The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 421

Ver. 12.-.The pattern of the Spirit. We sometimes make " great mistake in neglecting to remark the presence and operation of God in the ordinary and secular affairs of life. The Hebrews were in this respect in advance of us; they justly attributed all wise and good works to that Spirit from whom all wisdom and goodness proceed. Thus the workers in the construction of the tabernacle are expressly said to have received from the Spirit of God the knowledge and skill they needed to fulfil their undertaking, and in the passage before us David is represented as having received by inspiration from Heaven the pl.ans upon which his son was to erect the temple of Jehovah. I, THE PLAN OF EVERY GREAT AND GOOD WORK 18 FII0M GoD. That is, 80 far as ,t is good and great. There is human ignorance and human folly discernible in many noble enterprises; but the impulse of piety or benevolence to which they owe their being is from above. This is so either, as probably in the case before us, from a direct inspiration, or, as is usually the case, in a more ordinary manner. The inspiration of the Almighty giveth man understanding; and every high and holy purpose, every inspiriting truth and influence, should be traced up to the Giver of every good gift and every perfect gift. II. SUCH PLANS SHOULD THEN BE FORMED WITH REVERENCE AND WITH PRAYER. If we would have the Spirit's guidance, we must ourselves be "filled with the Spirit; " we must seek bis teaching in humility and docility of heart. lll. SUCH PLANS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT WITH EARNESTNESS, AND WITH A LOWLY DEPENDENCE UPON THE GRACE AND AID OF GoD. In these respects the kings of Israel, who were concerned in the erection of the temple, stand before us as a bright example. It is only as all our works are" begun, continued, and ended" in God, that we can justly hope for blessing and prosperity.-T. Ver. 20.-" Be atrong." Worship and work together make up the expression, the manifestation, of religion. Where the heart has true, living faith in Christ, both these will be. Worship is the soul, and work the body, of the religious life. And the Lord Jesus is the Mediator of worship, and the Inspiration of work. David's closing admo- nitions to his son and successor naturally had respect to the high station he was about to occupy, and the great service he was about to render. 'l'hus he set before Solomon a grand conception of the purpo1111 of his future life, and glorious encouragement and olI. x:t.vm. 1-21.J THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. 42j