mh_parser/vol_split/13 - 1Chronicles/Chapter 29.xml

<div2 id="iCh.xxx" n="xxx" next="iiCh" prev="iCh.xxix" progress="79.14%" title="Chapter XXIX">
<h2 id="iCh.xxx-p0.1">F I R S T   C H R O N I C L E
S</h2>
<h3 id="iCh.xxx-p0.2">CHAP. XXIX.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iCh.xxx-p1">David has said what he had to say to Solomon. But
he had something more to say to the congregation before he parted
with them. I. He pressed them to contribute, according to their
ability, towards the building and furnishing of the temple,
<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.1-1Chr.29.5" parsed="|1Chr|29|1|29|5" passage="1Ch 29:1-5">ver. 1-5</scripRef>. II. They made
their presents accordingly with great generosity, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.6-1Chr.29.9" parsed="|1Chr|29|6|29|9" passage="1Ch 29:6-9">ver. 6-9</scripRef>. III. David offered up
solemn prayers and praises to God upon that occasion (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.10-1Chr.29.20" parsed="|1Chr|29|10|29|20" passage="1Ch 29:10-20">ver. 10-20</scripRef>), with sacrifices,
<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.21-1Chr.29.22" parsed="|1Chr|29|21|29|22" passage="1Ch 29:21,22">ver. 21, 22</scripRef>. IV.
Solomon was hereupon enthroned, with great joy and magnificence,
<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.23-1Chr.29.25" parsed="|1Chr|29|23|29|25" passage="1Ch 29:23-25">ver. 23-25</scripRef>. V. David,
soon after this finished his course, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.26-1Chr.29.30" parsed="|1Chr|29|26|29|30" passage="1Ch 29:26-30">ver. 26-30</scripRef>. And it is hard to say which
shines brighter here, the setting sun or the rising sun.</p>
<scripCom id="iCh.xxx-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29" parsed="|1Chr|29|0|0|0" passage="1Ch 29" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iCh.xxx-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.1-1Chr.29.9" parsed="|1Chr|29|1|29|9" passage="1Ch 29:1-9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.29.1-1Chr.29.9">
<h4 id="iCh.xxx-p1.9">Presents for the Temple. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p1.10">b. c.</span> 1015.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iCh.xxx-p2">1 Furthermore David the king said unto all the
congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, <i>is
yet</i> young and tender, and the work <i>is</i> great: for the
palace <i>is</i> not for man, but for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p2.1">Lord</span> God.   2 Now I have prepared with all
my might for the house of my God the gold for <i>things to be
made</i> of gold, and the silver for <i>things</i> of silver, and
the brass for <i>things</i> of brass, the iron for <i>things</i> of
iron, and wood for <i>things</i> of wood; onyx stones, and
<i>stones</i> to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours,
and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
  3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of
my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver,
<i>which</i> I have given to the house of my God, over and above
all that I have prepared for the holy house,   4 <i>Even</i>
three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven
thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the
houses <i>withal:</i>   5 The gold for <i>things</i> of gold,
and the silver for <i>things</i> of silver, and for all manner of
work <i>to be made</i> by the hands of artificers. And who
<i>then</i> is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p2.2">Lord</span>?   6 Then the chief of the
fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of
thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work,
offered willingly,   7 And gave for the service of the house
of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of
silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand
talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.   8 And
they with whom <i>precious</i> stones were found gave <i>them</i>
to the treasure of the house of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p2.3">Lord</span>, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly,
because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p2.4">Lord</span>: and David the king also rejoiced
with great joy.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p3">We may here observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p4">I. How handsomely David spoke to the great
men of Israel, to engage them to contribute towards the building of
the temple. It is our duty to <i>provoke one another to love and to
good works,</i> not only to do good ourselves, but to draw in
others to do good too as much as we can. There were many very rich
men in Israel; they were all to share in the benefit of the temple,
and of those peaceable days which were to befriend the building of
it; and therefore, though David would not impose on them, as a tax,
what they should give towards it, he would recommend the present as
a fair occasion for a free-will offering, because what is done in
works of piety and charity should be done willingly and not by
constraint; for God loves a cheerful giver. 1. He would have them
