The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 206

such ss come aaying, "God hss prospered me, I have done well for myeelr and my family, and I should like to :do something proportionate for lhy God and Saviour: advise me RB to how I may beet fulfil my desire "I Such applicants are few and far between; such a style of thought attd purpose is rare. But it ought not to be. It is a sin and shame that Goo's work should be hindered for want of money in a thriving community which can spend freely in all other directions. IV. How IT WAS REGARDED BY NATHAN. He approved and encouraged the desire Msuring David of the Divine approval and co-operation (ver. 3). He spoke on th~ impulse of the. m~ment, with th~ feeling natural to a p_ious Jsraelite and prophet, thankful that hlS king should cherish such a design. He did well, but had he paused and proposed to "sleep upon" the matter, he would have done better, as appeared next day. We should ever be ready to encourage others in good thoughts and purposes, yet in important matters it is well to take time to consider before we advise as to definite proposals. V. How IT WAB REGARDED !IY Gon. The proposal was approved, commended, rewarded, and-rejected. The refusal was softened by the terms in which it was con- veyed, and the repreeent.ations and promises by which it was accompanied (vers. 4-17, 2 Chron. ti. 8); declaring that it was well that it was in his heart to build a house fo; God's Name, although it was a matter of indi1ference to the Most High what sort of dwelling-places men provided for him; reminding David of what he had done for him• assuring him that he would continue to favour the nation, that he would build a hous~ for him as he had sought to build one for himselr, and that his son should fulfil the father's desire, and the throne should continue in his family for ever. This was· the greatest promise David had received. greater than he himself could then understan·d, for it looked forward to the everlasting kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. But though his knowledge of its purport was imperfect, his pain at the rejection of his proposal was more than soothed; his heart was filled with adoring gratitude and joy. VI. How ITS SINCERITY WAS PROVED. If he might not do all he desired, he would do all he might and could. He, therefore, prepared plans for the building, accumulated materials for its erection, and urged the work on his son Solomon and the chief men of the nation. An example for us if, setting our hearts en some particular work for God, our purpose is frustrated. Let the diverted energies be employed all the more in such services as are within our reach. A contrast to the conduct of many who, disappointed in reference to sotne cherished desire (e.g. to become clergymen or missionaries), allow their zeal to decline to the common level. if it do not pass away altogether. • • In conclusion : 1. CJhru.tian puty wal kindle earnest desires to do the greatest possible work for God. Such desires should be cherished in subordination to the Divine will. For though approved of God. they may be denied (Prov. x. 24 notwithstanding). If denied, we should be content, assured of the perfect wisdom and goodness of the purpose of God which has frustrated ours, and that for us and others he has some better thing in store than we had thought of. Though denied, our desire may be fulfilled (as David's by Solomon). Whether denied or gratified, good desires (such as are really good, and not mere idle wishes) are always valuable, for what they indicate in ourselves, for the Divine approval they elicit, for their influence on ourselves, and their influence on others (as David's on his successor and on the chiefs of the nation), 2. The dei;ire to build or aid in building a housefor the worship of God is good. 3, Wo m,ay all a,,:-i8t in the erection and adornment of a nobler temple than that which David sought to build. "'rhe house of God is the Church of the living God" (1 Tim. iii. 15), and all who labour for the conversion and spiritual improvement of men are helping in the glorious work of building and adorning this spiritual house. Let all Christian workers realize the dignity and glory of their work. Let us all ask ourselves whether we have any heart for it, are doing anything towards it; whether we are capable of doing anything in it that shall be acceptable to God, having first given our own selves to him, and received his Spirit.-G. W. • Vere. 12-16.-David's everlasting kingdom. These words relate, first, to Solomon; then to successive generations of David's posterity; and, finally, to the Obrist. They promiae that David's son should be God's son, and should build the house for God which David had desired to build. They promise also that the rule over Israel should cm. vu. 1-20.J THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 211