Dan. 12:2. Acts 13:36, 1 Cor. 15.51. 1 Thes. 4:14. 1 g Gen. 15:4. 1 Kings 8:20. Chr. 17:11. Ps. 89:29. 132:11. 1s. 9:7. 11:1-3,10. Matt. 22: 42-44. Acts 2:30. h 1 Kings 5.5. 6:12. 8:19. 1 Chr. 17:11,12. 22:9,10. 28:6,10. Zech. 6:13. Matt. 16:18. Luke 1:31-33. Heb. 3.3. 1 Pet. 2:5. i 16. 1 Chr. 28:7. Ps. 89:4,21, 36,37. Is. 9:7. 49:8. Luke 1:32, 33. k 1 Chr. 17:13. 28:6. Ps. 89:26, 1 Ps. 89:30-35. m Deut. 8:5. Job 5:17. Ps. 94: n Ps. 89:29,34. Is. 55:3. Acts o 1 Sam. 15:28. 16:14. 1 Kings regulating the courses of the priests and Levites, and composing hymns of praise for the use of the church in after ages; and he made immense preparations even for the temple itself. (Notes, 23:1,2. 1 Chr. 22: 23: 26: 28: 29:)|| V. 12-16. The Lord intended to establish David's posterity upon the throne of Israel; which was a special favor not granted to Moses, to Joshua, or to any of David's predecessors: and therefore the work and honor of building the temple were reserved for his son, who was hereafter to be born; for, by the future tense in this connexion, both Absalom and Adonijah, and all|| the children which David then had, were excluded from the succession. This son and suc to? t 19 And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O LORD God; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. * And is this the manner of man, O LORD God? passage, it is put in the plural number, "If his children forsake my law, &c." (Ps. 89:30-33.) -The expression, "before thee," might perhaps be a gracious intimation, that though these things would take place after David's death, yet he would be acquainted with them, and rejoice in them. V. 17. Nathan did not hesitate to contradict his own counsel; nor did he fear lest this should expose him to censure or contempt! (Noles, 2 Kings 20:1-6.) V. 18. David cordially acquiesced in the will of God; and likewise found his love, gratitude, hope, and joy greatly excited, by these remembrances of past, and promises of future cessor of David would be of a peaceable dispo- mercies, to himself, his people, and posterity; sition, and enabled to live at peace, through especially as they all centered in the promised the success of his father's wars, and would have Savior who was to descend from him. Without more leisure and ability to complete the design. delay, therefore, he went to the tabernacle of To him and his posterity very precious promises God before the ark, and poured out his heart in were given: the Lord engaged to be a Father prayer. It is said, that "he sat before the to him, to deal with him as his son, and to estab- LORD;" but it is the only place in Scripture, lish the throne of his kingdom; and if he sin- which mentions sitting as the posture of any ned, to correct him, as men do their children, servant of God in religious worship; and, though according to what they are able to endure, circumstances may sometimes render it necesand for their good; yet not to take the kingdom sary, it does not otherwise seem becoming. from him, as he had done from Saul, but to es- Probably, the expression only means his contintablish it from generation to generation.-uance before the LORD for a considerable time, Though for Solomon's sin the ten tribes were rent from his son; (Notes, 1 Kings 11:9-13, 29-31. 12:21-24.) yet the kingdom over Judah remained, unto the Babylonish captivity, in the family of David and Solomon.-These promises were, however, in an especial manner, predictions of Christ, the son of David, the true Solomon, "the Prince of peace," who builds the spiritual temple of true believers, to be "an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Notes, Zech. 6:12,13. Eph. 2:19-22.) Accordingly a part of the prophecy is applied to Christ in the New Testament. (Heb. 1:5.) The stability and perpetuity of the kingdom in the house of David is, in Christ, fully accomplished. (Notes, Ps. 2: 72: 89:19-37.) The clause concerning the merciful chastisement of David's son if he offended, and the engagement not to reject him for his transgressions, belongs to his people, who are his seed, and one with him. In a parallel and does not determine the posture in which he prayed.-When David considered the mean estate from which he had been advanced to the throne, and how he had been employed, prospered, and honored; and when he recollected the infinite majesty and holiness of God, and his own sinfulness and insignificancy before him: he thought nothing of his own endowments or performances, but regarded the whole as the subject of admiring gratitude and praise; and was surprised that the Lord had hitherto upheld and blessed so insignificant and worthless a person in such an extraordinary manner. (Notes, Gen. 32:9-12. 1 Chr. 29:10-19.) V. 19. A more particular consideration of the blessings, which had now been entailed upon his family, as well as upon himself, still more enhanced David's holy admiration; and he adored the riches of the divine mercy, as infinitely surpassing the largest bounty of man. It is not 20 And what can David say more thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art beunto thee? for thou, LORD God, y knowest come their God. thy servant. 