Lesson 57. David's Prosperity.

David resolved to build a temple for the Lord; but Nathan, the prophet, was sent to prevent him, and to say that his son should build a house for God. David subdued all his enemies, and the king of Hamath sent him presents. A lame son of Jonathan, named Mephibosheth, was treated kindly by David for his father's sake.

Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy." Psalm cxxxii. 3; 5; 9.

Lesson 58. David's Wickedness.

David took Bathsheba, wife of Uriah, into his house.

Uriah was

placed in the front rank in battle, to be slain. Bathsheba then became David's wife. God sent Nathan to David to reprove him for his wickedness. David acknowledged his sin, and the child of Bathsheba died. Some time after, Solomon was born.

"Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm li. 11, 12; 14; 17.

Lesson 59. Of David's Sons.

The sons of David caused him much sorrow. Amnon, one of them, did wickedly, and was slain by Absalom, another of his sons. Absalom

won the hearts of the people, rebelled against his father, and was proclaimed king. Ahithophel, who was one of David's wisest counsellors, joined in the rebellion of Absalom.

"My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are falling upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away and be at rest." Psalm lv. 4—6.

Lesson 60. David Flees from Jerusalem.

David fled from Jerusalem with

his own guard.

He wept as he
David sent

ascended Mount Olivet.

Hushai, one of his old counsellors, back to Jerusalem. He was to send word to David of all that was done. Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth,

slandered his Shimei cursed

stones at him.

master

to David. David and threw

"My soul wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation he is my defence: I shall not be moved." Psalm lxii. 5,6.

"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man." Psalm lxxi; 4.

Lesson 61. The Council. The Battle.

Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David immediately. Hushai counselled that all Israel should be first assembled. Ahithophel's counsel was not followed, and he hanged himself. A battle took place in the Wood of Ephraim; as Absalom was riding under an oak, his head caught in the boughs, and Joab slew him.

"For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company." Psalm lv. 12—14.

Lesson 62. David returns to Jerusalem.

David mourned exceedingly for the death of Absalom.

He returned to Jerusalem, and forgave Shimei. About this time the men of Judah and those of Israel began to be jealous of each other. A new revolt took place, which was led by Sheba. Joab pursued Sheba who took refuge in Abel. His head was thrown over the wall of the city.

"I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword." Psalm cxliv. 9, 10.