1 Kings 12:1-5

The Dead and the Living.

"The king is dead; long live the king!" This paradox expresses an important truth. Bathsheba recognized it when David on his deathbed promised her that Solomon, her son, should succeed him on the throne, and she said, "Let my lord king David live forever" ( 1 Kings 1:31 ).

I. SOLOMON IS DEAD .

1 . His active form is no longer seen .

2 . Where is the disembodied spirit?

II. BUT HE SURVIVES IN REHOBOAM . This fact is the ground of—

1 . Rehoboam's claim to the throne .

2 . The nation's suit to the claimant .

III. SO SURVIVING , HIS INFLUENCE IS MODIFIED .

1 . A new individual appears .

2 . New relationships have therefore to be formed .