Sivut kuvina
PDF
ePub

any man, high or low, which can avail for the life of his soul, if he have not the grace of God to make him a saint. To be a great man, a great philosopher, a great warrior, a great lawyer, a great scholar, a great noble, or a great prince or king, will carry no man to heaven. He must have the grace of God in the faith of Jesus Christ; otherwise, with all his greatness, he will perish for ever in his sins, and never see the glorious kingdom above.

How did David prove that he was such a character as above described? His whole history proves the one; and his love and zeal for the service and glory of God prove the other. You have a lively instance in the chapter before us. The measures he took for bringing up the ark of God from Kirjathjearim, where it had been for a long time, clearly shew the delight he felt in the subject, and the desire he cherished for the more constant enjoyment of spiritual privileges. Dead souls feel none of these sensations; and formal professors are devoid of the spirit and power of the fear of the Lord. In this matter, with their king at their head, the people were all of one mind; and the joy felt on the occasion, by all parties, was very great. Do we know any thing of such joy at the present day? Is not this rather the age of cold indifference, or proud, stiff, and lifeless formality? Would it not be well if all classes of professing Christians

some signal or awful token of the divine displeasure. Why died Uzza there before God? Because he put forth his hand and took hold of the ark. It was no palliation of his sin that the oxen stumbled; that the ark was in danger of falling; or that he wished to prevent such a catastrophe. The whole thing was wrong; and God would bring them, in due time, to a right mind by convincing them all that he is to be had in reverence by all them that are round about him. For a season David's mind was filled with awe; he was greatly afraid; and before he ventured to renew the attempt, he took time to consult the word of God. There he saw his error; there he discovered the right way; then all was well; and the desire of his heart was granted in favour and peace. Let us learn in all things to consult and follow the plain word of God. Let us beware of acting hastily, rashly, or inconsiderately in divine. things. We should often pause and reflect; often pray and repent. Then we need not be afraid. Then we shall walk in the right path, find the life of our souls, and serve the Lord with favour and acceptance, in comfort and peace.

CHAPTER XIV.

1 Hiram's kindness to David. 2 David's felicity in people, wives, and children. 8 His two victories against the Philistines.

OW Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers

were to cherish somewhat of David's dispo- N to David, and timber of cedars, with

sition at this time, and learn the happy lesson of joyfully serving the Lord?

No un

But even in such seasons we must take heed to our spirit. In the highest acts of the most ardent and lively joy, we must never forget, that every thing relating to the worship and service of Almighty God must be treated with the utmost reverence. hallowed hand may touch the ark of our salvation; nor may even the most favoured worshipper approach any part of it in an unbecoming manner. Every thing must be in its right place. Every one ought to be in a right mind. Every thing ought to be done at the right time, and in the right way. If this be not duly attended to, the most fatal mistakes may be made; and, instead of acceptance, you may meet with rebukes and incur

masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

2 And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

3¶ And David took 'more wives at Jerusalem and David begat more sons and daughters.

4 Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

5 And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet, 6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 7 And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.

9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

10 And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

11 So they came up to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place 3 Baal-perazim.

12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

13 And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

14 Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry

[blocks in formation]

HERE are several particulars brought before us for improvement. Let us take them in their respective order.

First, Hiram's kindness. He sent messengers to David (v. 1). These messengers were ambassadors of peace; they came with kindly feelings, and they received a friendly welcome. One object of this embassy was to promote David's pious designs, and to aid him in the measures to be adopted for that purpose. How delightful is it when such feelings subsist between the princes and nations of the earth! When, instead of war and bloodshed, nations and kings shall mutually agree to promote each other's welfare in the reciprocal enjoyment of the blessings of peace! Above all, how far more delightful will it be, when the power of the gospel shall be so felt in the heart of the princes and rulers of

the world, that they shall lay aside all hostile aggressions, place their crowns at the Redeemer's feet, and exert their power and influence in diffusing the blessings of salvation far and near! Then will they beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation; neither will they learn war any more. (Is. ii. 1—5.)

Secondly, David's discovery. It is one thing to be in the right way; but it is another thing to know it. It is one thing to be in a safe state; but it is another thing to know it. It is one thing to be in the path of duty, to which you are called in the providence of God; but it is another thing to know that we are in that way. Both these are requisite for usefulness and comfort. David was not only called to the throne; but he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel (v. 2). How did he make that discovery? Because his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel. He found himself so firmly fixed on the throne, and the people were so devotedly attached to him as their king, and the safety and welfare of the kingdom so secured and promoted on every side, that nothing but the hand of the Lord could have brought it to pass. How speaks this discovery to the believer? Are you accepted with God? Do you know it? Are you regenerated by the Spirit? Do you know it? Are you interested in Christ? Do you know it? Can you perceive, by what the Lord hath done for you, in you, with you, and by you, that you are accepted in the Beloved; born of the Spirit; and interested in the salvation of the Son of God? Remember, there is such a thing as "knowing that we have passed from death unto life." There is such a thing as the Spirit itself bearing witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God." And unless you have this testimony, however safe you may be as to your state before God, or useful in your sphere among men, you cannot have much peace or comfort in your own soul; nor will you be fitted for the changes of adversity and trial, unless you can say, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become

my salvation." (1 John iii. 14; Rom. viii. 16; Is. xii. 2.)

