2 Samuel 6:20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said… And David returned to bless his household. A benediction or blessing is essentially a prayer to God that his blessing may be bestowed upon others; and, being uttered in their presence by one who (like the head of a household) holds a position of authority in relation to them, it is also, to some extent, an assurance of the blessing. Of family worship notice - I. ITS OBLIGATION; which (although it is not expressly enjoined) is evident from: 1. The relation of the family to God: its Founder, Preserver, Ruler, Benefactor, "the God of all the families of the earth" (Psalm 68:6; Jeremiah 31:1; Ephesians 3:15). Out of this relation arises the duty of honouring him (Malachi 1:6); acknowledging the dependence of the family, confessing its sins, seeking his mercy, and praising him for his benefits; nor, without family worship, can its spiritual end be fulfilled (Malachi 2:15). 2. The responsibility of the head of the household to order it in the fear of God (Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:4), which involves this obligation. 3. Precepts, promises, etc., with reference to prayer, which have a manifest application to social worship in the family (1 Chronicles 16:11; Jeremiah 10:25; Matthew 6:9; Romans 16:5; 1 Timothy 2:8; 1 Timothy 4:5). 4. The conduct of good men, approved of God, and therefore indicative of his will and recorded for imitation. Abraham (Genesis 12:7, 8), Jacob (Genesis 35:2, 3), Job (`:5), Joshua (Joshua 24:15), David, Daniel (Daniel 6:10), Cornelius (Acts 10:1), and others. "Wherever I have a tent, there God shall have an altar" (John Howard). II. ITS MANNER. It should be performed: 1. With regularity and constancy; other family duties being arranged with reference to it, and public worship made, not a substitute, but a preparation for it or an adjunct to it. 2. In such a way as is suitable and profitable to those who take part in it. 3. Always with thoughtfulness, reverence, and cheerfulness. 4. Accompanied by the reading of the Scriptures, by instruction, discipline, and consistent practice, and by holy purposes, such as are expressed in Psalm 101. (written shortly before this time),'David's mirror of a monarch' (Luther). "Of mercy and judgment will I sing, Unto thee, O Jehovah, will I harp. I will give heed to a perfect way - When wilt thou come unto me? - I will walk with a perfect heart within my house," etc. III. ITS BENEFITS. 1. The sure approbation and rich blessing of God (Proverbs 10:22), temporal and spiritual. By its means, perchance, a parent effects "the saving of his house" (Hebrews 11:7; Luke 19:9). 2. The 'worthy performance of all the duties of life. 3. Abounding affection, harmony, peace, happiness, and hope that "When soon or late they reach that coast O'er life's rough ocean driven, They may rejoice, no wand'rer lost, A family in heaven!" 4. Holy influences, not only on all the household - parents, children, domestics - but also on the neighbourhood and society. What a mighty reformation would be implied in the general adoption of family worship! And to what a moral and spiritual height would it exalt our land! - D. Parallel Verses KJV: Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! |
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