11 Then Davidgave to Solomon his son, the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof; and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlors thereof, and of * the place of the mercyseat, 12 And the pattern of all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: 13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the ser vice of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD. 14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight for all instruments of every kind of service: 15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof; and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick. 16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shew-bread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver: 17 Also pure gold hands through all the ages of time, Isa. 9: 7. | God never casts any off, till they have first cast tuary; therefore seek and serve God, that that work may be done from a good principle, in a right manner, and may be accepted.' 3. The means prescribed in order hereunto, and they are prescribed to us all. (1.) Caution. Take heed; beware of every thing that looks like, or leads to, that which is evil. (2.) Courage. Be strong, and do it. We cannot do our work as we should, unless we put on resolution, and fetch in strength from divine grace. V. 11-21. As for the general charge David gave his son to seek God and serve Him, the book of the law was, in that, his only rule, and there needed no other; but, in building the temple, David was now to give him three things: VI. He charges them to adhere steadfastly to God; and if they do not heed it, it is their fault, 1. A model of the building, because it was to ever saw. Moses had a pattern of the tabernacle showed him in the mount, Heb. 8: 5. so had David of the temple, by the immediate hand of God profess religion, as they tender the favor of God, upon him, v. 19. It was given him in writing, for God. He must know God, and serve Him; If for the flesh-hooks, and 18 And for the altar Verses 11-13. In what way soever this writing was made and sent to David, he gave it to Solomon just before his death: so that nothing was left even to 'the wisdom of Solomon,' but all was done by rule, even to the quantity of metal used in each vessel. (14-18.)-In vain do men of opposite sentiments contend for such uniformity in the circumstances of our worship, under the N. T. seeing it is manifest, that exact, precise, and express rules are nowhere to be found, in respect of every particular. It is, however, most evident, that to model divine ordinances according to man's imagination, would have been the height of presumption even in Solomon himself. Verses 14-16. Scott. (M. R.-1 K. 7:48-51.) The candlesticks of silver, and tables of silver, are not elsewhere mentioned, and it is not known to what use they were put. The former'... (the candlesticks of silver) 'were less, to be carried in their hands from place to place, as there was occasion.' Patrick. It seems there were in the temple several tables of gold for the shew-bread, and the vessels belonging to that part of the stated service. (2) Chr. 4:19.) Verse 17. ID. The word, rendered basins, seems to be derived from the atonement made by the blood of the sacrifices, which was received into them till it was sprinkled. (Num. 7:13, 14.) SCOTT. A cut is given [428] probably, by the ministry of an angel, or as clearly and exactly represented to his mind, as if it had been in writing. But it is said, r. 12. He had the pattern by the Spirit. The contrivance either of David's devotion, or of Solomon's wisdom, must not be trusted to in an affair of this nature. The temple must be a sacred thing, and a type of Christ; there must be in it, not only convenience, but significancy: it was a kind of sacrament, there fore its contrivance must not be left to man's art or invention; but must be by divine institution. wings, and covered the 19 All this, said Da- q 19. Ex. 25:40. 26:30. 39:42,43. 2 81 Κ. 6:16-20. 2 Chr. 3:5-10. Ez. He 1 9:26-29. 25.20-27. Luke 21 L • Heb. that was with him by. y 26:26-28. 1 К. 14:26. 15.15.18 2 Κ. 16:8, 18:15. z 24:1,&c. 25:1,50. Zech. 4:2,3,11-14. Вет. 1.12, с Ex. 25:23-30. 1. K. 7:48. 2 8,19. d 1 Sam. 2:13,14. 2 Chr. 4:30-21 • Num. 7:13,14. 1 К. 7:45-50 f Ex. 30:1-10. 1 Κ. 7.48 g Ex. 25:18-22. 1 Sam. 4:4. 1.4 23-30. P. 18:10.68-17.801.1 Ez. 1:15-24. 10-2,4c. b 11,12. Ex. 25:40, 26:30. 