The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 362

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 5.-P,·eparation for the temple. A site having been secured for the house oi the Lord, the next thing to be done was to make what preparations were possible in view of the great undertaking. David's forethought and liberality, as described in this p~ssage, are deserving of our admiration. Not permitted to do the work himself, he was allowed to commence and carry forward preparations for the construction of the temple. The considerations which led to this course of action were- I. THE GREATNESS AND GLORY OF THE WORK TO BE EXECUTED. A house for the Lord, the Eternal, whom "the heaven and the heaven :of heavens cannot contain," :. house which should be" exceeding magnifical," obviously needed vast and prolonged and costly preparation. Masonry, metals, cedar-wood, joinery,--all were made ready beforehand by the provident generosity of the king. Thus, when the time came to build, it was found that much was already prepared for the workmen's hands. II. Tlrn YOUTH AND INEXPERIENCE OF THE PRINCE WHO WAS TO CARRY OUT THE PROJECT. As this was David's own son, it was natural thata kind consideration of the difficulties of the enterprise committed to him should govern David's conduct. Great interest gathers round a young monarch, especially if he comes to the throne at a time when great things are expected of him, or when his position is encompassed with difficulties. Solomon was" young and tender," and it was natural and right that his experienced father should take measures to lighten the burden which Providence designed to fall upon the youthful and inexperienced. III. His OWN INTEREST IN THE WORK. David would fain have undertaken the great enterprise himself. His mind conceived the purpose which his son was appointed to execute. He sacrificed self, and sank his personal ambition in the great project. Reverence and gratitude to the God to whom he owed so much induced him to acquiesce in the appointment of Divine wisdom, and to further the undertaking, if not in his own way, yet in God's. PRACTICAL APPLICATION. 1. The construction of the Lord's spiritual temple is a work in which it behoves aZl Christians to take a deep interest. There groweth " an holy temple unto the Lord." In this temple Christ's people are not only living stones, they are active builders. They wrong themselves and their Saviour, if they are absorbed in their own petty plans and negligent of this great cause which should ei:cite the attention and sympathy of all. 2. Even though our part in this work be subordinate and unnoticeable, we should not slight the privilege granted us. Our work may be underground work which no one sees, or preparatory work which no one values at its true worth. But if God has assigned it to us, let us count it an honour to work for him. 3. In the service of God we may be fellow-helpers one of another. As David and Solomon wrought in harmony, RO should all the builders in the spiritual temple. Sympathy and co-operation distinguish the sanctified activities of the Lord's servants. 4. Our time for work is short. Death will soon call upon us to lay down the implements of toil. Let us therefore work while it is day, "for the night cometh when no man can work."-T. Vers. 11-13.-Fatherly wishes and prayers. David was not satisfied to m~ke material preparations for the erection of the temple at Jerusalem. He had somethmg more valuable than metals and stone and timber to give his son, in view of the great work which it should devolve upon him to execute. He gave to Solomon his coun- sels and his prayers. In these verses David- I. LA YB DOWN THE OONDlTIONB AND QUALIFlCATIONB OF SUCCESSFUL WORK FOR THE Lonn. These are: 1. Intellectual gijt6," wisdom and understanding." If bodily strength is a gift from the Lord, much more is vigour and versatility of mind. A curse when emplo~•ed in the service of self and sin, these endowments become a precious and unsptalrnble blessing when consecrated to the cause of God. 2. A positior, of influence and uuthority. Solomon had "charge concerning Israel." All who by birth, station, CH. XXII, 1-19.] THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. 3G3