The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 283

Vers. 7, S.-God in individual hi-story. In what way the Lord communicated with Nathan we do not know; but 1.he sacred history represents him as choosing the prophet as the means of making known to the king his holy will. On this occasion, Nathan was directed to preface his divinely given instructions by the remarkable declaration of the text; to remind David that God had been near him, had been with him, all his life through. General truths of the most vital interest are propounded in these simple words. I. DIVINE PROVIDENCE HAS CARE OF EACH HUMAN LIFE. A very childish notion of providence is that God concerns himself with the affairs of nations and Churches, but cannot condescend to interest himself in individuals. 'l'his misconception arises from too mean a view of the omnipresent and omniscient Supreme. Well may we exclaim, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" II. DIVTh'E PROVIDEKCE CAN SUMMON FROM THE LOWLIEST TO THE LOFTIEST STATION, David was raised from the sheepcote to the throne. And his is but one of many similar cases of marvellous exaltation. God's election of his servants for work which Le has for them to do calls for our amazed admiration ; he finds and fashions instru- ments for every service. And Scripture is full of examples of the exercise of his sovereign prerogative. He exalts the lowly and abases the proud. He proves his royalty by choosing those whom men would have passed by, and the event ever honours and attests his wisdom. III. DIVINE PROVIDENCE CAN ACCOMPLISH ITS PURPOSES NOTWITHSTANDING ALL OBSTACLES. The Lord reminded David of his presence, of his protecting and delivering care and mercy, of the prosperity which he had vouchsafed to his servant. When God takes a work in hand, he suffers nothing to thwart him. Obstacles disappear; oppo- sition is disarmed ; enemies are defeated. When God designates a man for a special service, he imparts all needful qualifications; he removes every hindrance to efficiency ; he gets himself glory in the glory of his servant. PRACTICAL LESSONS, 1. Be content with your lot; high or low, it is what an all-wise Father has appointed. 2. Be grateful for the past, remembering the way by which he has led yon. 3. Be trustful for the future. " Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me, And the changes that will surely come I do not fear to see : But I ask thee for a present mind, Intent on plea.sing thee." T. Ver. 12.-A mutual cove11ant. This prophetic declaration must be read in the light of subsequent events; for it was fulfilled in the annals of Solomon's peaceful an~ pros- perous reign. The king did build God a house, a service and honour not permitted to his father. God did establish Solomon's throne, giving him victory, peace, wealth, wisdom, and fame. The connection between the two parts of this verse is very instructive, exhibiting as it does the relation between God and his people. He, in mercy, condescends to accept their services, and at the same time confers upon them the tokens of his favour, blessing and prosperity. . . I. \VHAT WE MAY DO FOB GoD. In using such language, we must bear m mmd our entire dependence. It is only by employing the powers our Creator has given, the opportunities he has afforded us, that we can be enabled to accomplish any work for his glory. He gives the motive to all service in the love of Christ, the po~er for all service in the grace of the Roly Spirit. Still, just as Solomon was permitted to build God a house, so every Christian has some edifice of hol,r, devot_cd, acceptable service to rear to his Saviour's praise. It is matter for wondermg gratitu~e that we, poor, ignorant, feeble, helpless creatures, should be allowed to ~o anythmg for tho honour of the Most Hicrh God• that he should deicrn ta accept anythmg at our unworthy hands. Yet we are ~ot only at liberty, we ar~ actually invited, first, t~ p_rovide i!1 our heart an habitation for the Eternal, and further to construct some bu1ld1ng of fair deeds of holine~s and benevolence which shall glorify his sacred namo. ll. WnA'l' Gou WILL DO FOR us. Regarding Solomon, this was the Lord'i oa. xv11, 1-27.J 'l'HE FIIl.ST BOOK OF 'l'HE CHRO~WLES. 281