The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 233

eBpeciaUy as to the moral and spiritual (see Ps. xci. and cxxi,; . 2 Cor. i. 9, 10; 2 Tim. iv. 1S). "We'll prai&e him for all that is pRBt, And trust him for all that's t.o como." G.W. Ver. 11.-Dedication of treaswe to God. The dedication in this instance doubtlcse «i0nsisted in placing the spoils of war and other valuables named in the sacred treasury, whether for present UIIS, or, a.s is probable, with a view to their employment in the erection or services of the future temple. The king presents in this act of piety an example which all should follow. L WHAT WE SHOULD DEDICATE TO Goo. 1. Ourselves. We must begin with this. A.11 true godliness does begin with the surrender of self, with all its powers of soul and body, to God, to be saved and sanctified by him, and devoted to his service. No other gift can be truly presented while this is withheld; none can be a substitute for it• none a.cceptable without it. True offerings to God are the offerings of his true servants'. 2. Our mat,e,-ial tretUlures. Gold and silver, houses and lands. All are to be dedicated to God. "'hat we have inberired, what we have gained by industry and enterprise, and what may have been given to us, as the vessels of gold and silver and brass which ,he King of Hamath sent to David. But if we have gained aught by fraud~ injustice or other iniquity, we may not present this to God, but return it to its rightful owners (see Luke xix. 8). 3. Our ment,al gifts and acquisitions. Spoils won from the heathen, it may be, by victorious study. All our abilities and culture; all our know- ledge. 4. Our spiritual at:quirem~ts. .All we have of spiritual life and power; all the grace given -to us. These are bestowed, not to_ be merely enjoyed, but used for God and the good of our brtothren. 5. Our i11ftuenr,e. Whether obtained through our abilities, or wealth, or station, or character, all is to be exercised for God. In a word, whatever we are, and whatever we have, are to be devoted to God. Nothing can be rightly withheld. II. IN WB..AT :aum'ER. L In our ordinary life. By employing our powers and possessions accordill./! to God's will, in uprightness and kindness. By enjoying God's ~ifts with thankfulness and temperance. By "setting the Lord always before us," and doing and enjoying all as his children and servants. Thus the whole of life becomes religion, and common actions are as acceptable to God as prayers. "HOLINESS UNTO TBE LoRD" is written upon everything (see Zech. xiv. 20, 21). But no greater mistake can be made than to think that, in giving a portion of-our substance and time to religion, we are set free to use the rest as we please. 2. By devoting a due portion of our powers and pUllsessions to religi,ous and charitable uses. First, to the support of the worship of God in the congregation to which we belong; then to the relief of the poor with whom we are personally acquainted, and the education of the young in our own locality; and then to such religious and charitable institutions as commend themselves to our judgment, and appear to have a just claim upon our liberality. What propor- tion of our income should be given away must be left to each person's conscience as in the sight of God. Only we must let conseience decide, not mere inclination. Certainly we ought not to give what belongs to creditors, Qr the reasonable wants of our families. Our aim should be to ascertain the will of God; and this will vary according to the various circumstances of individuals, and of tbe same individual at different times. "As he may prosper" (1 Cor. xvi. 2, Revised Version) is the general rule; and any special increase of prosperity (as with David at the time spoken of in the text) justly call.£ for special liberality. In geueral, our danger does not lie in the direction of excessive generosity. Few give away as much as they ought, on any just interpre- tation of our Lord's precepts. "The liberal," who "deviseth liberal things" (Isa. xxxii. 8), is an exceptional person, although there are, thank God, many such. III. MOTIVES To l!OCH DEDICATION. 1. The claims of Gud. .As our Proprietor and the Proprietor of all we possess; by right of creation and redemption. "Ye are not your own" (1 Cor. vi. 19). ".All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee" (1 Chron. xxix. 14). As our liberal Benefactor, who gave us his Son, and is ever bestowing good upon UB (2 Cor. ix. 15). .As our supreme Ruler, who by innumer- tble commandments enjoios UIJO!l u11 devotemeot to bis service a11d ki11dness tv our ou. vm. 1-18.J THE SECOND BOOK m• SAMUEL. 23!)