‏ 1 Chronicles 29

* David induces the princes and people to offer willingly. (1-9)

His thanksgiving and prayer. (10-19) Solomon enthroned. (20-25)

David's reign and death. (26-30)

1-9 What is done in works of piety and charity, should be done

willingly, not by constraint; for God loves a cheerful giver.

David set a good example. This David offered, not from

constraint, or for show; but because he had set his affection to

the house of God, and thought he could never do enough towards

promoting that good work. Those who would draw others to good,

must lead the way themselves. 10-19 We cannot form a right idea of the magnificence of the

temple, and the buildings around it, about which such quantities

of gold and silver were employed. But the unsearchable riches of

Christ exceed the splendour of the temple, infinitely more than

that surpassed the meanest cottage on earth. Instead of boasting

of these large oblations, David gave solemn thanks to the Lord.

All they gave for the Lord's temple was his own; if they

attempted to keep it, death would soon have removed them from

it. They only use they could make of it to their real advantage,

was, to consecrate it to the service of Him who gave it. 20-25 This great assembly joined with David in adoring God.

Whoever is the mouth of the congregation, those only have the

benefit who join him, not by bowing down the head, so much as by

lifting up the soul. Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord.

Solomon's kingdom typified the kingdom of the Messiah, whose

throne is the throne of the Lord. 26-30 When we read the second book of Samuel, we could scarcely

have expected to behold David appear so illustrious in his

closing scene. But his repentance had been as remarkable as his

sin; and his conduct during his afflictions, and towards the end

of his life, appears to have had a good effect on his subjects.

Blessed be God, even the chief of sinners may hope for a

glorious departure, when brought to repent and flee for refuge

to the Saviour's atoning blood. Let us mark the difference

between the spirit and character of the man after God's own

heart, living and dying, and those of worthless professors, who

resemble him in nothing but their sins, and who wickedly try to

excuse their crimes by his sins. Let us watch and pray, lest we

be overcome by temptation, and overtaken by sin, to the

dishonour of God, and the wounding of our own consciences. When

we feel that we have offended, let us follow David's example of

repentance and patience, looking for a glorious resurrection,

through our Lord Jesus Christ.