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v19100
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1994-03-02
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19102
* David exhorts the people to the fear of the Lord. (1-10) He
gives instructions for the temple. (11-21)
#1-10 During David's last sickness, many chief priests and
Levites were at Jerusalem. Finding himself able, David spoke of
his purpose to build a temple for God, and of God's disallowing
that purpose. He opened to them God's gracious purposes
concerning Solomon. David charged them to cleave stedfastly to
God and their duty. We cannot do our work as we should, unless
we put on resolution, and fetch in strength from Divine grace.
Religion or piety has two distinct parts. The first is knowledge
of God, the second is worship of God. David says, Know thou the
God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and a
willing mind. God is made known by his works and word.
Revelation alone shows the whole character of God, in his
providence, his holy law, his condemnation of sinners, his
blessed gospel, and the ministration of the Spirit to all true
believers. The natural man cannot receive this knowledge of God.
But thus we learn the value of the Saviour's atonement, and of
the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, and are influenced to
walk in all his commandments. It brings a sinner to his proper
place at the foot of the cross, as a poor, guilty, helpless
worm, deserving wrath, yet expecting every thing needful from
the free mercy and grace of God our Father, and the Lord Jesus
Christ. Having been forgiven much, the pardoned sinner learns to
love much.
19112
#11-21 The temple must be a sacred thing, and a type of Christ;
it must be framed by Divine teaching. Christ is the true temple,
the church is the gospel temple, and heaven the everlasting
temple; all are framed according to the Divine counsels, and the
plan laid in the Divine wisdom, ordained before the world, for
God's glory and our good. David gave this pattern to Solomon,
that he might go by rule. Materials were provided for the most
costly utensils of the temple. Directions were given which way
to look for help in this great undertaking. Be not dismayed; God
will help thee, and thou must look up to him in the first place.
We may be sure that God, who owned our fathers, and carried them
through the services of their day, will, in like manner, never
leave us, while he has any work to do in us, or by us. Good work
is likely to go on, when all concerned are hearty in furthering
it. Let us hope in God's mercy; if we seek him, he will be found
of us.
19123
* David induces the princes and people to offer willingly. (1-9)
His thanksgiving and prayer. (10-19) Solomon enthroned. (20-25)
David's reign and death. (26-30)
#1-9 What is done in works of piety and charity, should be done
willingly, not by constraint; for God loves a cheerful giver.
David set a good example. This David offered, not from
constraint, or for show; but because he had set his affection to
the house of God, and thought he could never do enough towards
promoting that good work. Those who would draw others to good,
must lead the way themselves.
19132
#10-19 We cannot form a right idea of the magnificence of the
temple, and the buildings around it, about which such quantities
of gold and silver were employed. But the unsearchable riches of
Christ exceed the splendour of the temple, infinitely more than
that surpassed the meanest cottage on earth. Instead of boasting
of these large oblations, David gave solemn thanks to the Lord.
All they gave for the Lord's temple was his own; if they
attempted to keep it, death would soon have removed them from
it. The only use they could make of it to their real advantage,
was, to consecrate it to the service of Him who gave it.
19142
#20-25 This great assembly joined with David in adoring God.
Whoever is the mouth of the congregation, those only have the
benefit who join him, not by bowing down the head, so much as by
lifting up the soul. Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord.
Solomon's kingdom typified the kingdom of the Messiah, whose
throne is the throne of the Lord.
19148
#26-30 When we read the second book of Samuel, we could scarcely
have expected to behold David appear so illustrious in his
closing scene. But his repentance had been as remarkable as his
sin; and his conduct during his afflictions, and towards the end
of his life, appears to have had a good effect on his subjects.
Blessed be God, even the chief of sinners may hope for a
glorious departure, when brought to repent and flee for refuge
to the Saviour's atoning blood. Let us mark the difference
between the spirit and character of the man after God's own
heart, living and dying, and those of worthless professors, who
resemble him in nothing but their sins, and who wickedly try to
excuse their crimes by his sins. Let us watch and pray, lest we
be overcome by temptation, and overtaken by sin, to the
dishonour of God, and the wounding of our own consciences. When
we feel that we have offended, let us follow David's example of
repentance and patience, looking for a glorious resurrection,
through our Lord Jesus Christ.