21 For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. 22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any god beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our 23:14,15. Ps. 115:1. 133:2. Matt. 24:35. Luke 1:54,55,72. a Matt. 11:26. Luke 10:21. 12: 32. 1 Cor. 1:1. Eph. 1:9. 3:11. b Deut. 3:24. 1 Chr. 16:25. 2 Chr. 2.5. Ps. 43:1. 86:10. 96:4. 135:5. 14. Ps. 111:9. Is. 63:7-14. Tit. f Ex. 9:16. Josh. 7:9. 1 Chr. 17: g Deut. 10:21. Ps. 40:5. 65:5. c Ex. 15:11. Deut. 4:35. 32:39. h Deut. 9:26. 15:15. Neh. 1:10. the manner of men thus to notice the mean, the base, the unworthy: thus to make one kindness an introduction to another, and an earnest of further favors, and a reason for bestowing them. No, this is beyond example or conception!-Or, 'Is this thy manner of dealing with polluted, re'bellious man!' (Note, Is. 55:8,9.) How wonderful then the love of a holy God to us sinful creatures, especially in the gift of his "only begotten Son, to be the Propitiation for our sins!" (Notes, 1 John 3:1-3. 4:9-12.) V. 20, 21. David could find nothing to ask for himself, or his people, or his posterity, but what had already been covenanted to him: so that his prayer consisted of thankful repetitions of the promises. For the Lord knew his servant, and would do every thing in perfect truth, wisdom, and love, for his good; and he desired no prosperity, wealth, or honor, except in reference to the will and glory of God. He could assign no reason for the Lord's former kindness to him, but his sovereign will, according to his own heart, dictating his gracious promises, and then for his word's sake fulfilling them: and he had the same ground for expecting all other blessings, according to his holy covenant. (Notes, Deut. 7:6-8. Rom. 8:28-31. Eph. 1:3 -8. 2:4-10. Jam. 1:16-18. 1 Pet. 1:3-5.)"God, he knew, would fulfil his promise made by Samuel and Nathan; to the making of which 'he had no other motive, but his own good will.' Bp. Patrick. 25 And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said. 26 And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee. n 27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, PI will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. r 28 And now, O LORD God, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: 29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O LORD God, hast spoken it, and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. nected the glory of his own truth, with the establishment of David's family; and David also expected and desired, that his descendants might be instrumental in maintaining true religion for the glory of God.-In Christ all the perfec tions of the Godhead are glorified; and by him the cause of truth and righteousness is, and will be, established upon earth. (Notes, 1 Chr. 29: 10-19. Ps. 21:13. 72:17-19. Matt. 6:13.) In all these respects David prayed for the magnifying of God's name, in the establishment of his posterity. (Note, 1 Chr. 17:17-24. v. 24.) V. 27–29. (Marg. Ref.) David could not have ventured to make such large requests, if the Lord had not promised the blessings which he implored: but he was humbly bold to ask all that God had engaged to give.-The promises of Scripture are not made personally to us by name, as these were to David; but they belong to all who believe in Jesus Christ, and plead them in his name. (Note, 2 Pet. 1:3,4.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V 1-17. The greater leisure and ability any man is favored with, the more should he form, and attempt to execute, plans of important usefulness; and those who are largely supplied with the providential gifts of God, and at the same time are richly replenished by his grace, will most comfortably enjoy their possessions, when they can render them subservient to his glory and the salvation of souls: they will often be griev ed to reflect how much is expended on themselves, and how little in the service of God; and scarcely deem any thing done for him while so much remains undone. Such zealous and libeV. 26. The Lord by his promises had con-ral Christians should be encouraged by their V. 22-25. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Deut. 4:20, 32-40. 1 Sam. 2:2. 1 Kings 8:23,24. Neh. 9:5 -8.) For you. (23) These words are not found in the parallel passage, (1 Chr. 17:21.) and seem here redundant. V. 18-29. brethren, and by ministers, in the great designs honored of men will soon fulfil their days, and which they conceive for the advancement of sleep with their fathers; but they die at peace religion, as far as they agree with the Scrip- with God, and depart hence to join the blessed ture. Yet many unexceptionable undertakings company before the throne. We should indeed may fail of success, because they do not accord earnestly desire the entail of our blessings upon with the perfect plan of God; but none of them our posterity, that they may be the children of will fail to meet with a gracious recompense.