace-offering.” The fat was deemed most delicate.
He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs of the flock.
Verse 3. Played. Tearing them to pieces with the greatest ease. 1 Kennicott. 17:34. Calmet.
In his youth didn’t he kill a giant, and take away reproach from the people when he lifted up his hand with a sling stone, and beat down the boasting Goliath?
For he called upon the Most High Lord, and he gave him strength in his right hand to kill a man mighty in war, to exalt the horn of his people.
So they glorified him for his tens of thousands, and praised him for the blessings of the Lord, in that a glorious diadem was given to him.
Verse 6. Nation. Who were no longer under the control of the Philistines. Bible.
For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and defeated the Philistines his adversaries. He broke their horn in pieces to this day.
Verse 7. Thousand. This was sung in the cities, (1 Kennicott. 18:7. Calmet.) and excited the envy of Saul, who nevertheless could not prevent David’s exaltation. Bible.—Did he, or the people who praised the Lord and David. Calmet.
In every work of his he gave thanks to the Holy One Most High with words of glory. He sang praise with his whole heart, and loved him who made him.
Verse 8. Horn. Power and glory. Bible.—For ever, is not in Greek David defeated the Philistines at the beginning of his reign. Calmet.
He set singers before the altar, to make sweet melody by their music.
Verse 9. Glory. Contained in the Psalms. Bible.—He was always very grateful. Calmet.—His pure and sincere heart pleased God more than his other works. Worthington.
The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.
He gave beauty to the feasts, and set in order the seasons to completion while they praised his holy name, and the sanctuary resounded from early morning.
The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn forever. He gave him a covenant of kings, and a glorious throne in Israel.
Verse 11. Altar. Of holocausts. Moses had not appointed singing.
After him a wise son rose up, who because of him lived in security.
Verse 12. Set. Lit. “adorned the times.”—Of his. Greek “while they praised his holy name, and sounded forth holiness early.” Bible.—David strove to give all perfection to the sacred ceremonies of religion, that the people might be attracted to the tabernacle, ( Calmet.) and serve the Lord with gladness. Bible.
Solomon reigned in days of peace. God gave him rest all around, that he might set up a house for his name, and prepare a sanctuary forever.
Verse 13. Sins. Remitting the punishment, (2 Kennicott. 12:13. Calmet.) and the guilt also, ( Bible.) in consequence of his repentance.—Covenant. Engaging that his posterity should enjoy the throne (2 Kennicott. 7:12. Calmet.) if they continued faithful. Psalms 131:11 sup.chapter 45:31.
How wise you were made in your youth, and filled as a river with understanding!
Verse 14. Enemies. The piety of David was thus rewarded. Bible.—It must have been the greatest satisfaction to him, to see so wise a son on the throne, and all in perfect peace. 3 Kennicott. 1:48 and 4:24. Calmet.—These blessings were a reward of his virtue. Worthington.
Your influence covered the earth, and you filled it with parables and riddles.
Verse 15. Youth. When other are less informed. This serves to place the apostacy of Solomon in a more striking light. Calmet.—The author seems astonished both at the wisdom and at the folly of this prince, ( Bible.) and apostrophises him. Worthington.
Your name reached to the far away islands, and you were loved for your peace.
Verse 16. Earth. Or explored all the secrets of nature, retexit. 3 Kennicott. 4:29.
For your songs, proverbs, parables, and interpretations, the countries marveled at you.
By the name of the Lord God, who is called the God of Israel, you gathered gold like tin, and multiplied silver like lead.
Verse 18. Interpretations of riddles. Hence people praised the Lord. 3 Kennicott. 10:24.
You bowed your loins to women, and in your body you were brought into subjection.
You blemished your honor, and defiled your offspring, to bring wrath upon your children. I was grieved for your folly,
Verse 20. Copper, (aurichalcum.) Greek “tin.” 2 Chronicles 9:13.
because the sovereignty was divided, and a disobedient kingdom ruled out of Ephraim.
Verse 21. Thyself. Lit. “thy thighs.” Greek “sides.” Syr. “strength.”—Subjection. Lit. “thou hadst power over thy body,” ( Bible.) using it as if it belonged not to God. He was guilty of excess in marrying a thousand wives, and yielding to idolatry, ( Calmet.) fearing to displease those whom he loved to his own ruin.” Saint Augustine de Gen. ad lit. xi. 42.—Dreadful infatuation! Bible.
But the Lord will never forsake his mercy. He won’t destroy any of his works, nor blot out the posterity of his elect. He won’t take away the offspring of him who loved him. He gave a remnant to Jacob, and to David a root from his own family.
Verse 22. Defiled. Consecrating some even to Moloch, (Pineda vii. 11.) or having children by those whom the law prohibited. Deuteronomy 7:2 and 23:2. Calmet.—His sins were punished: yet God’s mercy preserved his posterity. Worthington. Psalms 88.
So Solomon rested with his fathers. Of his offspring, he left behind him Rehoboam, the foolishness of the people, and one who lacked understanding, who made the people revolt by his counsel. Also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, and gave a way of sin to Ephraim.
Verse 23. Rebellious. (Gr.) Lit. “hard.” Bible.—Jeroboam was at the head of it. 3 Kennicott. 12:14. Calmet.
Their sins were multiplied exceedingly, until they were removed from their land.
Verse 24. Lord. David’s piety caused the sceptre to be still preserved in his family, ( Bible.) though Solomon’s conduct deserved to lose it. Calmet.
For they sought out all manner of wickedness, until vengeance came upon them.
Verse 25. Of the. Greek “a root from him,” to govern a part, while Jeroboam reigned over the other tribes of Jacob. Bible.—God fulfilled his promises to Jacob and David. Menochius.