The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 282

is never better employed than in advancing the glory of God. This may be done not merely by what are distinctively termed religious acts, but by deeds of benevolence and philanthropy, animated by the love of Christ. II. A PBOPBET'B EN0OURAGEJIIENT. David unfolded to his counsellor, Nathan the prophet, the generous intention of hie heart. Sometimes those who in such circumstances are taken into confidence and counsel repress the liberal designs unfolded to them. But Nathan took another course. What wisdom and right feeling are apparent in the counsel, " Do all that is thine heart"! And it should be remarked that Nathan brought the truths and promises of religion to bear upon the royal heart. "God is with thee." That was as much as to say-God has put the desire in thy heart; God will assist thee in carrying out thy project; and God will accept what it is thy purpose to offer him.-T. Vera. 7-11.-.Assurance offavour. The Lord acknowledged the goodness of David's wish to build him a house, even when refusing permission for that wish to be gratified. And the Lord made this occurrence an opportunity for expressing bi:1 regard for his servant. Reminding David of his past faithfulness, he assured him of continued favour. He who had been so distinguished by marks of Divine interest and approval in the past, could not fail to place confidence in the expression of an unchanging kindness. This passage is remarkable as representing the favour of God revealed in especial fulness and richness. I. David was assured of God's favour, TO mMSELF PERSONALLY. We are told that the poet-king was "a man after God's heart." Certainly, all his life through he was the object of singular kindness and forbearance. Elevation from a Jowly to the loftiest station, assistance against all his enemies, an honourable reputation, an established throne1-such were the instances of Divine favour which David received at the Lord':1 hands. Prosperity and power, wealth and fame, followed a youth of romantic adventuro and hardships and vicissitudes. That outward prosperity shall attend every one of the Lord's people is what no intelligent person can expect; but every true Christian may rejoice in the assurance of that loving-kindness which is " better than life," of that faithfulness which never leaves, never forsakes, those who confide in it. II. FAVOUR WAS PROMISED TO DAVID'S POSTERITY. All men, and especially nobles and kings, count the prosperity and advancement of their children as part of their owu well-being. The reader of Aristotle's' Ethics' is aware that the ancient At.heninns wero wont to consider a man's happiness as bound up with the good fortune of his children. David had won a throne by his ability and valour; it was natural that he should desiro to have a successor upon that throne who should maintain t.he renown and the power of the founder of the royal house. Hence the assurance, " The Lord will build thee an house," was one peculiarly welcome to the son of Jesse. No true Christian can be indifferent as to the welfare of his children. Nothing gives such n one greater joy than to see his sons and daughters walking in the truth. He sins if he sets his heart upon their temporal advancement and prosperity. But he is right in seekillg and in pmying for their salvation. When God's favour brings them to fellowship with Obrist, it seems to him that his "cup runneth over." III. FAVOUR WAS PROMISED TO DAVID'S PEOPLE. When the Lord sent to his servant a message of mercy and a promise of peace and blessing, he perfected the grace by a large and liberal declaration of his intentions of favour toward Israel. Monarch and subjects were to be alike blessed. Israel should be planted, should not be moved or wasted, and should be victorious over all enemies. When a nation is assured of Di vino care and protection, " blessed is the people that is in such a case." For his is tho blessing that maketh rich, and with it he addeth no sorrow. A true patriot will desiro for his country, not only wealth and renown and power, but the ri~hteousness which "exalteth a nation." Such prosperity as, in the ninth and eleventh verses, was promise,! to Israel, could not but be welcome. When we implore the Divine favour, let it not bo for ourselves alone, but for "our kindred according to the flesh.'' 'l'he king, the states- man, the reformer, rejoices when his country's good is secured, when the smile of tho Almighty rests upon the land "from the beginning unto the end of tho yc:ir." The prayer of every true patriot should be, "God be merciful unto us, and hies~ us, ant! cause his face to shine upon us."-T. 280 THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. [en. xvn.1-27,