— God also; but our chief comfort in life and death The wisest and best of men (not excepting proph- must arise from looking unto Jesus, the Son of ets and apostles, unless when immediately speak-|| God, and the everlasting King of Israel, and in ing by divine inspiration,) have been liable to participating his covenanted mercies. (Note, error; and therefore the claim of infallibility 23:5.) In his human nature "all the fulness forms the very essence of blasphemous arro- of the Godhead dwelleth bodily," and by unitgance. But God will rectify the prejudicial ing his people to himself through his Holy Spirit, mistakes of his upright servants, and prevent he builds the living temple, in which the Lord every bad consequence: and it is their true will dwell for ever. If we belong to him, he will honor, as well as their duty, to retract what not finally reject us: but when we offend, he they have unadvisedly advanced, and to ac- will, by rebukes and chastenings, bring us to knowledge themselves mistaken; and all wise repentance, and establish us, as kings and priests men will respect them the more for doing so.- before him, to all eternity. (Notes, Heb. 12:4 The Lord does not need the services of man,-8. Rev. 3:18,19. 5:8-10.) neither does he regard external splendor; we cannot therefore please him in his instituted worship, if we have not the warrant of his word for what we do.-He has accepted and blessed those, who spiritually worshipped him in the midst of external meanness; and he never rejected or found fault with them on that account: but no outward magnificence will render formal services pleasing to him.-Our desires, even of usefulness, must be subjected to his holy will, and regulated by his precept. He|| appoints unto every man his work, and endows him with suitable qualifications: and each of us should thankfully and faithfully mind our proper business; and rejoice in the superior talents, and more honorable and important services, of our brethren. When we feel the risings of envy or discontent, and are ready to murmur at disappointment, we should reffect on what the Lord has already done for us; from what a wretched condition he has brought us; and what blessings he has prepared for us: and we shall readily perceive that we have been dealt with far better than we have deserved, or could reasonably have expected; nay, that if our desires be not granted, it is merely because our wise and gracious Lord sees it better for us that they should be refused. Our own plans, though well intended, are often fit for nothing but to be laid aside, to make way for the Lord's purposes respecting us, of which perhaps we had no conception. But, in one way or other, God will bless, and make useful to his church those persons, who simply devote themselves and all they have to his glory. If the Lord deny them one supposed blessing, he will counterbalance the refusal with other tokens of his love, and by raising their expectations of other promised mercies: and he teaches them to rejoice in the prosperity of his church, as in their own felicity.-Israel, according to the flesh, forfeited by their sins the rest to which they were brought: and the cause of God has hitherto been greatly opposed and run down. Yet the time is coming CHAP. VIII. V. 1. (Note, 1 Chr. 18:1.) It when this cause will gain the entire ascenden-is probable, that Metheg-ammah, or "the bridle cy, and overspread the earth; and when the Israel of God shall "be planted, and dwell in a place of their own, and move no more, neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more for ever."-The most favored and When we have duly attended to the word, which the Lord has spoken; and when our affections are excited, or our consciences alarmed; let us without delay retire, to pour out our hearts before him in fervent prayer, grounded on his gracious promises in Christ Jesus.-The more God really honors any one, the lower he sinks in self-abasement; as conscious that he has nothing of his own, but meanness, sin, and misery, and that he owes all to the free mercy and goodness of God. But if the blessings which we have already received are so numerous, large, and unmerited; if it appears wonderful, as it does to every humble believer, that the Lord has brought him hitherto; what shall we say to the future, the eternal felicity, which he has covenanted to his people! or of the gift of his Son to be the ransom of our souls!