1Chronicles

1CH:1 ** The books of Chronicles are, in a great measure, repetitions of what is in the books of Samuel and of the Kings, yet there are some e cellent useful things in them which we find not elsewhere! The "#$ST %&&K traces the rise of the 'ewish people from (dam, and afterward gi)es an account of the reign of *a)id! #n the S+C&,* %&&K the narrati)e is continued, and relates the progress and end of the kingdom of 'udah- also it notices the return of the 'ews from the %abylonish capti)ity! 'erome says, that whoe)er supposes himself to ha)e knowledge of the Scriptures without being ac.uainted with the books of Chronicles, decei)es himself! Historical facts passed o)er elsewhere, names, and the conne ion of passages are to be found here, and many .uestions concerning the gospel are e plained! * /enealogies, (dam to (braham! 011234 The descendants of (braham! 0251674 81123 This chapter, and many that follow, repeat the genealogies, or lists of fathers and children in the %ible history, and put them together, with many added! 9hen compared with other places, there are some differences found- yet we must not therefore stumble at the word, but bless /od that the things necessary to sal)ation are plain enough! The original of the 'ewish nation is here traced from the first man that /od created, and is thereby distinguished from the obscure, fabulous, and absurd origins assigned to other nations! %ut the nations now are all so mingled with one another, that no one nation, nor the greatest part of any, is descended entirely from any of one nation, nor the greatest part of any, is descended entirely from any of these fountains! &nly this we are sure of,

that /od has created of one blood all nations of men- they are all descended from one (dam, one ,oah! Ha)e we not all one father: Has not one /od created us: 8;al 2:1<! 825167 The genealogy is from hence confined to the posterity of (braham! =et us take occasion from reading these lists of names, to think of the multitudes that ha)e gone through this world, ha)e done their parts in it, and then .uitted it! (s one generation, e)en of sinful men, passes away, another comes! 8+c 1:7- ,u >2:17, and will do so while the earth remains! Short is our passage through time into eternity! ;ay we be distinguished as the =ord?s people! 1CH:2 * /enealogies! 1 9e are now come to the register of the children of #srael, that distinguished people, who were to dwell alone, and not be reckoned among the nations! %ut now, in Christ, all are welcome to his sal)ation who come to him- all ha)e e.ual pri)ileges according to their faith in him, their lo)e and de)otedness to him! (ll that is truly )aluable consists in the fa)our, peace, and image of /od, and a life spent to his glory, in promoting the welfare of our fellow1creatures! 1CH:> * /enealogies! 1 &f all the families of #srael, none were so illustrious as the family of *a)id: here we ha)e a full account of it! "rom this family, as concerning the flesh, Christ came! The attenti)e obser)er will percei)e that the children of the righteous en@oy many ad)antages!

1CH:7 * /enealogies! 1 #n this chapter we ha)e a further account of 'udah, the most numerous and most famous of all the tribes- also an account of Simeon! The most remarkable person in this chapter is 'abeA! 9e are not told upon what account 'abeA was more honourable than his brethren- but we find that he was a praying man! The way to be truly great, is to seek to do /od?s will, and to pray earnestly! Here is the prayer he made! 'abeA prayed to the li)ing and true /od, who alone can hear and answer prayer- and, in prayer he regarded him as a /od in co)enant with his people! He does not e press his promise, but lea)es it to be understoodhe was afraid to promise in his own strength, and resol)ed to de)ote himself entirely to /od! =ord, if thou wilt bless me and keep me, do what thou wilt with me- # will be at thy command and disposal for e)er! (s the te t reads it, this was the language of a most ardent and affectionate desire, &h that thou wouldest bless meB "our things 'abeA prayed for! 1! That /od would bless him indeed! Spiritual blessings are the best blessings: /od?s blessings are real things, and produce real effects! 2! That He would enlarge his coast! That /od would enlarge our hearts, and so enlarge our portion in himself, and in the hea)enly Canaan, ought to be our desire and prayer! >! That /od?s hand might be with him! /od?s hand with us, to lead us, protect us, strengthen us, and to work all our works in us and for us, is a hand all1sufficient for us! 7! That he would keep him from e)il, the e)il of sin, the e)il of trouble, all the e)il designs of his enemies, that they might not hurt, nor make him a 'abeA indeed, a man of sorrow! /od granted that which he re.uested! /od is e)er ready to hear prayer: his ear is not now hea)y! 1CH:6

