Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 24 July, 2022
“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will
I make known thy faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 89:1)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
The Most Avoided Messianic Psalm (7)
“Let Their Table Become a Snare” [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Psalm 69:1-25
Text: Psalm 69:20-22
I. Who Is Speaking?
II. Speaking of Whom?
III. Saying What?
Psalms: 40:5-9; 35:15-20; 22:13-18; 69:16-22
Evening Service – 6:00 PM – Prof. Engelsma
The Saviour’s Assertions of His Sovereignty in Salvation [youtube]
Scripture Reading: John 13:1-30
Text: John 13:18-19
I. His Sovereignty
II. Its Applications to the Betrayer
III. Its Application to the Church
Psalms: 100:1-5; 46:1-7, 11; 41:5-11; 2:1-6
For CDs of the sermons and DVDs of the worship services, contact Stephen Murray
If you desire a pastoral visit, please contact Rev. Stewart or the elders
CPRC Website: www.cprc.co.uk • Live Webcast: www.cprc.co.uk/live-streaming
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
Quotes to Consider
William S. Plumer on Psalm 69:22: “This verse is clearly connected with the next three, so that the right use of one being ascertained, we know the application of the others. Christ applied to his scornful countrymen the twenty-fifth verse, and this goes with it. Paul makes the same application of this verse and the next, Rom. 11:9, 10; so that we have the key to the right exposition.”
John Calvin on Psalm 69:22: “These expressions are metaphorical, and they imply a desire that whatever things had been allotted to them in providence for the preservation of life, and for their welfare and convenience, might be turned by God into the occasion or instrument of their destruction. From this we gather that as things which naturally and of themselves are hurtful, become the means of furthering our welfare when we are in favour with God; so, when his anger is kindled against us, all those things which have a native tendency to produce our happiness are cursed, and become so many causes of our destruction. It is an instance of the Divine justice, which ought deeply to impress our minds with awe, when the Holy Spirit declares that all the means of preserving life are deadly to the reprobate (Titus 1:15) so that the very sun, which carries healing under his wings (Malachi 4:2) breathes only a deadly exhalation for them.”
John Calvin on Genesis 50:20: “… whatever poison Satan produces, God turns it into medicine for his elect. And although in this place God is said to have ‘meant it unto good’ [Gen. 50:20], because contrary to expectation, he had educed a joyful issue out of beginnings fraught with death: yet, with perfect rectitude and justice, he turns the food of reprobates into poison, their light into darkness, their table into a snare [Ps. 69:22], and, in short, their life into death. If human minds cannot reach these depths, let them rather suppliantly adore the mysteries they do not comprehend, than, as vessels of clay, proudly exalt themselves against their Maker [cf. Rom. 9:20-21].”
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
We welcome visitors to our services today. Rev. Stewart will be preaching this morning and Prof. Engelsma this evening.
There will be short farewell for the Engelsmas immediately after the evening service.
This is Lidi’s last Lord’s day with us. We are thankful for the time she spent with us. May the Lord be with her as she returns to her family and church in Brazil, and bring her back in the future.
The Standard Bearers are available on the back table for subscribers.
Tuesday Bible study at 11 AM will meet to continue our consideration of the Federal Vision on saving faith.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s day (Gospel 846 MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. Haak is entitled, “Shall We Transgress in Forming Mixed Marriages?” (Neh. 13:23-39).
Offerings: £1,700.70.
Translation Additions: 1 Afrikaans and 2 Polish.
PRC News: Rev. Decker (Grandville, MI) is considering calls to Doon PRC and Hudsonville PRC. Randolph PRC has a new trio of Revs. J. Holstege (Zion), Smidstra (Holland, MI) and Spronk (Faith, MI).
Solomon Anointed King
Brian D. Dykstra
I Kings 1
David is “old and stricken in years.” No matter how many layers of clothing he wears, he is still cold. Is his heart failing? The remedy prescribed is for a beautiful, young virgin to “cherish” him. After conducting a search, Abishag is chosen for the task. David already has many wives. It is likely that Bathsheba was considerably younger than David, and could have performed this task. However, David again shows the weakness of his flesh and takes the opportunity to indulge himself once again.
There are no other characters seldom mentioned in the Bible who generate as many questions in Bible class as Abishag. My students wonder why a beautiful young girl would want to cuddle with an old, broken-down man. Some, who understand the transfer of body heat, wonder and discreetly inquire as to whether or not David and Abishag were skin-to-skin. All that can be said is that Scripture is careful to tell us that David “knew her not.”
