The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 37

HOMILETICS. Vera. 1-11.-A Jewish deathbed. A brilliant poet and essayist once summoned his stepson, the young Earl of Warwick, to his bedside, and with perfect dignity and composure bade him mark "how a Christian man can die." In this section, one far greater, and yet in one sense far less, than Addison,-greater as a poet, as a statesman, as a patriot; less, inasmuch as "he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he,"-beckons us to the chamber of death, and bids us wit- ness the departure of a pious Jew-of a typical Hebrew of the Hebrews. In one sense, David is tho greatest figure in the Old Testament. He alone, of all that are born of women, has been called a "man after God's own heart." And more : If Solomon is of all Old Testament characters the most secular, certainly David is by far the most spiritual. Proof: His songs are still chanted in church as well as synagogue, and Christian souls find no fitter expression for their devout longings and aspirations than in the language of his exquisite Psalms. Let us hear his last recorded words. The last utterances of great men are allowed to have a special interest. They have often been intensely characteristic. Let us listen to "the last words of David." Let us carefully notice (1) What he does say, and no less care- fully (2) What he does not say. I. WHAT HE DOES SAY. 1. He says he ui not afraid to meet death. His con- duct, his demeanour says this. See how calmly he looks it in the face. '' I go the way," &c. He hardly knows what death means; knows but little of the life beyond; his hopes and fears are bounded by the pale and shadowy realm of Sheol, but he can trust the living God, and he thinks-he believes-" they cannot cease to live whom God does not cease to love." And so he goes into the gloom and the shadows with the trust of a child that holds the father's hand ; he approaches the grave "As one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant drea.ms. '' We have a far nobler creed--a livelier hope than his. Jesus Christ has "brought life and immortality to light." We have heard of the rest of Paradise; of the resu1Tection ; of the beatific vision. Shall we then dread to die ? Shall we be put to shame by a Jew? The Mohammedan calls death the "termine.tor of delights and the separator of companions." Socrates said, "Whether it is best to live or die, the gods only know.'' Shall we act as if we had no better belief? Surely our bene- ficent religion, and its gospel of immortality, should make us brave to die. 2. He bids us be mindful of 01tr mortality. There are Christians who will not think, will not speak of death. Not so Dnvid. He saw the end approaching, and he faced it. It is well we should have from time to time, as we consto.ntly have in daily life, in the dispensations of God's providence, a memento mori. Pagan and Moslem monarchs have had their heralds daily and publicly remind them of their frailty. The ancient Egyptians would bring a mummy to their feasts. The Kaffirs ever keep the boards for their coffins in their houses. ·with their disnrnl and often hopeless creccls, they yet remember death. Sliall we, who know that death is but the go.to of life, ostrich-like, shut our eyes to it, and all "think all men to be mortal but our- selves?" 3. He teacltes us in death to think of duty; to remember those who will come after us-ow· friends, enemies, church, and country. He leaves a son "young and tender." He is concerned for his piety, for his prosperity; and through him, for the piety and prosperity of the nation. He knows that the words of the dying have weight. He will not depart without a solemn dying charge. It is the lust best gift he can bestow. The Christian must not die selfishly. Even in pain and feebleness, he must care for others. If he can, he ought to chnrge his children and connexions; to warn them, to bless them. Should he be less jealous for their present and eternal welfare, or less concerned for the honour and glory of God, than was this dying Jew? 4. He reminds us that men die as they have lived. Diwi<l lms kept the law, "save in the matter of Uriah," &c. His deo.th is of n. piece with his life- so THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. [ea. n.1-11.