1 Ez. 1:3, 3:14,22, of flesh-hooks from the ancient Egyptian monuments. These monuments, repeatedly refer red to, have been preserve (even to the colors) in the milk, dry climate of Egypt; and being such undoubted relics of antiquity, their value in tration and confirmation ( Seripture is becoming mor and more manifest. Notes, 2 Chr. 12: 8, &c. Verse 18. En The phrase chariot means doubtless nothing more than the stand (which was at first the lid of the ark) on which the cherubims were affixed, similarly to the segment on which the figure sits, cut, Ex 25 18. which segment, perhaps, had a name in Coptic corresponding the Heb. here. We have a like word, probably, in the technical te mounting, cradle, chair, or carriage. ED. It is not absolutely certain, that, amidst the many removals of the ark which had taken pisce the cherubim had not been separated from it; and whether Solemas did any thing more than make two others in their stead. SCOTT. Verse 19. (11-13.) This comprises all the particulars, mentioned in the pre 21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee, for all manner of work manship, every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment. CHAP. XXIX. David shows the princes and people FURTHERMORE, David the king said *unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. and Levites will advise thee, and thou mayest consult with them. And lastly, 'The princes and the people, so far from opposing, or retarding the work, will be wholly at thy command, every one in his place ready to further it.' Then good work is likely to go on, when all parties concerned, are hearty in it, and none secretly clog it. of the chariot of the cherubim, v. 18. Besides | never leaves any, unless they first leave Him. would look bare if it had not furniture proportion- 3. Directions which way to look for help in this CHAP. XXIX. David had said what he had to say to Solomon. But he had something more to say to the congregation before he parts with them. Observe, V. 1-9. I. How handsomely David accosted the great men of Israel, to engage them to contribute to the temple, 1-4. It is our duty, not only to do good ourselves, but to draw in others to do good too, as much as we can. There were many very rich men in Israel, who were all to share the benefit of the temple, and of those peaceable days which were to befriend the building of it: therefore, though he would not impose on them, as a tax, what they should give toward it, he would recommend the present as a fair occasion for a free-will offering: because works of piety and charity, should be done willingly, not by constraint; God loves a cheerful giver. that God, who owned our fathers, and carried PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. While life continues, it is desirable to spend it in promoting the peace, prosperity, and spiritual good, of those who may remain behind. (Ec. 9:10. 2 Pet. 1: 12.-15.)-In that monarchy, which God established in Israel, and sanctioned by his approbation, we see no traces of the unalterable right of primogeniture, or of ruling with absolute authority. It may be comfortable to us in a dying hour, to recollect the plans we framed to promote true religion, though we have been unable to accomplish them: hence also we may infer, that we are the chosen and called of God; as such designs prove, that He has given us a heart to account his service a delightful privilege, and to long and love to be employed in it. But, in the nature and measure of our services, we must learn acquiescence in his will, whose choice of us is the source of all our grace, comfort, or usefulness. But we should never forget, that the whole of the salvation for sinners, is of the Lord: the wondrous plan, the great and glorious Redeemer, and redemption, and the revelation of it in the scriptures coding vs. God made him to understand all this so plainly and distinctly, as if it had been written on his mind, as the ten commandments were on the tables of stone. Patrick. NOTES. Scorr. CHAP. XXIX. V. 1. Whom alone God, &c.] David by this expression declared, that God had chosen Solomon in preference to the rest of his sons; and that this was the sole reason of his succession to the throne, and not any partial affection of his own towards him. This would tend to satisfy the people, and to induce David's other sons to submit to the divine appointment. Verses 3-9. ID. David gave, from his own treasury, about 18,000,000 stg. of gold and silver. The prosperity of Israel must have been immense, under the reign of David; and it seems there was also much true piety among the people, especially towards the close of his reign. We can scarcely 5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and k 10. 