The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 231

religion. Providence exalted him to a lofty position and enabled him to adorn the station to which be was raised. Hence so large a part of the historical books of the Old Testament are occupied with the events of his reign ; and hence he is so fre- 'luently alluded to in the national annals, and so often quoted both by our Lord and by his inspired apostles. I. DAVID'S FAME. It was the fame or: 1. .A. successful warrwr. A man of war from bis youth, be owed his throne to his valour and generalship. 2. A powerful king. When he wielded the forces of a nation, God gave him victory over many enemies. 3. .A. pious man. His steadfastness in worshipping the true God, bis liberality in providing for the services of the sanctuary, his habitual devotion, all were well known, and stamped David as a truly religious man. 4. A sacred poet and musician. It is as" the sweet singer of Israel" that he is held in lasting remembrance and remembered with gratitude both widespread and sincere. ' II. DAVID'S FEAB. 1. His subjects held him in honour and had respect to his righteous laws. 2. His officers and troops were devoted to his person and obeyed bis authoritative behests. 3. Traitors stood in awe of his vigour, promptness, and power. 4. His alliance was sought by neighbouring nations, who dreaded to have him as an enemy, and who courted his friendship. 5. His foes feared him, for he defeated their armies and held themselves in subjection and tribute. PBACTIOAL LEBSONB. 1. All greatness is from God, to whom all praise is due. 2. The great are responsible for the use of their power to him who is "King of kings and Lord of lords."-T. Vers. 1, 3-7.-The l,ouse and the home: wisdom and folly. The first verse of this chapter presents the character of David in e. very different aspect from that of the other verses in our text. His conduct in building himself e. house was in contrast with that in turning bis home into e. harem. We have, then- I. THREE THOUGHTS CONCERNING DAVID'S ACTION. We judge: 1. That h6 was wise in building himself a royal mansion. (Ver. 1.) It would be likely to give e.n aspect of stability to bis throne, and thus add to the security of his position. It was due to his family that they should have the full be~efit of his exaltation. It was wise to make domestic life as attractive to himself and as honourable in the eyes of his people e.s he could make it appear. By taking greatest pain~, and even going outsi<le the limits of Israel to furnish himself with a "house of cedar," David was doing the wise and right thing. 2. That he was foolish and wrong in multiplying the number of his wives. (Ver. 3.) He departed from God's intention, if not from his positive precept, when he" took more wives" at Jerusalem. He availed himself of his royal position to do that which was unbecoming and inexpedient e.s well as at variance with national usage. It was in accordance with the promptings of the flesh, but out of accord with the teachings of his better judi:ment. 3. That his error outweighed his wisdom. Better far the humble structure with one family dwelling therein in harmony and love, than the imposing mansion wherein dwelt domestic jealousy and strife. David's after history only too sadly proves that he laid the foundation of his worst troubles when be "took more wives" to his royal palace and converted what would have been a happy home into an intriguing harem. His folly outweighed his wisdom. We turn to regard- IL THE APPLI0ATION OF THESE THOUGHTS TO OUHSELVEB. And we conclude that the wise Christian man will : 1. Spare no trouble to provide an inviting home, The Christian home is the hope of the world. As it becomes more extensively the centre and source of piety and purity, of righteousness and wisdom, so the kingdom of God will come on the earth. 'l'herefore let the Christian home have everything about it that is attractive; let it be strong and beautiful; let all labour and care be expended on it that it may have all possible things to please the pure eye and gratify the cultivated taste. 2. Put all needful restraint on himself, He will not merely not "take more wives "-refrain from that which is positively disallowed by the society in which he moves-but guani himself age.inst all indulgence which will injure his influence at home or leave a s ►.ain on bis reputation outside. 3. Remember that one serious miRtalce may mar mtt,Ch good. As David has certainly lost something of the lustre with which his name would otherwise have shone, and now exerts somewhat le311 of power than he would otherwise have wielded, because he did not auhore to I. 0IIRONI0LEII, Q 226 THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. [oa. xiv.1-17.