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I. A ROYAL ADVISING.

1. Visiting the king

2. Honouring the king.

(1) In advancing a good cause a little quiet planning may accomplish excellent results, and not be dishonest. Nathan and Bathsheba had made their arrangements beforehand.

(2) In advancing a good cause, a good. action or good advice wins much in efficacy by being skilfully performed or given.

(3) In advancing a good cause a respectful demeanour toward those in authority costs nothing, and usually accomplishes much.

(4) In advancing a good cause a good name is of the first importance. David knew at once that Nathan's plea was not for anything bad.

II. A ROYAL USURPER.

1. Treacherous sacrifices.

2. Treacherous treatment.

3. Treachery suspected.

(1) In advancing a bad cause, it is natural to have good things to eat.

(2) In advancing a bad cause, its promoters are always forward in appealing to the Divine protection, "God save King Adonijah."(3) In advancing a bad cause, its promoters are generally exclusive in their friendships. Of course, Nathan was not admitted to a share m proceedings upon which he would have frowned.

(4) In combating a bad cause, it is always best to come to a clear understanding of exactly who are its friends, and who its enemies. That is what Nathan sought in questioning David.

(5) In combating a bad cause, the more care that is exercised the better. Every bad cause has at least one very skilful promoter, whose mere tools Adonijah and Abiathar and all the rest of them are. The devil keeps a close watch over his own interests.

III. A ROYAL RULER.

1. His mother summoned.

2. His father promising.

(1)  By the Lord, his Redeemer.

(2)  To establish Solomon.

3. His mother rejoicing.

(1)  In act.

(2)  In word.

4. His reign established.

(1) When a man must go forth to leave the duties of his earthly station, it is becoming that he should carefully consider in whose hands he shall leave them.

(2) When a man has an important question to decide, he seldom loses anything by inviting his wife to assist at the conference.

(3) When a man is called to the test, he ought not to be long in making good his promises, if it is in his power to do so.

(4) When a man is nearing the point of death, it is folly to defer doing as he has promised until the future. "So will I certainly do, this day."(5) When a man has humbled himself to do, it will seldom harm his wife to humble herself to thank him.

(6) When a man is nearing the point of death, such a cry as "Let my lord King David live for ever," has its very serious aspects.

(Sunday School Times.)

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KJV: And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in.

WEB: Behold, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet came in.