* /enealogies! 1 This chapter gi)es some account of the two tribes and a half seated on the east side of 'ordan! They were made capti)es by the king of (ssyria, because they had forsaken the =ord! &nly two things are here recorded concerning these tribes! 1! They all shared in a )ictory! Happy is that people who li)e in harmony together, who assist each other against the common enemies of their souls, trusting in the =ord, and calling upon him! 2! They shared in capti)ity! They would ha)e the best land, not considering that it lay most e posed! The desire of earthly ob@ects draws to a distance from /od?s ordinances, and prepares men for destruction! 1CH:C * /enealogies! 1 9e ha)e an account of =e)i in this chapter! The priests and =e)ites were more concerned than any other #sraelites, to preser)e their descent clear, and to be able to pro)e itbecause all the honours and pri)ileges of their office depended upon their descent! ,ow, the Spirit of /od calls ministers to their work, without any limit as to the families they came fromand then, as now, though belie)ers and ministers may be )ery useful to the church, none but our great High Driest can make atonement for sin, nor can any be accepted but through his atonement! 1CH:3 * /enealogies! 1 Here is no account either of Eebulun or *an! 9e can assign no reason why they only should be omitted- but it is the disgrace

of the tribe of *an, that idolatry began in that colony which fi ed in =aish, and called it *an, 8'ud 15 and there one of the golden cal)es was set up by 'eroboam! *an is omitted, 8$e 3! ;en become abominable when they forsake the worship of the true /od, for any creature ob@ect! 1CH:5 * /enealogies! 1 Here is a larger list of %en@amin?s tribe! 9e may suppose that many things in these genealogies, which to us seem difficult, abrupt, and perple ed, were plain and easy at that time, and fully answered the intention for which they were published! ;any great and mighty nations then were in being upon earth, and many illustrious men, whose names are now wholly forgotten- while the names of multitudes of the #srael of /od are here kept in e)erlasting remembrance! The memory of the @ust is blessed! 1CH:F * /enealogies! 1 This chapter e presses that one end of recording all these genealogies was, to direct the 'ews, when they returned out of capti)ity, with whom to unite, and where to reside! Here is an account of the good state into which the affairs of religion were put, on the return from %abylon! +)ery one knew his charge! 9ork is likely to be done well when e)ery one knows the duty of his place, and makes a business of it! /od is the /od of order! Thus was the temple a figure of the hea)enly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising /od, 8$e 7:5! %lessed be His name, belie)ers there shall, not in turn, but all together, without interruption, praise him night and day: may the =ord make each of us fit for the inheritance of the saints in light!

1CH:1< * The death of Saul! 1 The design chiefly in )iew in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preser)e the records of the house of *a)id! Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul?s reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for *a)id to the throne! (nd from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1! That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later- Saul died for his transgression! 2! That no man?s greatness can e empt him from the @udgments of /od! >! *isobedience is a killing thing! Saul died for not keeping the word of the =ord! ;ay be deli)ered from unbelief, impatience, and despair! %y waiting on the =ord we shall obtain a kingdom that cannot be mo)ed! 1CH:11 * *a)id raised to the throne! 011F4 ( list of *a)id?s mighty men! 01<1734 811F *a)id was brought to possess the throne of #srael after he had reigned se)en years in Hebron, o)er 'udah only! /od?s counsels will be fulfilled at last, whate)er difficulties lie in the way! The way to be truly great, is to be really useful, to de)ote all our talents to the =ord! 81<173 (n account is gi)en of *a)id?s worthies, the great men who ser)ed him! Get *a)id reckoned his success, not as from the mighty men that were with him, but from the mighty /od, whose presence is all in all! #n strengthening him, they strengthened themsel)es and their own interest, for his ad)ancement was theirs! 9e shall gain by what we do in our places for the support of the kingdom of the Son of *a)id- and those that are

