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sword. Now therefore 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."

Some think that David intended, by what he said, to give an explicit direction to Solomon to put Shimei to death. They say, it is probable that Shimei took a part in the rebellion of Adonijah, as well as in that of Absalom. David therefore warned Solomon to consider him as still cherishing his old rancorous and vindictive spirit, and to be on his guard against a traitor who would doubtless soon commit some other act to render him obnoxious to the punishment of death, in inflicting which Solomon's wisdom, would direct him how to act discreetly and justly. They say too, that although David swore to Shimei that he should not die, it evidently implied that David would not himself cause him to be put to death, and especially at the time when he acted in so traitorous and insulting a manner.

He

gave Shimei, as it were, a kind of reprieve, and now Solomon would be at liberty, as the head of the nation, to do what he thought was right in the matter, taking into account also the present character of Shimei, together with his future conduct.

Others suppose, among whom is the learned Dr. Kennicott, that the passage in which David gives the charge to Solomon respecting Shimei admits of a different translation, and that the

latter part of it should be thus rendered: "Now therefore hold him not guiltless-for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him—but bring not down his hoar head to the grave with blood."

They add that Solomon seems evidently thus to have understood the charge. For so far from putting Shimei to death, after David's decease he sent for him, and gave him an express permission to build a house in Jerusalem, and to dwell there. At the same time, as if fearing his treachery, and regarding him as indeed a guilty person, he ordered Shimei on no account to leave the city, or pass the brook Kidron; adding, that if he did so, he should surely die. He violated this order three years afterwards, and suffered the penalty.

In his last acts, therefore, with regard to Joab and Shimei, the character of David is free from all reproach. He did nothing more than was required of him in his official capacity, to promote the great ends of justice, and provide for the welfare of the nation; while, as an individual, he scrupulously fulfilled his promises, and showed that he was influenced by no personal feelings of vindictive resentment.

We have thus brought the life of this distinguished monarch to its close. What the affecting scenes of his very last moments were, the sacred record does not inform us. We are only told that "he died in a good old age, full of

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days, riches, and honor;" that he "slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David ;" and that "Solomon his son reigned in his stead."

He had lived seventy years; having reigned seven years and a half over Judah at Hebron, and thirty-three years over all Israel at Jerusalem.

CHAPTER XL .

CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS.

DAVID was a very extraordinary man. A volume might be written on his character. In what a variety of conditions he was placed, and how many striking qualities both of body and mind he exhibited, showing that he had talents of the very highest order. But natural genius alone could He must not have fitted him to be what he was. undoubtedly, in youth and through the whole course of his life, have been a person of close and accurate discernment, of deep thought, and of industrious application. He must have had great perseverance and decision of purpose. To this was added that moral courage and cheerful resolution in the performance of duty which nothing but true piety towards God, and an unshaken confidence in his guidance and protection, such as David possessed, can inspire.

His first occupation was that of a shepherd, an employment of no mean or servile character, but one which required much address, skill, and bodily strength and prowess. For the flocks had to be led to suitable pastures, defended against the attacks of wild beasts and robbers, and watched over with peculiar care. That he had this trust while yet so young, shows the great confidence which was placed in him.

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But we have not time to trace the character of this distinguished individual minutely, in all the. conditions, employments, and relations of life which he sustained. He was a skilful musician; a prudent, brave, and successful military leader; an intrepid hero; a wise and energetic sovereign; an inspired poet and prophet; a conspicuous ancestor and type of Christ; a dutiful son; an affectionate brother; a loyal subject; a devoted patriot; a faithful friend; exercising a magnanimous forgiveness towards his enemies; deeply penitent when he sinned against God, which he did in the most heinous manner; and yet cherishing, as the habitual temper of his mind, an ardent piety and an active benevolence. He lived and toiled for the glory of the divine name and the good of his country. He reached the highest summit of earthly grandeur and power, and has left behind him a name that is one of the most conspicuous among the great and good who have ever lived.

While a youth he was faithful to the trust committed to his care. An obscure shepherd-boy, he kept his father's flocks in the quiet vales of Bethlehem. In that lowly condition, he seems to have been distinguished alike for his fidelity and courage; and though he little thought it, was even then maturing for the elevated sphere which he afterwards filled.

You will never rise, my young friend, to any such temporal distinction as David did. But how