consider that Solomon was young and tender, and needed help; but
that he was the person whom God had chosen to do this work, and
therefore was well worthy their assistance. It is good service to
encourage those in the work of God that are as yet young and
tender. 2. That the world was great, and all hands should
contribute to the carrying of it on. The palace to be built was not
for man, but for the Lord God; and the more was contributed towards
the building the more magnificent it would be, and therefore the
better would it answer the intention. 3. He tells them what great
preparations had been made for this work. He did not intend to
throw all the burden upon them, nor that it should be built wholly
by contributions, but that they should show their good will, by
adding to what was done (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.2" parsed="|1Chr|29|2|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>): <i>I have prepared with all my might,</i> that is,
"I have made it my business." Work for God must be done with all
our might, or we shall bring nothing to pass in it. 4. He sets them
a good example. Besides what was dedicated to this service out of
the spoils and presents of the neighbouring nations, which was for
the building of the house (of which before, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.22.14" parsed="|1Chr|22|14|0|0" passage="1Ch 22:14"><i>ch.</i> xxii. 14</scripRef>), he had, out of his own
share, offered largely for the beautifying and enriching of it,
3000 talents of gold and 7000 talents of silver (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.4-1Chr.29.5" parsed="|1Chr|29|4|29|5" passage="1Ch 29:4,5"><i>v.</i> 4, 5</scripRef>), and this because he had
set his affection on the house of his God. He gave all this, not as
Papists build churches, in commutation of penance, or to make
atonement for sin, nor as Pharisees give alms, to be seen of men;
but purely because he loved the habitation of God's house; so he
professed (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.26.8" parsed="|Ps|26|8|0|0" passage="Ps 26:8">Ps. xxvi. 8</scripRef>) and
here he proved it. Those who set their affection upon the service
of God will think no pains nor cost too much to bestow upon it; and
then our offerings are pleasing to God when they come from love.
Those that set their affection on things above will set their
affection on the house of God, through which our way to heaven
lies. Now this he gives them an account of, to stir them up to do
likewise. Note, Those who would draw others to do that which is
good must themselves lead. Those especially who are advanced above
others in place and dignity should particularly contrive how to
make their light shine before men, because the influence of their
example is more powerful and extensive than that of other people.
5. He stirs them up to do as he had done (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.5" parsed="|1Chr|29|5|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>): <i>And who then is willing to
concecrate his service this day unto the Lord?</i> (1.) We must
each of us, in our several places, serve the Lord, and consecrate
our service to him, separate it from other things that are foreign
and interfere with it, and direct and design it for the honour and
glory of God. (2.) We must make the service of God our business,
must <i>fill our hands to the Lord,</i> so the Hebrew phrase is.
Those who engage themselves in the service of God will have their
hands full; there is work enough for the whole man in that service.
The filling of our hands with the service of God intimates that we
must serve him only, serve him liberally, and serve him in the
strength of grace derived from him. (3.) We must be free herein, do
it willingly and speedily, do it this day, when we are in a good
mind. <i>Who is willing?</i> Now let him show it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p5">II. How handsomely they all contributed
towards the building of the temple when they were thus stirred up
to it. Though they were persuaded to it, yet it is said, <i>They
offered willingly,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.6" parsed="|1Chr|29|6|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>. So he said who knew their hearts. Nay, they offered
<i>with a perfect heart,</i> from a good principle and with a
sincere respect to the glory of God, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.9" parsed="|1Chr|29|9|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. How generous they were appears
by the sum total of the contributions, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.7" parsed="|1Chr|29|7|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:7"><i>v.</i> 7, 8</scripRef>. They gave like themselves,
like princes, like princes of Israel. And a pleasant day's work it
was; for, 1. <i>The people rejoiced,</i> which may be meant of the
people themselves that offered: they were glad of the opportunity
of honouring God thus with their substance, and glad of the
prospect of bringing this good work to perfection. Or the common
people rejoiced in the generosity of their princes, that they had
such rulers over them as were forward to this good work. Every
Israelite is glad to see temple work carried on with vigour. 2.