-Ïlis thoughts and ways are not like ours, or he never would have bestowed such blessings on rebellious, polluted man. What can we then say more unto him? What can we ask or desire but the performance of those promises, which of his own sovereign mercy he has made to us? Comparing the former displays of the glorious excellencies of our God, with those which he has manifested in his dealings with us, we shall at once have our admiring gratitude enlarged, and our expectation of further blessings increas ed; and shall find in our hearts to plead his precious promises, neither deeming them too large, nor too hard, for him to perform to us wretched sinners. Though he have not given us "a great name, like unto the great men that are in the earth;" we shall be contented with "a name written in the book of life," and a clear character among our brethren: and we can desire no more for our rosterity, than that they may be "blessed with the blessing of the LORD for ever." NOTES. of Ammah," (marg.) was an eminence or natural fortress, on which Gath was built, and which gave the inhabitants an opportunity of retaining the neighborhood in subjection. The Philistines had long oppressed Israel: Samson 5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. 6 Then David put " garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. 7 And David took the P shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. b Num. 24:17. Judg. 3:29,30. 1 Sam. 14:47. Ps. 60:8. 83:6. 108:9. c 12:31. d 6,12-14. 2 Kings 1:1. 3:427. 1 Chr. 18:2. e 1 Sam. 10:27. 2 Chr. 26:8. Ps. f1 Chr. 18:3. Hadarezer. h Gen. 15:18. Ex. 23:31. Deut. † As 1 Chr. 18:4. 8 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass. T t ¶ 9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer, 10 Then Toi sent " Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: (for Hadadezer had wars with Toi:) and Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass; 11 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued: 12 Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Żobah. 13 And David agat him a name when he returned from "smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, **being eighteen thousand men. b 14 And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons: and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved i Deut. 17:16. Josh. 11:6,9. Ps. David whithersoever he went. 20:7. 33:16, 17. k 1 Kings 10:26. 11 Kings 11:23-25. 1 Chr. 18: m Job 9:13. Ps. 83:4-3. Is. 8:9, D 14. 23:14. 1 Sam. 13:3. 14:1, o 14. 7:9. 1 Chr. 18:13. Ps. 5: p 1 Kings 10:16,17. 14:26,27. 1 had begun to deliver his people from them; but David effectually subdued the Philistines, and left them no power any more to molest the Israelites. (Notes, Judg. 13:4,5.) V. 2. The Jews say, that the Moabites had slain David's parents. It may be supposed, that he had just cause for this war, and for the severity with which he treated the vanquished; as he seems to have measured their country, and desolated two-thirds of it, and to have, slaughtered two thirds of the captives. (Note, 12:26-31.) Thus the Moabites became tributaries to Israel, as Balaam had predicted. (Notes, Num. 24:17. 2 Kings 1:1.) q 1 Chr. 18:8. Tibbath. Chun. s 1 Chr. 18:9. Tou. t Am. 6:2. u 1 Chr. 18:10. Hadoram. 43:27. Is. 39:1. x 1 Sam. 13:10. marg. 1 Kings 1:47. Ps. 129:8. Heb. was a man of wars with. Heb. in his hand were. 1 Kings 7:51. 1 Chr. 18:11. 22:14-16. 26:26-28. 29.2. Mic. 4:13. z 10:11,14. 12:26-31. 1 Chr. 18:11. a 7:9. 1 Chr. 18:12. Ps. 60: title. Heb. his smiting. b 2 Kings 14:7. 2 Chr. 25:11. c Gen. 25:23. 27:29,37,40. Num. 4.) perhaps they were divided into seven hundred divisions of ten men each: however, David disabled the most of the horses, not desiring to trust in chariots or in horses, but in the living God. (Note, Josh. 11:6.)-Yet he reserved horses for a hundred chariots; and this is the first time, that chariots of any kind are mention. ed, as possessed by a ruler in Israel. (Note, Deut. 17:16.) V. 5-8. (Marg. Ref.) The Syrians of Damascus were in alliance with Hadadezer, but not subject to him. ple. (Notes, 1 Chr. 22:14. 29:1-9.) V. 12. Children of Ammon.] Either some V. 9-11. Hamath lay north of Canaan, and south of Damascus.-Thus, by arms or allianV. 3. Zobah seems to have been a part of ces, those heathen nations became tributary to Syria, to the north-east of Canaan, to the south David, and furnished those riches, which he dedof Damascus, and reaching to the river Euphra-icated to the Lord for the building of the temtes. It is probable, that Hadadezer was jealous of David's growing greatness, and came to assist the Moabites, in order to secure his own dominions: and that this gave David a fair opportunity of extending his conquests to the Euphrates. Some think, however, that David went to establish his dominion over all the countries as far as that river, according to the grant made to Israel; and that he was opposed by Hadadezer. (Marg. Ref. g, h.) V. 4. Seven hundred.] Seven thousand horsemen are mentioned in Chronicles; (1 Chr. 18: of the Ammonites at this time assisted the Moabites; or this is spoken by way of anticipation. (Notes, 10: 12:26-31.) V. 13, 14. Syrians.] It is said in Chronicles, that "Abishai smote eighteen thousand Edomites in the valley of salt." (1 Chr. 18:12.) Perhaps they were Edomites fighting for the Syri ans. It is evident, however, that Edom was subjected in consequence of this victory, by which David acquired great renown.