The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 166

position._ For such God in his providence has assuredly a work to do. It is for them quiet!:!'. and patiently to await the indications of Divine providence, in the persuasion tl_1~t_fa1thful~ess and diligenc~ in prese~t duty are the best preparation for futul'e responsi- b1htJcs. It 1s God's prerogative to tram the WOl'km:m and to provide the work.-T. Ver. 3.-Daviil's accession. With this chapter commences o.nother part of this Book of Chronicles, which, from this point onwards, is occupied with the reia-n, the character and the exploits of David, King of Judah and Israel. His accessio~, related in thi~ Yerse, occupies accordingly a position of interest and significance in the narrative. The point especially deserving notice in the language of this verse is the combination of Divine and human agency in the nomination of David to the throne. '!'his combina- tion, especially apparent in the history of theocratic Israel, is really discernible by the reflecting ruind in all the events of life and history. Observe- I. THE HUMAN AGENCY which led to David's accession to the throne. To many eyes no other than human agency was visible. 1. His own character and services marked David out as the one only ruler whom Israel could select and trust. Born a shepherd he had yet within him the heart and the future of a king. 2. .A popular electia/,, effected bis elevation. It was the wish of " all Israel " that David should take the responsibilities of rule. In his election the old adage was verified- Voa; populi vox Dei. 3. .A senatorial requisition sanctioned and enforced the popular nomination. "All the elders of Israel" came to David, to express the general feeling and to prefer formally the national request. 'l'be appointment of the king wo.s not the work of a moment of enthusiasm, was not the caprice of a mob; it was the deliberate act of the wisest and the noblest in the land. II. 'l'HE DIVINE CAUSE of David's appointment to the throne. This may not have l--een apparent to all, but it is acknowledged with justice by the sacred historian. I. A Divi11e prediction led to David's ar.ression. The language of the people is very noticeable: "The Lord thy God said unto thee, 'l'hou sbalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel." 2. .A prophetic designation fore shadowed it. The appointment, so we read, was made "according to the word of the Lord by Samuel." The same inspired seer who anointed Saul was directed to nominate his immediate successor. 3. .A religious covenant ratified tJ.e nomination of David. When he " made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord," he acted in accordance with his religious convictions, but he acted also in a manner harmonizing with the theocratic position of Israel. Church and state were not merely allied, they were identical. Nothing more natural than that a sacred ceremony should accompany the public and political act. There is no trace of selfish ambition on David's part. He acknowledged the tremendous responsibilities of reigning. And in the sight of Jehovah hls subjects undertook to co-operate with the monarch in seeking the general good. PRACTICAL LESSONS of great value are suggested by this passage. I. In all human history and biography there is a blending of the human and the Divine. Worldly men are in danger of looking only to "second causes;" possibly religious men may some- times overlook these in an exclusive regard to the one great Divine Agent. We should seek the Divine in the human. 2. Elevation to great power involves great responsibility. A man who can think only of his own pleasure or magnificence, when Providence raises him to an exalted station, is not merely irreligious, he is unreasonable and unreflecting. 3. Social and political duties can only be discharged aright when fulfilled in a devout and prayerful spirit. 'l'be more responsible our position, the greater our need of a sincere confidence in the supreme Lord who is the suprem11 Guide of man.-T. Ver. 7.-" Th,e city of David." Hitherto the city which crowned the height overlook- ing the Kedron valley was known as Jebus, nnd was held by the" people of the lan<l." But from this time forth it was known as "the city of David," and its stronghold, Zion, with Millo and the adjacent quarters, constituted the famous and historical capital of the united kingdom-Jermalem. Observe the significant name here given to it. Jerusalem was called" the city of David" because it was- ]. THE TllOPIIY OF DAvrn's VALOUR. It was his prowess and that of his captain. Joah, that wrested the stronghold from the hands of the heathen. oH. XL 1-47.J 'l'HE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. 157