22:13. Deut. 31:7,8. Josh. 1: 1 Ps. 27:1,2. 18. 41:10,13. Rom. 8:31. p. Ex. 35:25,26,35. 36:1-4. Ps. 110:3. a 28:1,8. b 28:5,6. 1 K. 8:19,20. с 22:5. 1 K. 3:7. 2 Chr. 13:7. Prov. of truth; the way of access, the ministry of the gospel, the throne of grace also, the public ordinances, the sacramental seals, and every thing pertaining to our reconciliation and walk with God, are from Him; and may not be modelled by human authority. Even mere circumstances, which must be regulated by man's discretion, and in which every society has a right to judge for its willing members, are not to be imposed on our brethren: and we are accountable to God, though not to man, for that judgment and practice which we ourselves form and adopt. We should therefore in every thing be circumspect, and not leave the Scripture in any particular, where it affords us directions; yet we should not endanger the peace of the church, for the sake of minute external regulations. Let us cease from self-confident boastings, and acrimonious controversies. Hitherto much has been amiss in every age, in every state, and in every division of the church: ere long our Prince of Peace, the Builder of the true temple, the Son of God, will come, and set all right. Scott. form a conception of the magnificence of the temple and adjacent edifices, about which such immense quantities of gold and silver were employed. (Ez. 41:22.) But the unsearchable riches of Christ' excel the splendor of the temple, infinitely more than that surpassed the meanest cottage on earth. The refined silver seems to have been used, in covering the inner walls of the chambers and other out-buildings; for those of the temple itself were plated with gold. (1 K. 6:21, 22.) Mine own proper good, Heb. (3) rendered a peculiar treasure, Ex. 19:5. special, Deut. 7:6. jewels, Mal. 3:17. (Tit. 2:14.) Scott. With perfect heart, &c. (9) 'This is the virtue which Paul calls aplotes, singleness of heart; which hath respect purely to the service of God, the honor of religion, and the good of the church: 2 Cor. 8:2. 9:11, 13. (2 Cor. 1:12-14. Eph. 6:5-9.) It was a singular comfort to David in his old age to see the people so well disposed, and his exhortation so effectual on their heart. Patrick. Ip. for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to * con secrate his service this day unto the LORD? 6 Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly, 7 And gave for the service of the house of God, of gold five thou sand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. were 8 And they with whom precious stones found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. 9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly; because with 'perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. [Practical Observations.] 10 Wherefore 'David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel, our Father, for ever and ever. 11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and d the victory, and the majesty: for fall that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; ment for sin: nor as Pharisees give alms, to be pears by the sum total of the contributions, t. 7,8 advanced above others, in place and dignity, should He stirs them up to do as he had done, v. 5. willing? Now let him show it. Who is II. How handsomely they all contributed toward the building of the temple, when thus stirred up to it, v. 6. They offered with a perfect heart, from a good principle, and with a sincere respect to the glory of God. v. 9. How generous thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art hexalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou kreignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. 14 But who am I, and what is my people, P that we should be able to offer so 4 willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and † of thine own have we given thee, 15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: 'our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none § abiding. 