The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 574

poor nn~l feeble, the widows and the fatherless, instead of being protected by the mighty, were often trampled clown by them, that at length a Ruler would arise who would be just, and would oause justice everywhere to triumph. These prophecies receive their fulfilment in the character and reign of the Lord Jesus. (a) He is personally just. Hence he is callod "that Just One" (Acts xxii.11); "the Holy One and the.Just" (Acts iii. 14). He wns like other men in all but this, that he was "without sin" (Heh. iv. 15). Ho" know no sin" (2 Cor. v. 21). He" did no sin" (1 Pet. ii. 22). In his addresses to God there is no confession of sin or prayer for pardon. Before men he c,mld boldly say," Which of you convicteth me of sin?" (John viii. 46, Revised Version). His exaltation is attributed to his love of righteousness and hatred of iniquity (Heh. i. 9). (b) Justice distinguishes the salvation he effects. For this King is also Sa.vionr (Zech. ix. 9). David felt that in some way his own salvation depended on him (ver. 5). In the light of the New Testament the truth becomes clear. Jesus the Son of David, the Divine King, works salvation. Now, in doing this, he displays the highest regard for righteousness. He does not deliver in violation of justice; does not take the part of the sinner against God a.s righteous Ruler. By his death he makes propitiation for sin, that God "might bejust"while "the Justifier of him which believethinJesus"(Rom. iil. 25, 26), Moreover, he saves from sin to righteousness (Rom. viii. 4), so that all who are his become just, (c) His laws a.re just. The very laws of some kingdoms are tainted with injustice. They are oppressive or partial, favourin;~ one class of the people at the cost of others, etc. Not so with the laws of the Christ. They prescribe all that is right, and only what is right, both towards God and towards men. Were they obeyed, a.11 injustice and wrong-doing would cease, and all the evil dispositions from which they proceed. (d) His rule is just. Good laws are sometimes ineffective through bad administration of them. Commonly the enforcement of them requires money; and those who have little of it must submit to injustice for want of the means to set the machinery of the law in motion. Sometimes the magistrates a.re corrupt, and decide in favour of those who bribe them, or too indolent and indifferent to examine sufficiently into the merits of the cases brought before them. Practical injustice also springs from the ignorance or weakness of rulers. But this Ruler will see that full justice is done to ·an u.nder his sway. He knows exactly the character of each and all; he is powerful to execute judgment. Mighty oppressors find him stronger than they. Secret plotters against the just discover that nothing is hidden from him. With him sophistry has no weight, rank and wealth no influence. "He shall reward every man according to his works" (Matt. xvi. 27). (e) His whole power and influence are promotive of righteous- ness, and ensure its ultimate prevalence. 3. The blessings of his reign. "[He ( or, 'it') shall be] as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds; [when] the tender grass [springeth] out of the earth, through clear shining after rain" (ver. 4, Revised Version). Under the reign of this Ruler shall be: (1) Unclouded light in place of darkness, 'l'rutb, holiness, and happiness shall abound. (2) Fruitfulness. Growth and increase of goodness and the good (Ps. b:xii. 6, 7, 16). (3) Beauty. Like the flush of the tender grass just sprung up and shining in the light of the morning sun. These are the effects which the Lord Christ does produce in heart a.nd home a.nd country, wherever and so far as he is received and obeyed. History confirms prophecy, and gives additional assurance of its fulfilment. 4. The fate of the wicked under his rule. (Vers. 6, 7.) The reign of One so just and powerful ensures the destruction of the wicked as well as the salvation of the righteous. He comes, indeed, to subdue the wicked by truth a.nd love, and render them righteous. But many remain obdurate, refuse submission to him, perhaps oppose him actively; these he destroys. Note: (1) 'l'heir worthlessness. They are " Belia!" ( equivalent to "worthlessness"); good for nothin" • "thorns, to be thrust away" and" burned." (2) The difficulty of getting rid of the~.' Like thorns, difficult to handle and" thrust away," requiring whoever would deal with them to bo" armed with iron and the stafl' of a spear." Laws cannot restrain them, example is lost upon them, benevolent efforts are wasted upon them, lt;ga.~ punis~- mcnts only harden them, the gospel itself rend~rs the~ more_ perver~;· (3)_ 'Ibe1r ce;ta1n y destruction. "They shall be utterly burned with fire 10 their place (Revised ersion); 11 on the hearth" (Dean Stanley). See Matt. iii. 10, 12; John xv. 6; Heh. v1. 8. Let sinners tremble and repent before it is too late. IV. TUE COTll~'ORT WHJCU TUE PROPHECY GAVE TO DAVID BlllSELF. (Ver. 5.) The 590 THE SECOND DOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. xxm. 1-39.