2 Samuel 7:1, 2 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;… (References: 1 Kings 5:3; 1 Kings 6:12; 1 Kings 8:17-19; 1 Chronicles 22:7-10; 1 Chronicles 28:2-7; 1 Chronicles 29:1-3; 2 Chronicles 6:7-9.) The king's palace of cedar on Mount Zion had been completed. In the adjacent tabernacle or dwelling place of Jehovah (ver. 6) the ark had found rest, and a regular order of public worship had been instituted. Surrounding enemies had been subdued, and there was at least a temporary cessation from war. Jerusalem was the civil, military, and ecclesiastical centre of the kingdom. And now another step in advance was taken. Whilst contemplating the lowly abode of the ark of the Lord in comparison with his own palace, the thought arose in David's mind of building a splendid and durable temple for the Name of the Lord God of Israel (1 Kings 8:17), a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God (1 Chronicles 28:2), "exceeding magnifical of fame and of glory throughout all countries" (1 Chronicles 22:5); and "when the king sat in his house" he intimated his wish (for it scarcely amounted to a distinct and definite resolution) to Nathan the prophet, doubtless in order to obtain his advice concerning its propriety and accomplishment. What followed was of the highest importance in relation to the permanence of his dynasty, the prosperity of his people, the worship of God, and the development of Messianic purposes. "The word of the Prophet Nathan and the thanksgiving of David mark the culmination of David's history" (Baumgarten). This chapter affords a glimpse into his innermost heart, and reveals the devotional feelings, patriotic desires, and lofty aspirations and hopes that dwelt therein. In him we here see an example of - I. DEVOUT OCCUPATION IN THE RETIREMENT OF HOME. Such retirement, necessary for all, is not always spent wisely and well; but often in sensuous indulgence, frivolous amusement, self-adulation (Daniel 4:29, 30), envious discontent (1 Kings 21:4), or meditating secular and selfish schemes (Luke 11:17, 18). The godly man not only "returns to bless his household," but also: 1. Meditates on the best things: the Name of the Lord, his greatness and goodness, his works, his ways, his Word, his worship, and the welfare of men. He considers "the days of old," and "communes with his own heart" (Psalm 77:5, 6) of his benefits, obligations, condition, and prospects (Psalm 55:17; Matthew 6:5; John 1:48). 2. Talks of these things in a right manner. 3. Cultivates social intercourse with good men," the excellent, in whom is all his delight" (Psalm 16:3; Psalm 119:63). He prefers their society to any other, befriends them, and makes them his friends (Luke 16:9). Nor is there any greater treasure on earth than a faithful friend, such as David had in Nathan. The manner in which men spend their leisure hours is a sure indication of their real character. II. ARDENT GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR SUCCESS in his undertakings, labours, conflicts (ver. 1), and whatever rest and prosperity he enjoys. 1. These he ascribes, not to his own skill or power (Deuteronomy 7:17), but to the Divine hand; and, in considering what God "hath done for his soul" (Psalm 66:16): 2. He is deeply affected by his exceeding kindness, so condescending, undeserved, and inexpressible (vers. 8, 9, 20)! While he muses the fire burns (Psalm 39:3). 3. And he is constrained to testify his thankfulness in word and deed. "Those who stretch themselves upon beds of ivory (Amos 6:4-6), and were not grieved for the affliction of Joseph, though they had David's music had not David's spirit" (Matthew Henry). "Though the Prophet David was guilty of many of the most deadly sins, yet he was said to be a man after God's own heart, because he abounded more with thankfulness than any other that is mentioned in Holy Scripture" (Isaac Walton). III. TENDER CONCERN FOR THE DIVINE HONOUR. "See now I dwell in a house of cedar," etc. The devout and grateful heart fuels: 1. That with the honour of God the house of God is intimately connected. No material fabric, however stately, can now possess the same significance or relative importance as the tabernacle or temple (1 Samuel 1:3, 9). But wherever God's children meet for Divine worship and spiritual fellowship (thus constituting the true temple and Church), the place is "hallowed ground." Standing amidst other dwellings, the house of God is a constant witness for him; and, by its sacred associations, religious exercises, and the holy influences therein received and thence diffused, it greatly conduces to his glory, as well as to the good of men. 2. That it ought to correspond with its declared purpose, and the circumstances and abilities of those by whom it is erected and attended. All "temples made with hands" fall infinitely beneath the dignity of the Eternal (1 Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24); yet it is becoming that "strength and beauty should be in his sanctuary," that men should offer their best in his service (2 Samuel 24:24), and that, while they dwell in "celled houses," his house should not "lie waste" (Haggai 1:4). 3. That it is a duty and a privilege to employ the gifts bestowed by God for the improvement of his house and the promotion of his honour. When he has done much for us we should do much for him. "Four great means for administering the religion of Christ have been divinely appointed: the Book of God, the day of God, the worship of God, and the house of God. This last is for the sake of the former three. Without it they cannot be upheld. In the house of God the truth of God is proclaimed, the day of God is hallowed, and the worship of God is solemnized. All good gathers into and around God's house. 'I will make,' saith he, 'the places round about my hill a blessing.' There gather pious families. There arise schools for neglected children. There benevolent activities prevail. There spring up fountains of missionary liberality. And from humble sanctuaries in England, gospel light streams forth to distant regions of the earth - the wilds of Southern Africa, or the populous hives of Chinese idolatry" (Algernon Wells). IV. HIGH ESTIMATION OF FRIENDLY COUNSEL. Unlike some successful and powerful men, who take counsel of their own hearts and despise the advice of others, David valued, sought, and received the advice of Nathan as the counsel of God himself. "The first great office of a friend is (1) to try our thoughts by the measure of his judgment, and to taste the wholesomeness of our designs and purposes by the feelings of his heart. As this office of a good friend is to guard us against the imperfections of our own nature, and protect the world from the effects and ourselves from the responsibility of our folly, the next office of a friend is (2) to protect us from the selfish and wilful and malicious part of our nature. A third great office of friendship is (3) to awaken us and lift us up, and set us on nobler deeds. The fourth good office of a friend is (4) to rally us when we are defeated or overtaken with adversity. And so much is the world alive to this office as to have chosen it out as the true test; it being one of our best proverbs that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'" (E. Irving). - D. Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; |
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