The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 205

wns now the ruler, it eoon became his earnest purpose to bring thither the long- neglected ark of the covenant, that the city might be the eacred as well as the civil metropolis. 'l'his purpose was at length fulfilled. The ark was settled on Zion in 11 tent prepnred for it, and a daily eervice established in connection with it. But the Icing was not long satisfied with what he had done. Larger and more generous thoughts took possession of his mind, e.nd stirred within him eager desire. I. WHA'l' WAS THE KING'S DESIRE? To erect a solid, permanent building, of suitable m11gnificenco-a temple-in which the ark should be placed, and where the services of worship should be constantly maintained. Most likely he contemplated what was afterwards effected, the reunion on one spot of the ark and the altars; and the presen- tation of the daily and other sacrifices and offerings at their proper place before the symbol of the Divine presence-the revival, in fact, of the Mosaic ritual under circum- stances and with accompaniments adapted to the existing condition of the nation. The purpose was good and tended to good. It was time that the irregularity and negligence which had prevailed should come to an eod, and the requirements of the Law should be obeyed. It was fitting that the unity of the people should be fully symbolized, expressed, and promoted by such a united worship a.s the La.w enjoioed. It was also suitable to the more settled state which, under David, the people had reached, that a solid fixed building should supersede the tent which was adapted to the time of wanderiog and unsettlement; and, as the nation's resources had increased, it was right that the building to be reared should be proportionately costly. II. How IT ORIGINATED. 1. A time of peace favoured it. (Ver.1.) Giving the king leisure for thought as to how he could further promote the nation's welfare; a.wa..k.ening gratitude; affording means and opportunity. Times of wa.r are greatly unfavourable to such er;iterprises, forcing minds and hearts into other channels, and swallowing up the resources which might otherwise be expended on them. 2. The solidity, 'beauty, and comforts of David:s ow-p, house suggested it. "I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains." David had known for years what it was to have no settled a.bode, but to wander about the land, ta.king refuge in woods and caves; and afterwards he was much away from home, engaged in wars. Lately he had built himself a handsome palace, and now for a time he was able to sit quietly in it and meditate; and as he did so, it one day struck him that his abode was superior to that of the ark of God, and the desire was kindled to put an end to the incongruity. Not every one would have been thus moved. How differently the rich man of whom our Lord speaks in Luke xii. 16, et seq., «thought within himself"! And how many prosperous people there are, professing to have given themselves to God, who, as they iocrease in wealth and enjoy comfort and luxury, never turn a thought towards God's house or cause, or inquire what they ca.n do for them ! They reflect much, it may be, on tho question how best to invest their increasing gains; but it never seems to occur to them tlmt the most suitable and profitable investment might be in the cause of religion or charity. A more fervent piety would suggest such thoughts. Gratitude for the abundance bestowed on them; the contrast presented (see Hag. i. 4) between their residences and their churches, between what they spend on their establishments and what they spend in the promotion of the kingdom of God; the witness which their mansions and surroundings bear to the ample means with which God has endowed them-the large trust he has committed to them ;-all would be fruitful of thoughts and emotions to which they a.re now strangers, and of a sty le of g: vmg which they have never allowed themselves. It was David's piety more than the surrounding circumstances that originated his generous purpose. III. How IT WAS TESTED. As to its propriety and probable acceptance with God. He consulted his friend and adviser, Nathan the prophet. The more important the steps we contemplate, the more needful is it, before we a.re openly and irrevocably committed to them, that we should ascertain how they appear to others, especially to thti wisest and best whom we know. Feeling is not a sufficient guide, not even pious feeling; and our own judgment may not be of the soundest. Another may put the matter in a new light, whioh shall convince ourselves that, however good our motives, our purpose is not wise or not practicable. We cannot directly consult a prophet, but we may find good and enlightened and trustworthy men who will be glad te> aid us to a right conclusion. And what joy it gives to Christian ministers to be consulted QT ll, IIAMUE~, l'  210 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. vu. 1-29,