<i>David rejoiced with great joy</i> to see the good effects of his
psalms and the other helps of devotion he had furnished them with,
rejoiced that his son and successor would have those about him that
were so well affected to the house of God, and that this work, upon
which his heart was so much set, was likely to go on. Note, It is a
great reviving to good men, when they are leaving the world, to see
those they leave behind zealous for religion and likely to keep it
up. <i>Lord, now let thou thy servant depart in peace.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iCh.xxx-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.10-1Chr.29.22" parsed="|1Chr|29|10|29|22" passage="1Ch 29:10-22" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.29.10-1Chr.29.22">
<h4 id="iCh.xxx-p5.5">David's Prayer to God; Sacrifices
Offered. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p5.6">b. c.</span> 1015.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iCh.xxx-p6">10 Wherefore David blessed the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.1">Lord</span> before all the congregation: and David
said, Blessed <i>be</i> thou, <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.2">Lord</span>
God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.   11 Thine, <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.3">O Lord</span>, <i>is</i> the greatness, and the
power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all
<i>that is</i> in the heaven and in the earth <i>is thine;</i>
thine <i>is</i> the kingdom, O <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.4">Lord</span>,
and thou art exalted as head above all.   12 Both riches and
honour <i>come</i> of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in
thine hand <i>is</i> power and might; and in thine hand <i>it
is</i> to make great, and to give strength unto all.   13 Now
therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
  14 But who <i>am</i> I, and what <i>is</i> my people, that
we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all
things <i>come</i> of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
  15 For we <i>are</i> strangers before thee, and sojourners,
as <i>were</i> all our fathers: our days on the earth <i>are</i> as
a shadow, and <i>there is</i> none abiding.   16 <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.5">O Lord</span> our God, all this store that we have
prepared to build thee a house for thine holy name <i>cometh</i> of
thine hand, and <i>is</i> all thine own.   17 I know also, my
God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.
As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly
offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people,
which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.   18
<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.6">O Lord</span> God of Abraham, Isaac, and of
Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the
thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto
thee:   19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to
keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do
all <i>these things,</i> and to build the palace, <i>for</i> the
which I have made provision.   20 And David said to all the
congregation, Now bless the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.7">Lord</span>
your God. And all the congregation blessed the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.8">Lord</span> God of their fathers, and bowed down their
heads, and worshipped the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.9">Lord</span>, and
the king.   21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.10">Lord</span>, and offered burnt offerings unto the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.11">Lord</span>, on the morrow after that day,
<i>even</i> a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, <i>and</i> a
thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in
abundance for all Israel:   22 And did eat and drink before
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.12">Lord</span> on that day with great
gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second
time, and anointed <i>him</i> unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p6.13">Lord</span> <i>to be</i> the chief governor, and Zadok
<i>to be</i> priest.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p7">We have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p8">I. The solemn address which David made to
God upon occasion of the noble subscriptions of the princes towards
the building of the temple (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.10" parsed="|1Chr|29|10|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:10"><i>v.</i>
10</scripRef>): <i>Wherefore David blessed the Lord,</i> not only
alone in his closet, but <i>before all the congregation.</i> This I
expected when we read (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.9" parsed="|1Chr|29|9|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>) that <i>David rejoiced with great joy;</i> for such a
devout man as he would no doubt make that the matter of his
thanksgiving which was so much the matter of his rejoicing. He that
looked round with comfort would certainly look up with praise.
David was now old and looked upon himself as near his end; and it
well becomes aged saints, and dying saints, to have their hearts
much enlarged in praise and thanksgiving. This will silence their
complaints of their bodily infirmities, and help to make the
prospect of death itself less gloomy. David's psalms, toward the
latter end of the book, are most of them psalms of praise. The
nearer we come to the world of everlasting praise the more we
should speak the language and do the work of that world. In this
address,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p9">1. He adores God, and ascribes glory to him
as the God of Israel, <i>blessed for ever and ever.</i> Our Lord's
prayer ends with a doxology much like this which David here begins
with—<i>for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.</i>
This is properly praising God—with holy awe and reverence, and
agreeable affection, acknowledging, (1.) His infinite perfections;
not only that he is great, powerful, glorious, &amp;c., but that
his is the greatness, power, and glory, that is, he has them in and
of himself, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.11" parsed="|1Chr|29|11|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>.