The Bible does not tell us Abishag’s motivation. Did she feel some admiration for David because of the deliverance God gave to Israel through him? However, those deeds would have been performed many years before her birth. Was she ambitious? Was this her way into the king’s harem? Would she by this means become one of Solomon’s wives after David’s death? We aren’t told. Abishag is mentioned because of important developments involving her which follow this chapter.
The focus should be on Adonijah. He will take advantage of this situation to proclaim himself king. There are several factors in his favour. He was a “very goodly [i.e., handsome] man.” He was the younger brother of Absalom, whose mother was the daughter of a king. He might feel he has more claim to the throne because of his royal maternal grandfather than Solomon, whose mother was a mere common woman. He could be the oldest of David’s surviving sons. Important men support him. Joab, general of the army, and Abiathar the priest, back him. Adonijah hosts a large feast to celebrate the “fact” that he reigns as Israel’s new king.
Why would Joab support Adonijah? He had been loyal to David for so long! He must have known that God’s choice for Israel’s next king was Solomon. A rebel’s heart will eventually reveal itself. Joab believed that he knew what was best for Israel, not God. Solomon, whose name means “peaceful,” did not suit Joab. Solomon was too thoughtful and contemplative for Joab’s taste. Joab wanted someone assertive and aggressive. Adonijah, being bold and decisive, would take Israel to even greater power and wealth than David. Joab’s goals for Israel are earthly.
God gives us a warning here about parenting. David had never displeased Adonijah by asking, “Why hast thou done so?” Adonijah believes he may do whatever he pleases. Anything he wants is rightfully his. We must not indulge our children. It leads to spiritual ruin!
The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba both know God’s choice for Israel’s next king is Solomon. They must make David aware of Adonijah’s claim and stop him. Bathsheba will give David the news, which will then be supported by Nathan. One wonders what Bathsheba’s thoughts were as she approached David while Abishag cherished him. She understands she must speak to David, no matter how uncomfortable she may be, in order to save the lives of Solomon and herself.
David, now aware of the situation, though old, frail and at the end of life, shows himself once more as a man of decisive action.
David calls for Bathsheba and repeats his oath to her that Solomon would reign after him. David next makes arrangements to cause Solomon’s immediate coronation to be as public as possible. First, David’s “servants” are deployed to protect Solomon from threats. These servants were the loyal bodyguards, the Cherethites and Pelethites, who served David through his reign. Seeing men who were dedicated to the protection of Israel’s king protecting Solomon would be a clear announcement of the identity of Israel’s true king.
Solomon rides David’s mule. This was a great honour. Only people especially chosen by the king could ride this mule. As Solomon rode through Jerusalem’s streets on this animal, the people must have guessed the significance of these events and begun to gather in large crowds to witness this great occasion.
Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, both notable men, anointed Solomon at Gihon. Commentators debate on the location of Gihon but it certainly was a place of abundant water. Many people would go there for their water supply and thus it could accommodate a large crowd. It was likely on the opposite side of Jerusalem from where Adonijah held his feast where he celebrated his rebellious self-coronation. Some commentators say kings were anointed by rivers or fountains because the perpetually flowing water pictured the perpetuity of the kingdom of Israel.
The trumpet’s sound carried far across the city. This sound made the coronation public and joyous. The people shouted, “God save King Solomon!” We read “all the people” joined Solomon. Adonijah had the support of some important men, and perhaps an element of the army, but the majority of the people supported Solomon. The piping could have accompanied dancing. It is important to note that when the Bible mentions dancing of which God approves, we do not have men and women dancing together but separately. The celebration was so loud “that the earth rent with the sound of them.” All these elements combined to leave no doubt that Solomon was David’s choice to ascend to the throne of Israel.
Adonijah’s guests heard this great noise. Joab wonders about it and it is not long before a messenger arrives bearing news of all that was done to show Solomon is Israel’s true king, chosen not so much by David but by God. Adonijah’s guests disperse and know continuing to support him would lead to ruin. The world opposes the kingship of Christ and does all it can to prevent Christ from ruling, but all the attempts of the wicked to oppose Christ will be vain. Their fate will be worse than those guilty of treason against an earthly monarch.
Adonijah flees and holds the horns of the altar. This was considered to be a sanctuary because animals for sacrifice were bound there and the horns were sprinkled with blood, symbols of grace and salvation to sinners. Adonijah asks Solomon to swear that Solomon will not execute him. It’s interesting to note that Solomon does not swear but merely speaks (v. 52). Adonijah will live so long as he causes no more trouble for Solomon. We shall see. Adonijah bows to Solomon and is told to go to his house.
Israel rejoiced to see David’s son exalted upon the throne. How much greater will be the joy of the church when the true Son of David will sit on the throne of His everlasting, heavenly kingdom! There we will live in perfect peace and experience all the benefits which Christ has earned for us on the cross.