faithful to Him, shall find their names registered much more to their honour, than these are in the records of fame! 1CH:12 * Those who came to *a)id at Eiklag! 011224 Those who came to Hebron! 02>17<4 81122 Here is an account of those who appeared and acted as *a)id?s friends, while he was persecuted! ,o difficulties or dangers should keep the sinner from coming to the Sa)ior, nor dri)e the belie)er from the path of duty! Those who break through, and o)ercome in these attempts, will find abundant recompence! "rom the words of (masai we may learn how to testify our affection and allegiance to the =ord 'esus- his we must be throughly- on his side we must be forward to appear and act! #f we are under the influence of the Spirit, we shall desire to ha)e our lot among them, and to declare oursel)es on their sideif in faith and lo)e we embrace the cause of Christ, he will recei)e, employ, and ad)ance us! 82>17< 9hen the throne of Christ is set up in a soul, there is, or ought to be, great @oy in that soul- and pro)ision is made, not as here, for a few days, but for the whole life, and for eternity! Happy are those who wisely percei)e it to be their duty and interest, to submit to the Sa)iour 'esus Christ, the Son of *a)id- who renounce for his sake all that is not consistent- whose earnest endea)ours to do good are directed by the wisdom that /od gi)eth, through ac.uaintance with his word, e perience, and obser)ation! #f any man lack this wisdom, let him ask it of /od, who gi)eth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be gi)en him! 1CH:1> * *a)id consults about the ark! 01164 The remo)al of the ark!

0C1174 8116 *a)id said not, 9hat magnificent thing shall # do now: or, 9hat pleasant thing: but, 9hat pious thing: that he might ha)e the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle! =et us bring the ark to us, that it may be a blessing to us! Those who honour /od, profit themsel)es! #t is the wisdom of those setting out in the world, to take /od?s ark with them! Those are likely to go on in the fa)our of /od, who begin in the fear of /od! 8C117 =et the sin of HAAa warn all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irre)erence, in dealing with holy things- and let none think that a good design will @ustify a bad action! =et the punishment of HAAa teach us not to dare to trifle with /od in our approaches to him- yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace! #f the gospel be to some a sa)our of death unto death, as the ark was to HAAa, yet let us recei)e it in the lo)e of it, and it will be to us a sa)our of life unto life! 1CH:17 * *a)id?s )ictories! 1 #n this chapter we ha)e an account of, 1! *a)id?s kingdom established! 2! His family built up! >! His enemies defeated! This is repeated from 82Sa 6! =et the fame of *a)id be looked upon as a type and figure of the e alted honour of the Son of *a)id! 1CH:16 * Dreparations for the remo)al of the ark! 011274 The remo)al of the ark! 02612F4 81127 9ise and good men may be guilty of o)ersights, which they

will correct, as soon as they are aware of them! *a)id does not try to @ustify what had been done amiss, nor to lay the blame on others- but he owns himself guilty, with others, of not seeking /od in due order 82612F #t is good to notice the assistance of *i)ine Dro)idence, e)en in things which fall within the compass of our natural powers- if /od did not help us, we could not stir a step! #f we do our religious duties in any degree aright, we must own it was /od that helped us- had we been left to oursel)es, we should ha)e been guilty of some fatal errors! (nd e)ery thing in which we engage, must be done in dependence on the mercy of /od through the sacrifice of the $edeemer! 1CH:1C * The solemnity with which the ark was fi ed! 011C4 *a)id?s psalm of praise! 031>C4 Setting in order the worship of /od! 0>317>4 811C Though /od?s word and ordinances may be clouded and eclipsed for a time, they shall shine out of obscurity! This was but a tent, a humble dwelling, yet this was the tabernacle which *a)id, in his psalms, often speaks of with so much affection! *a)id showed himself generous to his sub@ects, as he had found /od gracious to him! Those whose hearts are enlarged with holy @oy, should show it by being open1handed! 831>C =et /od be glorified in our praises! =et others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him! =et us oursel)es triumph and trust in /od! Those that gi)e glory to /od?s name are allowed to glory in it! =et the e)erlasting co)enant be the great matter of our @oy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him! Show forth from day to day his sal)ation, his promised sal)ation by Christ! 9e ha)e reason to celebrate that from day to day- for we daily recei)e

