CONTENTS
This chapter is but a continuation of the former. David had not
finished all he had to say, and here therefore we have the sequel of
his address. He then makes his offering towards the building, and
calls upon the people to follow his example. He closes in prayer and
thanksgiving. Solomon... [ Continue Reading ]
The motive of David's liberality is beautifully set forth in this
account. It was not to bribe God with his own gifts. It was not to
give of the possessions of the body for the sin of the soul. But it
was because he had set his affection on the house of his God. God in
covenant was a precious God to... [ Continue Reading ]
It is delightful to see what a noble disposition the princes
manifested in following the example of the king. But Reader do not
overlook the most important point of all in this account, namely, how
gracious it is in the Lord to accept the gifts of his creatures as
their gifts, when in reality all is... [ Continue Reading ]
The rejoicing of prince and people affords a lively representation of
the happiness of the soul when all things are going well between God
and us. If I am at peace with God in Christ, all things else must be
at peace with me. For when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh
even his enemies to be at... [ Continue Reading ]
Now we come to the most interesting part of all this beautiful scene.
David knew his end to be near. David convened his people, his princes,
his son. David addressed them all affectionately: but the chief point
of all is yet to be done. He now looks up to the Lord. Here, Reader!
is the first, and be... [ Continue Reading ]
Nothing can be more sweet, more interesting, more expressive. He first
begins in blessing. Who so worthy to be praised as the Lord, as he is
in himself? What so suitable for man to offer as praise for the
blessings he bestows, as he manifests himself to his creatures? And
Reader, do observe how Davi... [ Continue Reading ]
How beautifully the solemn service closed, All were called upon to
bless the Lord in bowing heads, and suitable acknowledgments of the
reverence becoming God's presence. And their enjoyment at their
tables, no doubt was all sanctified with reverence and praise.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here begins the reign of Solomon, of which the following book of the
Chronicles treats largely. The Lord's approbation of him is strikingly
expressed. Perhaps what is here said of the Lord's magnifying him
above, any king that had been before him, means in wisdom, peace, and
riches. For herein he wa... [ Continue Reading ]
It is no small beauty in my apprehension of the history of David, by
way of marking the greatness of the man, that the humbleness of his
beginning is again noticed at the close of his life, that he was the
son of Jesse. The sum total of every man's life is in this instance
like David's, that he live... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS
READER! let us take one view more of the dying patriarch David as we
read his history in this close of it, and gather from it those
interesting lessons it so highly affords. What a life was it taken
altogether, though so abundantly distinguished with divine favor.
Might he not, like anot... [ Continue Reading ]