sure;" and these were the" sure mercies of David" (Isa. Iv. 3). "This revelation was an epoch-making one for his inner life. It brought an entirely now element into his con- sciousness, which, as his psalms show, moved him powerfully. He received the promise of the perpetual ascendency of his tribe, of the establishment of his kingdom amid the changing of all earthly things" (' History of the Kingdom of God under the Old Testa- ment'). "This promise, like that made to Abraham, haa a twofold aspect, One points to David's natural posterity and temporal kingdom; the other to the Messiah and the kingdom of Jehovah, which respected the former only as types and pledges of the lotter." III. A FOUNDATION OF IMPERISHABLE HOPE. The promise was one of an eternal monarchy rather than directly of an eternal Monarch, "the King Mesaiah;" but it could only be completely fulfilled in such a Person, "since the eternity of a purely human kingdom is inconceivable;" and it became the basis of o hope of" his power and coming," which, notwithstanding repeated failure and disappointment, was to be renewed with undying strength. David was himself the centre of the Messianic idea and hope. "He regarded himself as the messiah of God ; although, through his experience and words, he was only a means for representing the future One before his coming" (Delitzsch, 'Messianic Pro1-hecies'). And, amidst the glorious prospect which the promise presented before him, he perceived (all the more clearly because of his own conscious infirmities) the ideal theocratic monarch; "a kingly image, in which all that the present manifests is far surpassed, and the kingship of David and Solomon seen in typical perfectio:a" (Oehler,• Theology of the Old Testament.' See eh. x.xiii. 4 ; Ps. ii.; ex.; lxxii.; xiv.). The promise" refers neither only to Solomon nor only to Christ; nor has it a twofold application; but it is a covenant promise, which, extending along the whole line (of David's posterity), culminates in the Son of David, and in all its fulness applies only to him" (Edersheim). "Of the increase of his government and pence there shall be no end," etc. (Isa. ix. 6; Luke i. 32, 33; Acts ii. 25-36). Observe that: 1. Men's mews of the gwry of the future age are naturally and necessarily formed according to the facts and ideas with which they are already familiar. 2. The Word of God, in promise and prophecy (being the gradual unfolding of his eternal purpose), had a larger signification than was understood by those' to whom itat first came (1 Pet. i. 11). "Divine prophecies are of the nature of their Author, with whom a thousand years are bnt as one day; and therefore are not fulfilled punctually at once, but have a springing and germinant accomplishment throughout many ages; though the height or fulness of them may refer to one age" (Bacon, 'Advancement of Learning'). 3. The promises of God a.re faithful and true; his covenant is a sure foundation of hope amidst human failures and earthly changes (Ps. lx.xxix. 1-37; 2 Cor. i. 20 ; Heb. vi. 18). 4. The hope of humanity is in "the Root and the Offspring of David, e.nd the Bright and :Morning Star I" (Rev. x.xil. 16).-D. Ver. 16.-Glimpses of the King Messiah. Looked at in the light of the develop- ment of the Divine purpose, rather than of the conscious knowledge of the time, (1) the royal office of David e.nd Solomon (in its typical significance), and (2) the ~romises and prophecies uttered more or less directly in connection therewith, especially 118 recorded in the last words of David (eh. x.xili.) and in the Psalms, clearly pointed to the coming of an extraordinary, theocratic, Divine King. They indicate that he would be: 1. Tlte Anointed of Jehovah. His Servant, chosen and beloved (ver. 8; eh. v, 3; Acts iv. 27; L 28). Ps. lxxxiL, 'The faithfulness of the Lord.' "'Once thou spakest in vision t.o tby beloved e.nd se.idst: I he.ve laid help upon a migbty one, I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant, With my holy oil he.ve I anointed him." (P11. l.uxi.x. 19, 20.) 2. Th£ Son of David "according to the flesh" (ver. 12; Acts ii. 29-31; xiii, 22-23). "Jehovah bath 1worn unt.o David In truth that which he will not recall: Of the fruit of thy body Do I appoint a poueuor of thy throne." (Fe. ex.nil. 11.) OB, Vll, 1-29,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. ::05
8. The Son of God. (Ver. 14; Ps. xvi. 10; Luke i. 35; Acts iv. 25-27; Rom. i. 4-.) Pa. ii,, • The triumph of the Lord's Anointed.' 11 J ebovah BBitb unto me : Thou art my Son : I have this day begotten thee," (Ps. ii. 7.) 11 He shall cry unto me : My Father art thou, My God, and the Rock of my salvation I Also I will make him my Firstbom, Highest of the kings of the earth." (Ps. 1.xxxix. 26, 27.) 11 In the Old Testament the relation between father and son denotes the deepest