the benefit, and it is a sub@ect that can ne)er be e hausted! #n the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the ser)ants of /od in distress! 8>317> The worship of /od ought to be the work of e)ery day! *a)id put it into order! (t 'erusalem, where the ark was, (saph and his brethren were to minister before the ark continually, with songs of praise! ,o sacrifices were offered there, nor incense burnt, because the altars were not there- but *a)id?s prayers were directed as incense, and the lifting up of his hands as the e)ening sacrifice! So early did spiritual worship take place of ceremonial! Get the ceremonial worship, being of *i)ine institution, must by no means be omitted- therefore at /ibeon, at the altars, the priests attended- for their work was to sacrifice and burn incense- and that they did continually, morning and e)ening, according to the law of ;oses! (s the ceremonies were types of the mediation of Christ, the obser)ance of them was of great conse.uence! The attendance of his appointed ministers is right in itself, and encourages the people! 1CH:13 * *a)id?s purposes- /od?s gracious promises! 1 This chapter is the same as 82Sa 3! See what is there said upon it! #t is )ery obser)able that what in Samuel is said to be, Ifor thy word?s sake,I is here said to be, Ifor thy ser)ant?s sake,I )er! 81F! 'esus Christ is both the 9ord of /od, 8$e 1F:1>, and the Ser)ant of /od, 8#sa 72:1- and it is for his sake, upon account of his mediation, that the promises are made good to all belie)ers- it is in him, that they are yea and amen! "or His sake it is done, for his sake it is made known- to him we owe all this greatness, from him we are to e pect all these great things! They are the unsearchable riches

of Christ, which, if by faith we see in themsel)es, and see in the =ord 'esus, we cannot but magnify as the only true greatness, and speak honourably of them! "or this blessedness may we look amidst the trials of life, and when we feel the hand of death upon us- and seek it for our children after us! 1CH:15 * *a)id?s )ictories! 1 This chapter is the same as 82Sa 5! &ur good fight of faith, under the Captain of our sal)ation, will end in e)erlasting triumph and peace! The happiness of #srael, through *a)id?s )ictories, and @ust go)ernment, faintly shadowed forth the happiness of the redeemed in the realms abo)e! 1CH:1F * *a)id?s wars! 1 The history is here repeated which we read 82Sa 1<! The only safety of sinners consists in submitting to the =ord, seeking peace with him, and becoming his ser)ants! =et us assist each other in a good cause- but let us fear lest, while made instruments of good to others, we should come short of sal)ation, through unbelief and sin! 1CH:2< * *a)id?s wars! 1 Though the =ord will se)erely correct the sins of his belie)ing people, he will not lea)e them in the hands of their enemies! His assistance will o)ercome all ad)antages of number and strength of those that defy his #srael! (ll that trust in Christ, shall be made more than con.uerors through him that

lo)eth them! 1CH:21 * *a)id?s numbering the people! 1 ,o mention is made in this book of *a)id?s sin in the matter of Hriah, neither of the troubles that followed it: they had no needful conne ion with the sub@ects here noted! %ut *a)id?s sin, in numbering the people, is related: in the atonement made for that sin, there was notice of the place on which the temple should be built! The command to *a)id to build an altar, was a blessed token of reconciliation! /od testified his acceptance of *a)id?s offerings on this altar! Thus Christ was made sin, and a curse for us- it pleased the =ord to bruise him, that through him, /od might be to us, not a consuming "ire, but a reconciled /od! #t is good to continue attendance on those ordinances in which we ha)e e perienced the tokens of /od?s presence, and ha)e found that he is with us of a truth! Here /od graciously met me, therefore # will still e pect to meet him! 1CH:22 * *a)id?s preparations for the temple! 01164 *a)id?s instructions to Solomon! 0C11C4 The prices commanded to assist! 01311F4 8116 &n occasion of the terrible @udgment inflicted on #srael for the sin of *a)id, /od pointed out the place where he would ha)e the temple built- upon which, *a)id was e cited to make preparations for the great work! *a)id must not build, but he would do all he could- he prepared abundantly before his death! 9hat our hands find to do for /od, and our souls, and those round us, let us do it with all our might, before our death- for after death there is no de)ice nor working! (nd when the =ord

