THE Holy Spirit of God seems to take a peculiar pleasure in commending to our notice the order and rule of David's government, both in the service of God, and in the regulation of the kingdom. Perhaps it may be safely observed, that, next to the character and actions of the blessed Jesus, no one person occupies so prominent a place in the sacred volume, as he whom the Lord emphatically styles, "a man after his own heart," excepting Moses, who talked with God "face to face." Certain it is, no one is spoken of with such high commendation. No one ever entered upon the service of God with such persevering fervour; and no one ever continued therein with such steadfastness, even to the end. As David, therefore, was a follower of Christ in whom he trusted, let us aim to follow his example. At the same time, let us look beyond David unto him from whom he received all his blessings; and who as infinitely exceeds him in all the excellences of his person and glory, as David comparatively exceeds all who have ever since arisen in the visible church of God! To aim at the highest attainments, you should always select the most eminent patterns. (1 Sam. xiii. 14; Ex. xxxiii. 11.)

In this chapter, two things are commended to our regard. The order of the tribes, and the arrangements of the kingdom. For every month in the year there was a captain ap

assigned host. This went on regularly by rotation throughout the year. Then, with regard to the tribes, there was one chief appointed as head over each; so that there might be no uncertainty and no confusion. An immense standing army was thus maintained for the defence of the kingdom; and a twelfth part of that army was alway in active service as a national guard. In the course of the year, every division took its appointed share in guarding and protecting the land. things are here obvious. Under the rule of David, the kingdom was, at the same time, wisely ordered and securely governed.

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May we not regard him, in this respect, both as a type of Christ, and a pattern for all believers? Is not the government of Christ's kingdom like the covenant of our salvation; that is, "ordered in all things and sure?" Speaking of the blessings of that king, and that kingdom, the prophet says, "In his days, Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely." (Jer. xxiii. 6.) The government being upon his shoulder, the throne of the true David shall be ordered and established from henceforth and for ever. Thus it is, among other reasons, why the gospel dispensation is called, " a kingdom which cannot be shaken,” and “cannot be moved;" because of its order and regulation, as administered and upheld by the omnipotent arm of Jesus, whose name is THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Is. ix. 7; Heb. xii. 28.)

May we not also regard David, in this particular, as a pattern for all believers to imitate in their respective sphere? Is there not much said about the Christian's order and arrangement in all his ways? Is it not said of ministers, that, if they know not how to rule their own house, how can they govern the church of God? Do you not read of ruling well your own house; of having your children in subjection; and of knowing how to behave in the church of God? (1 Tim. iii. 4,5.) Are not servants to be obedient to their masters; and their masters to be obedient unto Christ? Are not children to obey their parents; and parents to obey the Lord? (Eph. vi. 1, 5, 9.) Are not people and congregations to submit to their pastors and teachers; and are not they to be submissive

8 Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.

to Christ? (Heb. xiii. 7.) Order prevails throughout the whole kingdom of God; except where sin has marred its influence. The kingdom of nature is a system of order. You see every thing in its time and season, and every thing according to its nature and kind. The kingdom of grace is the reign of order. All holy beings delight in the order of Christ's dominion. None but rebels against his laws are the authors of confusion, or delight in sin. And their portion will be the regions of eternal disorder and endless woe! (Job x. 21, 22.)

CHAPTER XXVIII.

1 David in a solemn assembly having declared God's favour to him, and promise to his son Solomon, exhorteth them to fear God. 9, 20 He encourageth Solomon to build the temple. 11 He giveth him patterns for the form, and gold and silver for the materials.

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ND David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and 'possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem. 2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed 'blood.

4 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:

5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will

be his father.

7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be 'constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.

9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

10 Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

11 ¶ Then David gave 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 parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

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 service 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 shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:

17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:

18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

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

workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

THE interesting history of David will soon draw to its close. But its pleasing and delightful character by no means lessens as we proceed. Rather does it greatly increase. A peculiar and sacred solemnity spreads over the mind, as we follow him in the last transactions of his earthly course. May we possess somewhat of David's feelings, hopes, and consolations, when we approach that solemn hour, when we shall quit the cares and anxieties of this transitory state; and when all the realities of the eternal world will burst upon our view!

In this chapter he makes a solemn address to the princes, captains, and mighty men of Israel, whom he had assembled together for that purpose before his death. He reminds them of what the Lord had spoken respecting the building of his house, and his successor, in the person of Solomon, to the throne. He exhorts them all to keep and seek all the commandments of the Lord their God, that they might possess the land, and leave it for an inheritance to their children for ever. How solemn was this scene! How excellent was this advice! When was the like ever witnessed since?