He is the fountain and centre of every thing that is bright and
blessed. All that we can, in our most exalted praises, attribute to
him he has an unquestionable title to. His is the <i>greatness;</i>
his greatness is immense and incomprehensible; and all others are
little, are nothing, in comparison of him. His is the <i>power,</i>
and it is almighty and irresistible; power belongs to him, and all
the power of all the creatures is derived from him and depends upon
him. His is the <i>glory;</i> for his glory is his own end and the
end of the whole creation. All the glory we can give him with our
hearts, lips, and lives, comes infinitely short of what is his due.
His is the <i>victory;</i> he transcends and surpasses all, and is
able to conquer and subdue all things to himself; and his victories
are incontestable and uncontrollable. And his is the
<i>majesty,</i> real and personal; with him is terrible majesty,
inexpressible and inconceivable. (2.) His sovereign dominion, as
rightful owner and possessor of all: "<i>All that is in the heaven,
and in the earth, is thine,</i> and at thy disposal, by the
indisputable right of creation, and as supreme ruler and commander
of all: <i>thine is the kingdom,</i> and all kings are thy
subjects; for thou art head, and art to be exalted and worshipped
as head above all." (3.) His universal influence and agency. All
that are rich and honourable among the children of men have their
riches and honours from God. This acknowledgment he would have the
princes take notice of and join in, that they might not think they
had merited any thing of God by their generosity; for from God they
had their riches and honour, and what they had returned to him was
but a small part of what they had received from him. Whoever are
great among men, it is God's hand that makes them so; and, whatever
strength we have, it is God that gives it to us, as the <i>God of
Israel our father,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.10 Bible:Ps.68.35" parsed="|1Chr|29|10|0|0;|Ps|68|35|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:10,Ps 68:35"><i>v.</i> 10. Ps. lxviii. 35</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p10">2. He acknowledges with thankfulness the
grace of God enabling them to contribute so cheerfully towards the
building of the temple (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.13-1Chr.29.14" parsed="|1Chr|29|13|29|14" passage="1Ch 29:13,14"><i>v.</i>
13, 14</scripRef>): <i>Now therefore, our God, we thank thee.</i>
Note, The more we do for God the more we are indebted to him for
the honour of being employed in his service, and for grace enabling
us, in any measure, to serve him. <i>Does he</i> therefore <i>thank
that servant?</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Luke.17.9" parsed="|Luke|17|9|0|0" passage="Lu 17:9">Luke xvii.
9</scripRef>. No: but that servant has a great deal of reason to
thank him. He thanks God that they were <i>able to offer so
willingly.</i> Note, (1.) It is a great instance of the power of
God's grace in us to be able to do the work of God willingly. He
works <i>both to will and to do;</i> and it is in the day of his
power that his people are made willing, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.110.3" parsed="|Ps|110|3|0|0" passage="Ps 110:3">Ps. cx. 3</scripRef>. (2.) We must give God all the
glory of all the good that is at any time done by ourselves or
others. Our own good works must not be the matter of our pride, nor
the good works of others the matter of our flattery, but both the
matter of our praise; for certainly it is the greatest honour and
pleasure in the world faithfully to serve God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p11">3. He speaks very humbly of himself, and
his people, and the offerings they had now presented to God. (1.)