-Twelve David inquires after Saul's family, and is informed, by Ziba, of Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, 1-4. He sends for him, thousand of Edom are elsewhere mentioned, as slain by Joab. (Note, Ps. 60: title.) Perhaps Joab and Abishai commanded distinct bodies of troops, and eighteen thousand were slain between them, six thousand by Abishai, and twelve thousand by Joab. Thus the predictions concerning the Edomites began to be fulfilled. (Noles, Gen. 25:22,23. 27:27-29,39,40. Num. 24:18,19. Ps. 60:6-12.) V. 15-18. The assiduity, as well as the equity and impartiality of David's administration, is here stated; in which, as well as in his victories, he was a type of Christ. Under David Joab was commander-in-chief of the forces. Jehoshaphat recorded and brought forward every business in an orderly manner, or acted as judge or chancellor. Under Abiathar the high priest, Ahimelech his son, and Zadok descended from Eleazar, were the presiding priests; probably the one on mount Zion, the other at Gibeon where the tabernacle was. (Notes, 1 Kings 3:4. 1 Chr. 16:37-43.) Seraiah was scribe or secretary, to inspect and manage all writing concerning foreign or domestic transactions. And Benaiah commanded the Cherethites and Pelethites, David's constant attendants or guards, who were chosen out from his other troops, and probably consisted chiefly of those, who had accompanied him in his distresses; or of such as had joined him from among the Philistines, who are called Cherethites. (Marg. Ref. m.) His sons, also, when grown up, were || initiated into public business, as they became capable of it. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. In due season and succession, every promise and prediction of God's word will receive its full accomplishment.-Short is the triumphing and certain the ruin of all his enemies, however strong and confederated. But those who confide in his protection, and are doing his work,|| will be preserved and prospered, "whithersoever they go." They will not allow themselves to glory in their success, or to establish any other ground of confidence, than the mercy,|| power, and truth of him who has hitherto helped them, to whom they will dedicate the fruits of their prosperity; and in this they will be distinguished from all the other mighty ones, who have been renowned upon the earth. It is true eyet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4 And the king said unto him, Where a 1:26. 1 Sam. 18:1-4. 20:42. | c 16:1-4. 19:17,27-29. b Gen. 15:2,3. 24:2. 39:6. d Deut. 4:37. 10:15. 1 Sam. 20: wisdom to court the friendship of those whom the Lord prospers.-A safe and honorable peace should be the object of all wars: and the diligent, impartial administration of justice, the business of those who are advanced above others; for their authority was given them to do good with. Thus the Son of David subjects his enemies: his gospel is a savor of life to some, and of death to others; and he will be glorified upon his obstinate opposers, and by those who welcome him as their Lord and Savior. Many assist in building his spiritual temple, who have no place in it: his government is in judgment and in justice, as well as in mercy: and all who adhere to him faithfully in a state of humilia. tion and suffering, shall reign with him for ever in glory. Let us then submit to him and seek his friendship, counting his service our honor and our pleasure, and diligently attending to the work which he assigns us in our different stations and relations, in the church, the community, and in relative life. NOTES. CHAP. IX. V. 1. Mephibosheth was only five years old at his father's death; (4:4.) but at this time he had a son: (12) so that many years must have elapsed before David made this in quiry. For above seven years he had been opposed by Ish-bosheth, and his engagements afterwards had been numerous. He had not indeed injured any of Saul's family: yet he seems to have been too forgetful of his friendship with Jonathan, and his engagements to him. (Notes, 1 Sam. 18:3,4. 20:14-17. 23:16-18.) As however Mephibosheth was brought up in obscurity beyond Jordan, and perhaps purposely concealed by the suspicious care of his friends, David might not know that Jonathan had any child living. (4) But at length, recollecting himself, he desired to shew his entire forgiveness of Saul's injuries, and his gratitude for Jonathan's kindness, by restoring Saul's estate to some of his remaining posterity; and by conferring further favors on them, for the sake of his friend. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Matt. 12:46-50. John 19: 25-27.) V. 2. Ziba.] Notes, 9-11. 16:1-4. 19: 24-30. V. 3. The kindness of God.] For the sake of the oath of God sworn to Jonathan, or ac |