16 O LORD our God, oring God thus with their substance, and glad of the prospect of bringing this good work to perfection. Or, the common people rejoiced in the generosity of their princes, that they had such rulers over them, as were forward to this good work. Every Israelite was as glad, and David rejoiced with great joy. Note, It is a great reviving to good men, when leaving the world, to see those they leave behind, zealous for religion, and likely to keep it up; Lord, now lettest thou thy servant de part in peace. V. 10-22. We have here, I. The solemn address David made to God, on occasion of the noble subscriptions of the princes, they were, ap- ❘ of praise. The 17 I know also, my 18 O LORD God of n Ex. 25:2-9. 35:5,&c. Num. 7:2,3, Heb. to fill his hand, o 27:1. Is. 60:3-10. p 26:21,22. Jehieli. q Deut. 16:10,11. Judg. 5:9. Ps. 110: 3. 2 Cor. 8:3,12. 9:7,8. r 17. 1 K. 8:61 & Prov. 23:15,16. Luke 15:6. John 15: 1 20. 2 Chr. 20:26,27. Ps. 103:1,2. u 1 K. 8:15. 2 Chr. 6:4. Ps. 72:18,19. x Gen. 32:28. 33:20. y Is. 63:16. Matt. 6:9. Luke 11:2. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Rom. 1:7. 8:15. Phil. 4:20. 2 Thes. c Dan. 4:30.34,35. Matt. 6:13. Tim g Ps. 97:1. 99:1. 145:1,12,13. Das. h Neh. 9:5. Ps. 21:13. 45:10. 47:4 1 Job 9:19. Pa. 62:11. Is. 43:13、徐 Heb. of thine hand. s Gen. 47:9. Pa 59:12. 119-19. Heb 11:13-16. 1 Pet. 2:11. t Job 14:2. Ps. 90:9. 10:11. Hel Ec. 6:12. Jam. 4:14. § Heb. erpcciaion. 14. 2 Chr. 31:10. Ps. 20:1. Es 2:8. Luke 19:16. 28:9. Deut. 8:2, 1 Sam. 15:7. P 7:9 51:6. Prov. 16:2. 엄호 Jer. 17:10. Heb. 4:12. Rev. 23. y Prov. 11:20. 15:8.9. John L Heb. found. b Ex. 3:6,15, 4:5. Matt. 22:32. Ac 3:13. c Deut. 30:6, Γ... 51.10. 119:116,117 Jer. 10:23. 32:39,40. Phil. 16,9-لا 1 Thes. 3:11,12. Heb. 12:21. V. 1-9. The due support and scriptural promotion of religion, the example: and then a hint from them will go further, than a is always more important, and in many cases more arduous, than labored and eloquent oration from a man, who persuades others the administration of civil government: because the honor of to those things, which he himself evidently does not practise.God, and the most essential interests of immortal souls, are con- Our holy joy in God will commonly bear proportion to the wir cerned in it; compared with which all other interests are trivial. ingness, uprightness, and liberality, with which we devote our all They alone, whom the Lord hath chosen for such a work, will to Him. The bodily pain and infirmities of age, and the chilling prosper in it; and it is the duty of all to assist by every proper hand of death, while they indispose us for all other enjoyments, mean in their power. Strong affection to God, and to all that or separate us from thein, cannot preclude or extinguish this, relates to Him for his sake, will constrain men to the most dis- which emulates that of angels, who rejoice over one sinner that interested, self-denying, and liberal services. Those who would repenteth." excite others to consecrate their service to the Lord, must set SCOTT. (4-7.) 'According to the usual estimates, the treasure accumulated last three estimates. And when we consider David's successful war for the temple, would be nearly £1,000,000,000, stg. There may be with the nations around, we may be satisfied he would have been alle a corruption or error; we know not the comparative value of the pre- to collect very large treasures. See W. Brown and T. H. Horne. cious metals then, nor of their means of procuring them, nor their de HENRY abr. gree of purity; several sorts of gold are mentioned in the SS. And if the Verses 18, 19. "talent" here was Syriac, the amount would be only 7,000,000; if Lord God, &c. (18) or, JEHOVAH our Father, the God of Israel' Babylonish, 30,000,000; or if the Arabic vers. of 1 Chr. 22:14. is correct, In this view, the words may be considered, as the first instance in "gold 1000 talents, and silver 1000 talents," this would be 50, to 60 Scripture, of God being addressed in prayer, as Our Father. Met millions. Either estimate brings the amount within the bounds of 6:9.) This is properly the language of the Spirit of adoption. (Rom probability. Eastern kings and princes have, in all ages, been accus- 8:14-17.)-All that treasure, they gave the Lord to build his tem tomed to lay up vast quantities of gold and silver. Dow (Hist. of was his own before; if they had attempted to keep it, death would Hindostan) mentions princes possessing larger sums than either of the soon have removed them so that the only use they could make of t [430] this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee. 19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. (Practical Observations.] 