For himself, and those that joined with him, though they were
princes, he wondered that God should take such notice of them and
do so much for them (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.14" parsed="|1Chr|29|14|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>): <i>Who am I, and what is my people?</i> David was
the most honourable person, and Israel the most honourable person,
then in the world; yet thus does he speak of himself and them, as
unworthy the divine cognizance and favour. David now looks very
great, presiding in an august assembly, appointing his successor,
and making a noble present to the honour of God; and yet he is
little and low in his own eyes: <i>Who am I, O Lord?</i> for
(<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.15" parsed="|1Chr|29|15|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>) <i>we are
strangers before thee, and sojourners,</i> poor despicable
creatures. Angels in heaven are at home there; saints on earth are
but strangers here: <i>Our days on the earth are as a shadow.</i>
David's days had as much of substance in them as most men's; for he
was a great man, a good man, a useful man, and now an old man, one
that lived long and lived to good purpose: and yet he puts himself
not only into the number, but in the front, of those who must
acknowledge that their <i>days on the earth are as a shadow,</i>
which intimates that our life is a vain life, a dark life, a
transient life, and a life that will have its periods either in
perfect light or perfect darkness. The next words explain it:
<i>There is no abiding,</i> Heb. <i>no expectation.</i> We cannot
expect any great matters from it, nor can we expect any long
continuance of it. This is mentioned here as that which forbids us
to boast of the service we do to God. Alas! it is confined to a
scantling of time, it is the service of a frail and short life, and
therefore what can we pretend to merit by it? (2.) As to their
offerings, <i>Lord,</i> says he, <i>of thy own have we given
thee</i> (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.14" parsed="|1Chr|29|14|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>),
and again (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.16" parsed="|1Chr|29|16|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>),
<i>It cometh of thy hand, and is all thy own.</i> "We have it from
thee as a free gift, and therefore are bound to use it for thee;
and what we present to thee is but rent or interest from thy own."
"In like manner" (says bishop Patrick) "we ought to acknowledge God
in all spiritual things, referring every good thought, good
purpose, good work, to his grace, from whom we receive it." <i>Let
him that glories</i> therefore <i>glory in the Lord.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p12">4. He appeals to God concerning his own
sincerity in what he did, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.17" parsed="|1Chr|29|17|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>. It is a great satisfaction to a good man to think
that God <i>tries the heart</i> and <i>has pleasure in
uprightness,</i> that, whoever may misinterpret or contemn it, he
is acquainted with and approves of the <i>way of the righteous.</i>
It was David's comfort that God knew with what pleasure he both
offered his own and saw the people's offering. He was neither proud
of his own good work nor envious of the good works of others.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p13">5. He prays to God both for the people and
for Solomon, that both might hold on as they began. In this prayer
he addresses God as <i>the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,</i> a
God in covenant with them and with us for their sakes. Lord, give
us grace to make good our part of the covenant, that we may not
forfeit the benefit of it. Or thus: they were kept in their
integrity by the grace of God establishing their way; let the same
grace that was sufficient for them be so for us. (1.) For the
people he prays (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.18" parsed="|1Chr|29|18|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>) that what good God had put into their minds he would
always keep there, that they might never be worse than they were
now, might never lose the convictions they were now under, nor cool
in their affections to the house of God, but always have the same
thoughts of things as they now seemed to have. Great consequences
depend upon what is innermost, and what uppermost, in the
imagination of the thoughts of our heart, what we aim at and what
we love to think of. If any good have got possession of our hearts,
or the hearts of our friends, it is good by prayer to commit the
custody of it to the grace of God: "Lord, keep it there, keep it
for ever there. David has prepared materials for the temple; but,
Lord, do thou prepare their hearts for such a privilege;"
<i>establish</i> their hearts, so the <i>margin.</i> "Confirm their
resolutions. They are in a good mind; keep them so when I am gone,
them and theirs for ever." (2.) For Solomon he prays (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.19" parsed="|1Chr|29|19|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>), <i>Give him a perfect
heart.</i> He had charged him (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.28.9" parsed="|1Chr|28|9|0|0" passage="1Ch 28:9"><i>ch.</i> xxviii. 9</scripRef>) to serve God <i>with a
perfect heart;</i> now here he prays to God to give him such a
heart. He does not pray, "Lord, make him a rich man, a great man, a
learned man;" but, "Lord, make him an honest man;" for that is
better than all. "Lord, <i>give him a perfect heart,</i> not only
in general <i>to keep thy commandments,</i> but in particular <i>to
build the palace,</i> that he may do that service with a single
eye." Yet his building the house would not prove him to have a
