DAVID RENEWETH HIS OATH TO

BATHSHEBA.

ADONIJAH, David's eldest surviving son, presuming upon the partiality of his aged father, whose years and increasing infirmities rendered it more than probable that another sovereign must shortly sit upon the throne of Israel, determined, if possible, to be proclaimed king. For this purpose he seduced Joab, general of the forces, and Abiathar, the high priest, to espouse his cause. By their advice he invited all his brothers, except Solomon, to a sumptuous entertainment, when he unfolded to them his ambitious designs. Nathan, the prophet, having gained intelligence of this, and knowing that Solomon was designed by his father to succeed him in his regality over Israel, informed Bathsheba of the conspiracy against her son, at the same time advising her to persuade David to issue an immediate proclamation appointing Solomon his successor. Bathsheba repaired to the king's apartment, and having acquainted him with the designs of Adonijah, besought him to confirm the oath which he had formerly made to her, by declaring that her son should succeed to his throne. To this he consented without the slightest reluctance, in the presence of Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah captain of his guards, whom he had summoned to his presence for the purpose of authenticating this solemn transaction. "The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon; And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king of Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon *.” In the picture, Bathsheba appears on her knees at the foot of the royal couch, and by her side are the prophet, priest, and captain of the guard. Behind stand several servants of the household.