20 ↑ And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king. 21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, everlasting praise, the more we should speak the 1. He adores God, and ascribes glory to Him, 2. He acknowledges with thankfulness the grace of God enabling them to contribute so cheerfully, v. 13, 14. Note, The more we do for God, the vice of a frail and short life, therefore what can we pretend to merit by it! (2.) Of thine own have we given Thee, v. 14. and again, v. 16. It cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. 'We have it from Thee, as a free gift, therefore are bound to use it for 'Thee; and what we present to Thee, is but rent or interest from thine own.' 'In like manner' (says Patrick) we ought to acknowledge God in all spiritual things, referring every good thought, good purpose, good work, to his grace, from whom we receive it. Let him that glories, therefore, glory in the Lord. (3.) He appeals to God concerning his own sincerity, v. 17. It is a great satisfaction to a good man, to think that God tries the heart, and has pleasure in uprightness; that whoever misinterpret or contemn it, He is acquainted with, and approves the way of the righteous. David was neither proud of his own good work, nor envious of the good work of others. (4.) He prays to God both for the people and for Solomon, that both might hold on as they began. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were kept in their integrity, by the grace of God establishing their way; let the same grace that was sufficient more we are indebted to Him for the honor of be- for them, be so for us. Great consequences deing employed in his service, and for grace enabling pend on what is innermost, and what uppermost, us, in any measure, to serve Him. Does He there-in our heart; what we aim at, and what we love fore thank that servant? Luke 17: 9. No: but that to think of, v. 18. If any good have got possesservant has great reason to thank Him. It is a great instance of God's grace in us, to be able to do the work of God willingly. Ps. 110: 3. We must give God all the glory of all the good at any on the morrow after that time done by ourselves or others; He works both day, even a thousand to will and to do. Our own good works must not bullocks, thousand be the matter of our pride, nor the good works of rams, and a thousand others the matter of our flattery, but both the matlambs, with their 'drink- ter of our praise: for certainly it is the greatest offerings, and sacrifices honor and pleasure in the world, faithfully to serve in abundance for all Is rael; a 22 And did meat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king "the second time, and anointed d 23:9. Gen. 6:5. Pa. 119:113. * Heb. sinäsh. Ps. 10:17. 2 Thes. 2: 15,17. 1 Pet. 5.10. e 28:9. Pa. 72:1. 119:80. Jam. 1:17. 12. 22:14. 18:35. 2 Chr. 20:21. Ps. 134:2. 135: 19-21. 146:1,2. 148:13,14,&c. h Gen. 24:26,48. Ex. 4:31. Ps. 29:1,2, 95:6. 1 Ex. 14:31. 1 Sam. 12:18. Frov. 24: 1. 1 Pet. 2:17. 15. 8:62-65. 2 Chr. 7:4-9. 6.17. 1 L. 23:13. Num. 15:5,7.10. 14-17. Ezra 24:11 Deut 12:7,11,12. 16: 2 Chr. 7:10. Neh. 8:12. God. 3. He speaks very humbly of himself, and his people, and the offerings they had now presented to God. (1.) David was the most honorable person, and Israel the most honorable people, then in the world; yet thus he speaks of himself and them as unworthy the divine cognizance and favor. An on earth are as gels in heaven are at home there, saints on earth E: 2:24. 3:12,13. 8:15. 9:7. 1 of it. This is mentioned here, as that which for- sion of our hearts, or the hearts of our friends, it is good by prayer to commit the custody of it to the grace of God: Lord, keep it there, for ever there. David has prepared materials for the temple; but, Lord, do thou prepare the people's hearts for such a privilege; establish their hearts, so the margin. Confirm their resolutions; they are in a good mind, keep them so, when I am gone, them and theirs for ever. He had charged Solomon, ch. 28: 9. to serve God with a perfect heart, now here (v. 19.) he prays to God to give him such a heart. He does not pray, 'Lord, make him rich, great, learned; but, Lord, make him honest;' that is better than all. His building the house would not prove him to have a perfect heart, unless he made conscience of keeping God's commandments. Helping to build