perfect heart unless he made conscience of keeping God's
commandments. It is not helping to build churches that will save us
if we live in disobedience to God's law.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p14">II. The cheerful concurrence of this great
assembly in this great solemnity. 1. They joined with David in the
adoration of God. When he had done his prayer he called to them to
testify their concurrence (<i>Now bless the Lord your God,</i>
<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.20" parsed="|1Chr|29|20|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>), which
accordingly they did, by <i>bowing down their heads,</i> a gesture
of adoration. Whoever is the mouth of the congregation, those only
have the benefit who join with him, not by <i>bowing down the
head</i> so much as by <i>lifting up the soul.</i> 2. They paid
their respects to the king, looking upon him as an instrument in
God's hand of much good to them; and, in honouring him, they
honoured God. 3. The next day they offered abundance of sacrifices
to God (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.21" parsed="|1Chr|29|21|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>),
both burnt-offerings, which were wholly consumed, and
peace-offerings, which the offerer had the greatest part of to
himself. Hereby they testified a generous gratitude to God for the
good posture their public affairs were in, though David was going
the way of all the earth. 4. They feasted and rejoiced before God,
<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.22" parsed="|1Chr|29|22|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. In token of
their joy in God, and communion with him, they feasted upon their
peace-offerings in a religious manner before the Lord. What had
been offered to God they feasted upon, by which was intimated to
them that they should be never the poorer for their late liberal
contributions to the service of the temple; they themselves should
feast upon the comfort of it. 5. They made Solomon king the second
time. He having been before anointed in haste, upon occasion of
Adonijah's rebellion, it was thought fit to repeat the ceremony,
for the greater satisfaction of the people. They <i>anointed him to
the Lord.</i> Magistrates must look upon themselves as set apart
for God, to be his ministers, and must rule accordingly in the fear
of God. Zadok also was anointed to be priest in the room of
Abiathar, who had lately forfeited his honour. Happy art thou, O
Israel! under such a prince and such a pontiff.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iCh.xxx-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.23-1Chr.29.30" parsed="|1Chr|29|23|29|30" passage="1Ch 29:23-30" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.29.23-1Chr.29.30">
<h4 id="iCh.xxx-p14.5">Solomon Magnified. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p14.6">b. c.</span> 1015.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iCh.xxx-p15">23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p15.1">Lord</span> as king instead of David his father,
and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.   24 And all the
princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king
David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.   25 And
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.xxx-p15.2">Lord</span> magnified Solomon
exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him
<i>such</i> royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in
Israel.   26 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all
Israel.   27 And the time that he reigned over Israel
<i>was</i> forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and
thirty and three <i>years</i> reigned he in Jerusalem.   28
And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour:
and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.   29 Now the acts of
David the king, first and last, behold, they <i>are</i> written in
the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet,
and in the book of Gad the seer,   30 With all his reign and
his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and
over all the kingdoms of the countries.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p16">These verses bring king Solomon to his
throne and king David to his grave. Thus the rising generation
thrusts out that which went before, and says, "Make room for us."
Every one has his day.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p17">I. Here is Solomon rising (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.23" parsed="|1Chr|29|23|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>): <i>Solomon sat on the
throne of the Lord.</i> Not his throne which he prepared in the
heavens, but the throne of Israel is called <i>the throne of the
Lord</i> because not only is he King of all nations, and all kings
rule under him, but he was in a peculiar manner King of Israel,
<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.12.12" parsed="|1Sam|12|12|0|0" passage="1Sa 12:12">1 Sam. xii. 12</scripRef>. He had the
founding, he had the filling, of their throne, by immediate
direction. The municipal laws of their kingdom were divine. Urim
and prophets were the privy counsellors of their princes; therefore
is their throne called <i>the throne of the Lord.</i> Solomon's
kingdom typified the kingdom of the Messiah, and his is indeed
<i>the throne of the Lord;</i> for the Father judgeth no man, but
hath committed all judgment to him; hence he calls him <i>his
King,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.2.6" parsed="|Ps|2|6|0|0" passage="Ps 2:6">Ps. ii. 6</scripRef>. Being
set on the <i>throne of the Lord,</i> the throne to which God
called him, he prospered. Those that follow the divine guidance may
expect success by the divine blessing. Solomon prospered; for, 1.
