1 Kings 1:40

40. Pipes See note and cuts on 1 Samuel 10:5.

The earth rent with the sound A hyperbolical expression to indicate the boundless joyfulness of the people on that occasion. From many facts recorded in the last half of the Second Book of Samuel it is not difficult to infer that the closing years of David’s reign were not popular in Israel. The growing infirmities of age prevented his appearing any more among the people; and though he held a large place in the nation’s heart, his voluntary resignation of the crown to Solomon, who had doubtless, by reason of his many amiable qualities, already become endeared to all who knew him, and the enthronization of that youthful prince, were an occasion of great rejoicings throughout the royal city. It was also a matter of rejoicing that there was no violent break in the succession. David enthrones Solomon by his own proclamation, so that, as Wordsworth beautifully says, “Solomon’s reign is to be regarded as a continuation of the reign of David his father. David’s reign did not end with David’s life, but it flowed on in the life of Solomon his son, for which it was a preparation. Thus the union of David and Solomon, as forming by their conjunction a typical representation of CHRIST, the king of the spiritual Zion, as a conqueror like David, and yet as the prince of peace like Solomon, is made more manifest.” So in the harmony of the Divine dispensations the kingdom of Israel was continued, and is perpetuated in the more glorious kingdom of the Messiah.