refuses to employ us in those ser)ices which we desired, we must not be discouraged or idle, but do what we can, though in a humbler sphere! 8C11C *a)id gi)es Solomon the reason why he should build the temple! %ecause /od named him! ,othing is more powerful to engage us in any ser)ice for /od, than to know that we are appointed thereto! %ecause he would ha)e leisure and opportunity to do it! He should ha)e peace and .uietness! 9here /od gi)es rest, he e pects work! %ecause /od had promised to establish his kingdom! /od?s gracious promises should .uicken and strengthen our religious ser)ice! *a)id deli)ered to Solomon an account of the )ast preparations he had made for this building- not from pride and )ain1glory, but to encourage Solomon to engage cheerfully in the great work! He must not think, by building the temple, to purchase a dispensation to sin- on the contrary, his doing that would not be accepted, if he did not take heed to fulfil the statutes of the =ord! #n our spiritual work, as well as in our spiritual warfare, we ha)e need of courage and resolution! 81311F 9hate)er is done towards rendering the word of /od generally known and attended to, is like bringing a stone, or an ingot of gold, towards erecting the temple! This should encourage us when we grie)e that we do not see more fruit of our labours- much good may appear after our death, which we ne)er thought of! =et us not then be weary of well doing! The work is in the hands of the Drince of peace! (s he, the (uthor and "inisher of the work, is pleased to employ us as his instruments, let us arise and be doing, encouraging and helping one another- working by his rule, after his e ample, in dependence on his grace, assured that he will be with us, and that our labour shall not be in )ain in the =ord! 1CH:2>

* *a)id declares Solomon his successor! 0112>4 The office of the =e)ites! 0271>24 8112> *a)id, ha)ing gi)en charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple ser)ice, and orders the officers of it! 9hen those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to lo)e and assist one another! 8271>2 ,ow the people of #srael were so many, there should be more employed in the temple ser)ice, that e)ery #sraelite who brought an offering might find a =e)ite ready to help him! 9hen more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen! ( new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in /od?s commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world! To the spiritual man e)ery ser)ice will yield satisfaction! He will be e)er abounding in the work of the =ord- being ne)er so happy as when employed for such a good ;aster, in so pleasant a ser)ice! He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed o)er him! ;ay we seek and ser)e the =ord uprightly, and lea)e all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word! 1CH:27 * The di)isions of the priests and =e)ites! 1 9hen e)ery one has, knows, and keeps his place and work, the more there are the better! #n the mystical body of Christ, e)ery member has its use, for the good of the whole! Christ is High Driest o)er the house of /od, to whom all belie)ers, being made priests, are to be in sub@ection! #n Christ, no difference is made between bond and free, elder and younger! The younger brethren, if faithful and sincere, shall be no less acceptable

to Christ than the fathers! ;ay we all be children of the =ord, fitted to sing his praises for e)er in his temple abo)e! 1CH:26 * The singers and musicians! 1 *a)id put those in order who were appointed to be singers and musicians in the temple! To prophesy, in this place, means praising /od with great earnestness and de)out affections, under the influences of the Holy Spirit! #n raising these affections, poetry and music were employed! #f the Spirit of /od do not put life and fer)our into our de)otions, they will, howe)er ordered, be a lifeless, worthless form! 1CH:2C * The offices of the =e)ites! 1 The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strength and )alour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures! ;uch was e pended daily upon the altar- flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps- .uantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred )estments and utensils! These were the treasures of the house of /od! These treasures typified the plenty there is in our hea)enly "ather?s house, enough and to spare! "rom those sacred treasuries, the unsearchable riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied- and recei)ing from his fulness, we must gi)e him the glory, and endea)our to dispose of our abilities and substance according to his will! 9e ha)e an account of those employed as officers and @udges! The magistracy is an ordinance of /od for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and must not be neglected! ,one of the =e)ites who were employed in the ser)ice of the sanctuary, none of the

singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business- one duty was enough to engage the whole man! 9isdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are re.uisite or useful for e)ery station! 1CH:23 * *a)id?s military force! 011164 Drinces and officers! 01C1>74 81116 #n the kingdoms of this world readiness for war forms a security for peace- in like manner, nothing so much encourages Satan?s assaults as to be unwatchful! So long as we stand armed with the whole armour of /od, in the e ercise of faith, and preparation of heart for the conflict, we shall certainly be safe, and probably en@oy inward peace! 81C1>7 The officers of the court, or the rulers of the king?s substance, had the o)ersight and charge of the king?s tillage, his )ineyards, his herds, his flocks, which formed the wealth of eastern kings! ;uch of the wisdom of princes is seen in the choice of their ministry, and common persons show it in the choice of their ad)isers! *a)id, though he had all these about him, preferred the word of /od before them all! Thy testimonies are my delight and my counsellors! 1CH:25 * *a)id e horts the people to the fear of the =ord! 0111<4 He gi)es instructions for the temple! 0111214 8111< *uring *a)id?s last sickness, many chief priests and =e)ites were at 'erusalem! "inding himself able, *a)id spoke of his purpose to build a temple for /od, and of /od?s disallowing that purpose! He opened to them /od?s gracious purposes concerning Solomon! *a)id charged them to clea)e stedfastly to /od and their duty! 9e cannot do our work as we should, unless