His people paid honour to him, as one to whom honour is due: <i>All
Israel obeyed him,</i> that is, were ready to swear allegiance to
him (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p17.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.23" parsed="|1Chr|29|23|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>), the
<i>princes and mighty men,</i> and even <i>the sons of David,</i>
though by seniority their title to the crown was prior to his, and
they might think themselves wronged by his advancement. God thought
fit to make him king, and made him fit to be so, and therefore they
all <i>submitted themselves to him.</i> God inclined their hearts
to do so, that his reign might, from the first, be peaceable. His
father was a better man than he, and yet came to the crown with
much difficulty, after long delay, and by many and slow steps.
David had more faith, and therefore had it more tried. <i>They
submitted themselves</i> (Heb. <i>They gave the hand under
Solomon</i>), that is, bound themselves by oath to be true to him
(putting the hand under the thigh was a ceremony anciently used in
swearing); or they were so entirely devoted that they would put
their hand under his feet to serve him. 2. God put honour upon him;
for those that honour him he will honour: <i>The Lord magnified
Solomon exceedingly,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p17.5" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.25" parsed="|1Chr|29|25|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:25"><i>v.</i>
25</scripRef>. His very countenance and presence, I am apt to
think, had something in them very great and awful. All he said and
all he did commanded respect. None of all the judges or kings of
Israel, his predecessors, made such a figure as he did nor lived in
such splendour.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p18">II. Here is David's setting, that great man
going off the stage. The historian here brings him to the end of
his day, leaves him asleep, and draws the curtains about him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p19">1. He gives a summary account of the years
of his reign, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.26-1Chr.29.27" parsed="|1Chr|29|26|29|27" passage="1Ch 29:26,27"><i>v.</i> 26,
27</scripRef>. He reigned forty years, as did Moses, Othniel,
Deborah, Gideon, Eli, Samuel, and Saul, who were before him, and
Solomon after him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p20">2. He gives a short account of his death
(<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.28" parsed="|1Chr|29|28|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>), that he
died <i>full of days, riches, and honour;</i> that is, (1.) Loaded
with them. He was very old, and very rich, and very much honoured
both of God and man. He had been a man of war from his youth, and,
as such, had his soul continually in his hand; yet he was not cut
off in the midst of his days, but was preserved through all dangers
of a military life, lived to a good old age, and died in peace,
died in his bed, and yet in the bed of honour. (2.) Satiated with
them. He was <i>full of days, riches, and honour;</i> that is, he
had enough of this world and of the riches and honours of it, and
knew when he had enough, for he was very willing to die and leave
it, having said (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.49.15" parsed="|Ps|49|15|0|0" passage="Ps 49:15">Ps. xlix.
15</scripRef>), <i>God shall receive me,</i> and (<scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.23.4" parsed="|Ps|23|4|0|0" passage="Ps 23:4">Ps. xxiii. 4</scripRef>), <i>Thou art with
me.</i> A good man will soon be full of days, riches, and honour,
but will never be satisfied with them; no satisfaction but in God's
loving kindness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.xxx-p21">3. For a fuller account of David's life and
reign he refers to the histories or records of those times, which
were written by Samuel while he lived, and continued, after his
death, by Nathan and Gad, <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.29" parsed="|1Chr|29|29|0|0" passage="1Ch 29:29"><i>v.</i>
29</scripRef>. <i>There</i> was related what was observable in his
government at home and his wars abroad, <i>the times,</i> that is,
the events of <i>the times, that went over him,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.xxx-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.29.29-1Chr.29.30" parsed="|1Chr|29|29|29|30" passage="1Ch 29:29,30"><i>v.</i> 29, 30</scripRef>. These registers
were then in being, but are now lost. Note, Good use may be made of
those histories of the church which are authentic though not sacred
or of divine inspiration.</p>
</div></div2>