churches, will not save us, if we live in disobedience to God's law. , II. The cheerful concurrence of this great assembly in this great solemnity, v. 20. Whoever is the mouth of the congregation, those only have the benefit, who join with him, not by bowing down the head, so much as by lifting up the soul. They paid their respects to the king, looking on him as an instrument in God's hand of much good to them; and in honoring him, they honored God. They made Solomon king, the second time. He having been before anointed, in haste, on occasion of Adonijah's rebellion, it was thought fit to repeat it, for the greater satisfaction of the people. They anointed him to the Lord. Magistrates must look on themselves as set apart for God, to be his ministers, and must rule accordingly in the fear of God. Zadok also was anointed to be PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 10-19. Those, who are most zealous of good works, into our hearts, or the hearts of others, we should never forget will never boast of them, or trust in them. To them it appears to pray to Him to preserve and fix them there, and to bring them an unspeakable favor, that a holy God will accept any worship to good effect. When we feel that there is no abiding for us on or service from such polluted creatures; they are conscious that earth, we should be peculiarly fervent in our prayers, that those their best needs forgiveness, falls infinitely beneath his glorious who are to succeed us, or whom we consider as having profited majesty, and is utterly unworthy his acceptance. In like man- by our instructions, may have their hearts prepared unto the ner, we ought to acknowledge God in all spiritual things: refer- LORD,' and disposed for the work to which they are called. Paring every good thought, good purpose, good work, to his divine rents and ministers also, when they perceive any of their children grace, from whom we receive it; beseeching him, as David doth, or people under serious impressions, should travail in birth for ... to preserve it in us.' Patrick. Thus our best and most useful them till Christ be formed in them, by earnest, constant prayworks will terminate in admiration of his inconceivable majesty, er, that the LORD would keep for ever in the imaginations of goodness, power, and holiness; in unfeigned praises and thanks the thoughts of their hearts, those good desires which He has givings; and in the deepest self-abasement before Him. This is excited, and prepare their hearts unto Himself.' (Gal. 4: 17 genuine grace. While we bless the Lord for putting good desires -20. Col. 2: 1-4.) to their own real advantage, was thus to consecrate it to the service of Him who gave it, and whose gracious acceptance of their oblation would add still more to their obligations. Nothing on this side heaven can be conceived, more humble, pure, evangelical, spiritual, devout, or exalted, than the praise, adoration, gratitude, confidence, love, zeal, and philanthropy, breathing through this address. Scott. Verses 21-25. Scott. As Abiathar was removed from the high priesthood, and Zadok substituted in his place, after David's death; it has been thought, that the second anointing of Solomon was also subsequent to that event. (1h. 2: 26, 27.) The whole kingdom was peculiarly Gon's. We may suppose that every kind of personal accomplishment united with justice, [431] priest, in the room of Abiathar, who had lately V. 23-30. These vs. bring king Solomon to I. Solomon (v. 23.) sat on the throne of the years reigned he in He- 28 And he died in ba 29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are 1 The Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly, v. 25. His very countenance and presence, I am apt to think, had something very great and awful: all he said, and all he did, commanded respect. II. The historian brings David to the end of his days. v. 26, 27. He, as Moses, Othniel, Deborah, Gideon, Eli, Samuel, and Saul, before him, and Solomon after him, reigned forty years. A good man will soon be full of days, riches, and honor, v. 28. but will never be satisfied with them; no satisfaction but in God's loving kindness. For a fuller account of David's life and reign, he refers his reader to the histories or records of those times, written by Samuel while he lived, and continued, after his death, by Nathan and Gad, v. 29. These registers are now lost. Note, Good use may be made of those histories of the church, which are authentic, though not sacred, or inspired. written in the † book of 30 With all his reign q 17:11,12. 