The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 177

and others. (2) The Christian whose heart goes out with yeaming over the lost, who lies a helpless invalid in some solitary room. (8) The child-disciple, stirred with noble enthusiasm, with splendid promise of future power in the Lord's kingdom, taken away in youth from the home and the world which seemed so sorely to want him, &c. IV. DAYID MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR OTHERS TO DO WHAT HE COULD NOT DO. See an account given of the treasures he accumulated for the house of the Lord, the musical senice he prepared, the plans for the building, &c. How unlike those who say, "if I cannot do this no one else shall;" or, with less selfishness, "I cannot do it, let others take all the burden if they are to have all the honour." Show how we can help others in doing their work, and so indirectly serve our God. It may not be possibl~ ~or you_ to go abroad amongst the heathen ; b~t you can support those to whom 1t 1s possible. Perhaps you cannot, from want of tune, or suitability, teach the children or visit the sick ; but you can invite others to do this, or encourage and sustain them in it. V. DAVID'S NOBLE PURPOSE WAS FULFILLED BY HIS SON. This was God's design and promise (ver. 19). (1) Encouragement to parents. We live again in our children. " Instead of the fathers shall be the children," &c. By training a child for God, we may carry out, through him, the wish we could not execute. Parents multiply thus the possibilities of their own lives. Special encouragement here for weak and overburdened mothers. They cannot do public work for Christ, but through their children they can, e.g., Eunice and Monica moved the world through Timothy and Augustine. (2) Lesson to children. What your parents used to do for God, you are to continue; what they could not do, you are to fulfil. VI. DAVID'S UNACCOMPLISHED PURPOSE WAS RECOGNIZED AND RECOMPENSED BY THE LoRD. "Thou didst well that it was in thine heart." God knows what is in us of good as well as of evil. He approves the motive even when the effort fails. He sees the issue of every right purpose in all its width and depth. When Mary anointed her Lord she did more than she imagined ; for she was the high priest anointing the Priest and King of Israel. In the day of judgment the righteous will be amazed at the issues and the rewards of their humble services, and with astonishment will ask, " Lord, when saw we thee ? " &c. "And the king shall answer, and say unto them, Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."-A. R. Vers. 28.-The Prayer of Dedication. Describe the scene at the dedication of the temple. Note the fact that it is a king who leads his people to God's footstool. Show the influence of earthly rulers, who not only affect surrounding nations by their policy, but degrade or ex:alt the moral life of their people by their personal character, and by the tone of their court. Our reasons for thankfulness in the present reign. Contrast the influence of Victoria with that of Charles II. or George IV. Apply the same principle to other kings of men, i.e., to rulers of thought in litera• ture and science. How heavy the responsibility of those who use their kingliness to lead men from God into the dreariness of scepticism ; how glorious the powers they may employ to exalt the Lord our God. Solomon is a proof that wisdom is better than knowledge. On this occasion he prayed as the representative and leader of others. A prayer so prominent in Scripture, so remarkable in circum- stances, so acceptable to God, deserves consideration, that we may see its elements. It presents the following characteristics : I. GRATEFUL ACKN0WLEDGMENT OF THE PAST. " In everything give thanks II (1 Thess. v. 18). " By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known" (Phil. iv. 6). "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord" (Psa. xcii. 1). " Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (Psa. ciii. 2.) Notice the causes of Solomon's thanksgiving: (1) God's goodness to his falh,er (ver. 24). Home blessings so wholly unmerited, so richly beneficial. (2) Divvne deliverance from bondage (ver. 61). Egypt a type of sorrow, slavery to evil habit, &c. (3) Separation and consecration for God's purposes (ver. 68). The honour of this. Its responsibilities. Its signs. (4) Rest and quietude (ver. 66), OR, VIII, 1-66.j THE FI:RST BOOK 01!' KINGS. 1'77