The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 537

Ver. 50 (Ps. xviii. 49).-TM praise of God among the heathim. "Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, 0 Jehovah, among the heathen" (Rom. xv. 9). The purpose of God to bestow the blessingsCof salvation upon all nations was made known in the earliest ages (Gen. xii. 3; Numb. xiv. 21; Deut. x:u:ii. 43). "From the begin11ing there existed a power to rise above the exclusiveness of Old Testament religion, namely, the vit.al germ of knowledge, that the kingdom of God would one day find its comple- tion in a universal monarchy embracing all people" (Riehm, • Messianic Prophecy'). In sympathy and co-operation with the Divine purpose David here speaks. That purpose is, in its highest sense, fulfilled in the extension of the kingdom of Christ (1 Sam. ii. 10; v. 3). This language is l!llch as might be adopted by Christ hi1I1self (Ps. ii. 8; Heb. iL 9-13). It should be that of a.JI his followers; to whom he said, "Go ye, therefore " (Matt. :u:viii. 1~20), "proclaim the good news to every creature" (Mark xvi. 15) ; " Ye are witnesses of these things" (Luke xxiv. 48; Acts i. 8). As such it indica.tes- L A JOYFUL PBOCLAllATION of the Word of truth, by which God is glorified in his Son (eh. vii. 14, 26); pertaining to: L His marvellou., doings, in conflict with the powers of evil and in victory over them, through humiliation, suffering, and sacrifice (Ps. xxii.). "Make known his deeds among the people" (Ps. cv.1, 2; John xii. 31, 32). 2. His glorious exaltation and reign (ver. 47). "Say among the heathen, The Lord is King" (Ps. xcvi. 10; Phil ii. 9-11). His reign is righteous, beneficent, and universe.L 3. His saving benefits-the remission of sins, deliverance from oppression, "righteousness, pee..ce, and joy in the Holy Ghost." " Praise him, all ye people: for his merciful kindness is great," etc. (Ps. cxvii. 1, 2). " 'l'he means of bringing them to the knowledge of God is not the sword, but the proclamation of God's great deeds for his people. AB David in bis character of missionary to the heathen world praises his God's grace, so at bottom all missionary work among the heathen is, in the announcement of the Word of the God who is revealed in Christ, a continuous praise of the Name of the living God" (Erdmann). II. A s.&.CBED RESOLVE. "I will praise thee." This determination, or "vow. of thanksgiving," ought to be made by every one who has himself received the knowledge of salvation, from: 1. A feeling of compcusi.on for.the urgent need of the heathen (Acts xvi. 9). He n:ay not keep the "good tidings" to himself (1 Kings vii. 9). 2. A con• viction of duty, arising from acquaintance with the merciful purpose and express com- mands of the Lord. 3. An impulse of grauful love, on account of the condescending grace shown toward bicnself, constraining him to obey the Lord's will, promote hil! purpose, and glorify his Name. It will also lead him to employ every means hi ~iE power that "Christ may be magnified " (Phil. i. 20). III. A OONFIDENT PEBBUASION that the heathen will listen to "the joyful sound," freely submit themselves (vers. 44--46), and join in the praise of God; founded on: 1. His power to effect his purposes. 2. His faithfulness in fulfilling his promises. 8. His peat achievements ( vers. 48, 49). "'l'hey shall come and declare his righteousness " (Ps. xxii. 27---31). "Above eighteen centuries have verified t,he prediction of ~he perm.e.uency of hill kingdom, fowided 1111 it was by no hu1Dao lllee.011, endowed with Cllr. Xk.11, 1-61.) THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL, 658