28:5. Ps. 132:11. Js. 9: PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 20-30. They, who render God due honor, will seldom fail duly to respect the instruments of his kindness to them, or to honor those whom He has placed over them.--All our obedience and communion with God must have a believing reference to that one great sacrifice, which infinitely more honors his law and justice, than all the oblations which shadowed it forth to ancient believers: thus, peace with Him, peace of conscience, and gladness of heart will make sacred ordinances pleasant; and even render our ordinary meals subservient to our spiritual improvement, and the honor of wisdom, and prosperity, in that royal majesty bestowed on Solomon, and by which God magnified him in the sight of Israel. (M. R.) Scort (24.) Submitted.] Heb. "gave the hand under; " a beautiful ori 6,7. г 22:11. Ес. 8:2-5. Rom. 13:1. t 22:17. 8:21. u 3:3-9. 1 Κ. 1:50-53, 2:24,25. Heb. gave the hand under. Gen. : 2. 47:29. 2 Chr. 30:8. marg. Ex. 17:18. x Josh. 3:7. 4:14. 2 Chr. 1:1. Job 7:17. Acts 19:17. y I K. 3:13. 2 Chr. 1:12. Ec. 2:9. Dan. 5:18,19. Heb. 2:9. 7 18:14. Ps. 78:71,72. a 3:4. 2 Sam. 5:4,5. 1 K. 2:11. b Gen. 15:15. 25:8. Job 5:26. Prov. 16:31. Acts 13:36. c 23:1. Gen. 35:29. d 1 K. 11:41. 14:29. Heb. 11:32,30. † Or, history. 1 Sam. 9:9. Heb. words. f 2 Sam. 7:2-4. 12:1-7. 21:9-11. h 2 K. 10:34. 14:28. 1 Dan. 21. God; while they are attended with gratitude, temperance, liberality, and a heavenly mind.-Let us mark the difference between the spirit and character of the man after God's own heart, living and dying, and those of such worthless professors, as resemble him in nothing but his sin, and who apologize for their crimes by his example. Let us also compare him with those who profanely carp at the blemishes in illustrious scriptural characters; but nev er raise their minds to an idea of such exalted excellency, piety, and philanthropy, as David showed. SCOTT. to a superior; he stands at a short distance, then stooping, he keeps moving his hands to the ground, and says, "I submit, my lord." "Well, Kandan and Chinnan have settled their quarrel now, for Chinnan went to him last evening, and gave his hand under." "The Modeliar [an officer) is no longer angry with me, because I have put down my hand to the ground." "That rebellious son has, for many years, refused to acknowledge his father's authority, but has at last put his hand under," i. e. submitted to him, become obedient.' ROBERTS. Verses 26-28. (M. R.) When we read 2 Sam. 12 ch. and the sequel, we could scarcely expect to behold David appear so illustrious in his closing scene, in which every thing heavenly and excellent is combined; and the people seem to have considered him with a veneration and affection, which language fails to express. But his repentance had been af remarkable as his sins; and his conduct, during his afflictions, and towards the end of his life, seems to have had more effect on his subjects, than all they had before witnessed. It is indeed hard to say, which shines the brightest in this ch. the rising, or the setting sun: but it is better to rise behind clouds, and to be much obscured in the course of our lives, and to set, like David, with splendor; than with Solomon to rise very bright, and shine very splendid, and then to set behind an almost impenetrable cloud. (1 Κ. 11:42, 43.) For a view of David's character, see at the end of 1 K. Verses 29, 30. Scort. ED. It is plain from these vs. that the contemporary prophets were the historians, or annalists, of God's people; and that they left far more copious records of public transactions, both in respect of Israel and the adjacent countries, than have come down to us. (2 Sam. 24:11.) Learned men may indeed regret the loss of these histories; but 'God knows better than we, what was most fit to be preserved for the use and benefit of his church. Patrick. entalism to denote submission. See the man who wishes to submit 1 Chronicles with 10:1-12. 11:1-9. 11:10-41. 13:1-14. 14:1-7. 17: 18: 19: 20:1-3. 20:4-8. 21: 2 Chronicles with 1:3-13. 1:14-17. As these books relate the same histories, they should be constantly read and collated together, to obtain a more comprehensive view of Jew ish history, and also to illustrate or amend from one what is obscure in either.-Horne. HENRY abr. |