we put on resolution, and fetch in strength from *i)ine grace! $eligion or piety has two distinct parts! The first is knowledge of /od, the second is worship of /od! *a)id says, Know thou the /od of thy father, and ser)e him with a perfect heart and a willing mind! /od is made known by his works and word! $e)elation alone shows the whole character of /od, in his pro)idence, his holy law, his condemnation of sinners, his blessed gospel, and the ministration of the Spirit to all true belie)ers! The natural man cannot recei)e this knowledge of /od! %ut thus we learn the )alue of the Sa)iour?s atonement, and of the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, and are influenced to walk in all his commandments! #t brings a sinner to his proper place at the foot of the cross, as a poor, guilty, helpless worm, deser)ing wrath, yet e pecting e)ery thing needful from the free mercy and grace of /od our "ather, and the =ord 'esus Christ! Ha)ing been forgi)en much, the pardoned sinner learns to lo)e much! 811121 The temple must be a sacred thing, and a type of Christit must be framed by *i)ine teaching! Christ is the true temple, the church is the gospel temple, and hea)en the e)erlasting temple- all are framed according to the *i)ine counsels, and the plan laid in the *i)ine wisdom, ordained before the world, for /od?s glory and our good! *a)id ga)e this pattern to Solomon, that he might go by rule! ;aterials were pro)ided for the most costly utensils of the temple! *irections were gi)en which way to look for help in this great undertaking! %e not dismayed- /od will help thee, and thou must look up to him in the first place! 9e may be sure that /od, who owned our fathers, and carried them through the ser)ices of their day, will, in like manner, ne)er lea)e us, while he has any work to do in us, or by us! /ood work is likely to go on, when all concerned are hearty in furthering it! =et us hope in /od?s mercy- if we seek him, he will be found of us!

1CH:2F * *a)id induces the princes and people to offer willingly! 011F4 His thanksgi)ing and prayer! 01<11F4 Solomon enthroned! 02<1264 *a)id?s reign and death! 02C1><4 811F 9hat is done in works of piety and charity, should be done willingly, not by constraint- for /od lo)es a cheerful gi)er! *a)id set a good e ample! This *a)id offered, not from constraint, or for show- but because he had set his affection to the house of /od, and thought he could ne)er do enough towards promoting that good work! Those who would draw others to good, must lead the way themsel)es! 81<11F 9e cannot form a right idea of the magnificence of the temple, and the buildings around it, about which such .uantities of gold and sil)er were employed! %ut the unsearchable riches of Christ e ceed the splendour of the temple, infinitely more than that surpassed the meanest cottage on earth! #nstead of boasting of these large oblations, *a)id ga)e solemn thanks to the =ord! (ll they ga)e for the =ord?s temple was his own- if they attempted to keep it, death would soon ha)e remo)ed them from it! They only use they could make of it to their real ad)antage, was, to consecrate it to the ser)ice of Him who ga)e it! 82<126 This great assembly @oined with *a)id in adoring /od! 9hoe)er is the mouth of the congregation, those only ha)e the benefit who @oin him, not by bowing down the head, so much as by lifting up the soul! Solomon sat on the throne of the =ord! Solomon?s kingdom typified the kingdom of the ;essiah, whose throne is the throne of the =ord! 82C1>< 9hen we read the second book of Samuel, we could scarcely ha)e e pected to behold *a)id appear so illustrious in his closing scene! %ut his repentance had been as remarkable as his sin- and his conduct during his afflictions, and towards the end

of his life, appears to ha)e had a good effect on his sub@ects! %lessed be /od, e)en the chief of sinners may hope for a glorious departure, when brought to repent and flee for refuge to the Sa)iour?s atoning blood! =et us mark the difference between the spirit and character of the man after /od?s own heart, li)ing and dying, and those of worthless professors, who resemble him in nothing but their sins, and who wickedly try to e cuse their crimes by his sins! =et us watch and pray, lest we be o)ercome by temptation, and o)ertaken by sin, to the dishonour of /od, and the wounding of our own consciences! 9hen we feel that we ha)e offended, let us follow *a)id?s e ample of repentance and patience, looking for a glorious resurrection, through our =ord 'esus Christ!