Then he makes a special address to Solomon his son. Oh, what an address is this! How affecting, at any time! Coming from the lips of a dying man, how much more solemn and affecting! What is the purport of this address? "And thou, Solomon my

son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." (v. 9). Does not the Word of God thus address itself to each of us? Can you serve God at all, unless you serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind? Does not the Lord search all hearts, and understand all the imaginations of the thoughts? If you seek him, will he not be found of you? If you forsake him, will he not cast you off for ever? Take heed, then, to your heart. Take heed to your spirit. How delightful to love and serve the Lord! How dreadful to be cast off for ever!

After this, he delivered over to Solomon all the particulars respecting the erection of the temple for his instruction and guidance. In so doing, particular mention is made of the "pattern" of this temple; and of the manner in which David became possessed of it. The pattern was given to him by the Spirit. All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern (v. 19). The whole was a divine inspiration and a divine revelation, coupled with divine authority. So it was when the tabernacle was erected by Moses. (Heb. viii. 5.) So it was also, on the restoration from the Babylonian captivity by the prophet Ezekiel; and so it was here. Thus the whole gospel dispensation, in all its parts and all its blessings, is the result of divine inspiration and divine revelation; and it rests altogether upon divine authority. When holy men foretold the Saviour, they spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. God made known his gracious purpose to them, and through them. He revealed the matter to them, and taught them how to express it. The very thoughts which sprang up in their minds, when the fire was kindling, and the very words by which they gave expression to those thoughts, were inspired and directed by the Holy Ghost. Had it not been so, the facts thus recorded never could have taken place. Moses would never have thought, of his own mind, of erecting such a tabernacle,

nor David of building such a temple, had not the Lord revealed all the particulars of both unto his servants. Nor would it ever have entered our mind, that God should make such a wonderful provision for the life of our soul, in the person and sacrifice of his dear Son, had not the Lord himself announced the joyful intelligence for the hope and salvation of this lost and benightened world. This stamps the peculiar glory of the Word of God. This makes it our sure, and certain, and infallible guide. This shews how it will work effectually in them that believe for the sure and certain salvation of them that receive it, as being the sure and certain revelation of the mind and will of God, for our present comfort, and for our eternal welfare. May the good Lord teach us by his Word and Spirit, and make us wise unto salvation!

CHAPTER XXIX.

1 David, by his example and intreaty, 6 causeth the princes and people to offer willingly. 10 David's thanksgiving and prayer. 20 The people, having blessed God, and sacrificed, make Solomon king. 26 David's reign and death.

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URTHERMORE 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.

2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:

5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing 'to consecrate 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 thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.

8 And they with whom precious stones were 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.

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 the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest 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, that we should be able to offer so 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, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.

17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep 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 testi

monies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

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, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings,

and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:

22 And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.

23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

24 And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, 7 submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.

25 And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

26 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.

27 And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

28 And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the s 9 book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,

30 With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.

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assembled on that occasion, that the people rejoiced; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. You may hence learn, that the Lord can make the most solemn seasons some of our most joyful occasions. aged king was near his latter end. The nation was about to lose him to whom they were so ardently attached. Such, however, was the feeling pervading the mind both of the king and people, that they were all happy, and all rejoiced with exceeding joy.

But there are many things here to be noted. David's laborious preparations for the house of God. "I have prepared with all my might for the holy place" (v.2). How few are like David! How few can say, I have laboured with all my might for the cause of my God! You see it in the apostle. "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you." (2 Cor. xii. 15.) Again, "neither count I my life dear unto me; so that I might finish my course with joy." (Acts xx. 24.) Will you give yourself wholly to the work of the Lord? is a question asked on a very solemn occasion, which, it might be hoped, no minister of Christ will ever forget. How speaks the law? "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matt. xxii. 37.) What is the voice of the gospel? "My son, give me thy heart." (Prov. xxiii. 26.) “Take up the cross, and follow me." (Mark x. 21.) To love, and follow, and serve the Lord fully, you must do so with "all your might;" otherwise you are devoid of that devoted spirit which animated David's soul.

Nor must we omit to notice his personal munificence. We have seen already the amazing amount of his royal bounty for the house of God, arising from his spoils and conquests. But what had he given from his own private means? He tells us in this chapter. Over and above all he had dedicated from the spoils of his enemies, he says, "moreover I have of my own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, even three thousand talents of gold, and seven thousand talents of silver" (v. 3). Now, three thousand talents of gold, reckoning according to the standard given in a previous chapter, are