The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 443

Ver. 3.-.Affection for God's house. It would be absurd to compare David's attach- ment to the projected temple to a Christian's attachment to any material structure, The tabernacle and temple occupied under the old dispensation a position no building can now occupy. The true comparison is with the spiritual temple, the house of God- the great edifice constructed of living stones, even of consecrated hearts. I. REASONS FOR DAVID'S AFFECTION TO THE LORD'S BOUSE. 1. Mainly his attach- ment to the Lord himself, in whose honour it was to be reared. 2. Secondarily, the fact that the project was one which he himself had formed. 8. And further, his knowledge that the work would be accomplished by his own loved son. IL PliACTICAL PROOFS OF THIS AFFECTION. 1. His own most liberal gifts in prepa- ration for the work. 2. His encouragement to his people to give with generosity. Ill. RESULTS TO THEill. OWN HEARTS. They could not cherish such feelings of interest, affection, and attachment, and manifest their feelings in so practical a way, without reaping some harvest of profit in their own souls. Their deep and disin- terested joy in their gifts is an evidence of the benefit which they received. This t,Xatnple should encourage Christians to cherish and dispJay a religious attachment towards the Church purchased by our Saviour's blood.-T. Ver. 5.-0on,ecrated service. These words are an appeal of David to the nobles, and to the people generally, to contribute towards the building of the temple of Jehovah at Jerusalem. He himself set the example of liberality; and his subjects generally followed the example he gave. " Who then," asked he, "is willing to fill his hand this day unto the Lord?" As these gifts were really an expression of the devotion that animated the hearts of the Israelites, the E □ glish Version may be said to offer rather an enlargement than a perversion of the language. And the question is one which may be addressed to all hearers of tho gospel. For all are called upon to give themselves and all they have and are uuto the God who made them, and the Redeemer who bought them. We have here- I. A CLAIM AFFIRMED. Religion not only offers a blessing, it requires a servico. Salvation is the substance of what God gives; consecration is what God demands. Salvation is from past sin; consecration is for future life and service. God has a right ti> the surrender of our will, the.devotion of our powers, the offering of our possessions, the service of our hands. 'fhe heart ie his first demand; our labours, our influence, our liberality, will all follow. 'fliis is a just claim. It is founded on Diviue right and au1 l,ority; fur be is our Creator aad King. He has a powerful claim upon our gratitude; ea. xux. 1-30,] THE FIRST BOOK OF 'fHE CHRONICLES. 447