Lastly, David's victories. No sooner was David seated on the throne, than his enemies combined for his overthrow and ruin. But he inquired of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into his hand. Again they unite against him. Again he inquires of the God of his mercies. Again the Lord delivers them into his hand; and brought the fear of him upon all nations (v. 8-17). Does not this teach you how to act in all your conflicts? Consult the Lord. Pray to the Lord. Put your soul and your cause into the hand of Christ. He will grant you mercy. He will subdue your enemies. He will crown you with victory. But who is without fault? (v.3.) Times of prosperity are often dangerPrevalent practices are highly perilous to the people of God; and David had never greater cause for watchfulness and prayer, than when "he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel” (v. 2).

ous.

CHAPTER XV.

1 David, having prepared a place for the ark, ordereth the Levites to bring it from Obed-edom. 25 He performeth the solemnity thereof with great joy. 29 Michal despiseth him.

[ocr errors]

a ND David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

2 Then David said, 'None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it. 4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:

5 Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:

6 Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:

7 Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:

8 of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred :

9 Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

10 Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.

11 And David called for Zadok and

Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

12 And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

13 For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

15 And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

16 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the porters.

19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

3

20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps 'on the Sheminith to excel.

22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.

23 And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obed-edour and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to

bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obed-edom with joy.

26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing and she despised him in her heart.

[blocks in formation]

WE have here, in this chapter, another continued evidence of the strength and fervour of David's piety. It is said, that he made him an house, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent (v. 1). This is the first thing we notice here respecting David's true and fervent piety. He could not think of having a house for himself, without having a place for the ark of God. Ah! how few are like David! They mind their own dwellings; but care little for the ark of God. But will not this holy anxiety for the ark of God always be one evidence of true piety? Ought you not, wherever you are, or wherever you go, to keep this example of David before you? Has God given you a house to dwell in? Be sure you have a place for the ark of God. Pitch your tent as near as you can to the Lord's tent. Have you a place for the ark of God in your own dwelling? Let your first resolve, and your firm determination be, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh. xxiv. 15.)

The sterling piety of David appears in another respect. Not only did he prepare a place for the ark of God; but he made due provision for his appointed worship (v. 2). The law of Moses was express on this matter.

Every part of the instituted worship was expressly defined. None ought to bear the ark but the Levites; for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. Ought it not to be considered as one of the first and highest duties of all kings and rulers to make due provision for the service of God? At the same time, ought they not to take care that every thing be done according to the spirit of the gospel, and the directions of truth?

After this, he next undertook to bring up the ark of the Lord unto the place which he had prepared for it (v. 3). For this purpose he assembled the children of Aaron and the Levites, and made a solemn address on the subject, bidding them prepare for the work, and exhorting them to perform it in the appointed manner. Ought not this to be attended to in every act of duty and service in the worship of God? Is there not a due preparation of heart for every religious ordinance? Ought we to go heedlessly or thoughtlessly to any gospel privilege or duty? Should we not beseech the Lord to prepare our hearts, that we may fear his name? Is not the absence of this preparation one chief cause why so little fervour is felt, and so little blessing is found, in the Lord's ways?

In the course of this address, he reminded them of the cause of their previous failure when the Lord smote Uzza for putting forth his hand to touch the ark, and he died before God. "For because ye did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order" (v. 13). This was a happy discovery, and a very important confession. Because we sought him not after the due order, the Lord made a breach upon us. Uzza was smitten; and David was terrified. Pray let this admission made by David be especially noted. You cannot approach God acceptably; but after the appointed order. You cannot serve God acceptably; but after the appointed order. You cannot obtain from him any gracious blessing, nor render any holy duty, nor enjoy one precious privilege; but after the appointed order. Ask you what that appointed order may be? It is Christ. All fulness dwells in him. No man can come

to the Father, but by him. No man can obtain any blessing from the Father, but through him. He is the storehouse of all mercies. He is the channel of all blessings. If you mourn for sin, it must be at the feet of Jesus. If you obtain pardon and peace, it must be through the blood of Jesus. If you love and serve the Lord, it must be in the faith of Jesus. If you pray, or praise, it must be in his name. In short, Christ must be all. This is the due order for all blessings. If you seek them in this way, they will be yours. If you reject this order, God may make a breach upon you, and you may die, and perish for ever.

CHAPTER XVI.

1 David's festival sacrifice. 4 He ordereth a choir to sing thanksgiving. 7 The psalm of thanksgiving. 37 He appointeth ministers, porters, priests, and musicians, to attend continually on the ark.

O they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

4 ¶ And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel 'with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals ;

6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

7¶ Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk of all his wondrous works.

ye

10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac ;

17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Caanan, the lot of your inheritance;

19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.

20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the people are idols but the LORD made the heavens.

27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

« EdellinenJatka »