LESSON 9: DAVID AND THE TEMPLE—ISRAEL
GOES TO WAR (1 CHR. 17-18)
The
parallel to the account in chapter 17 is
recorded in 2 Samuel 7:1-29.[1]
David dwelt in his house. It is seriously doubted, with the ark of God
now in its rightful place, that any of us can probe the depth of the feelings,
emotions, and interest found in the heart of David as he gave respectful
thoughts to honoring God. He must have had every ounce of his soul's convictions
stirred, when he considered his own safety, splendor, solace, satisfaction, and
source of comfort. He knew that his house was "fit for the King of
Israel" (cf. 1 Chr. 14:1), therefore there burned within him a passion
that strongly possessed him when he considered his own house of cedar and that
the ark of God dwelleth under curtains.
It can
only be hoped that such a concern as expressed by David relative to the ark of
God, would be expressed by every child of God concerning the spiritual body of
Christ, the Church of the New Testament! Wherein does the depth of our real
enthusiasm and enterprise, ambition and aim, design and desire of our hearts
express itself? Is it for our own prosperity? Is it for our own houses? Is it
for our own families? (cf. Luke 12:15-21). Let us clearly discern the condition
of the church and the high and exceeding lofty mission given to her.[2]
David
shared his thoughts with Nathan, the prophet and counselor. Nathan, as the
spokesman for Jehovah, probably brought God’s word to David many times. Three
specific occasions are recorded. David sinned with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:l)
and Jehovah sent Nathan with words of bitter 1 Kings 1:34), Nathan reminded David that Solomon was to be David’s
successor. The reference now under consideration happened here makes it clear
that Nathan was not briefed concerning Jehovah’s will as this related to David
and the Temple. To Nathan, David’s concern for the ark was most gratifying. The
prophet did not question the matter. He presumed that Jehovah would grant full
approval and that God would be with David in this project. Here again the
student learns that a prophet could only know what had been specifically
revealed to him.[3]
[W]e all
must remember that God always has the last word on that which He desires and
where the emphasis is to be placed. Even if we, too, hear from our friends the
"Do all that is in thy heart; for God is with thee" (1 Chr. 17:2), it
might not be the right time nor the right thing at the time to do. Good and
godly people ought to always be ready to encourage every worthy purpose, but
their sanction does not always mean the approval of God. God has a perfect time
for all things.[4]
Nathan's
"Thus saith Jehovah." The same night of the previous conversation
between David and Nathan, the word of God came to Nathan and it was explicitly
clear. God instructed Nathan to inform David that he was not to build Him a
house. It is of great interest to see how God referred to David. The prophet
heard the Word of God saying, "Go and tell David my servant" (1 Chr.
17:4), and God fully explained this to Nathan. Then, in a "reminding
way," God spoke of "my servant David" (1 Chr. 17:7); how could
anyone misunderstand the love and consideration that God had for David? Indeed,
God had greater plans for His own providential purpose, therefore, He was going
"to build David a house."[5]
In the
detailed veto of David’s proposal, Jehovah emphasized the fact that in all of
His experiences with Israel He had been satisfied to live in a tent. He had
tabernacled with His people. At no time had He ordered a house (a more
permanent structure) to be built for Him. The judges of Israel, men like Moses,
Joshua, and Samuel had never heard the suggestion, much less the express
command to build Jehovah a house of cedar, In effect, God said to David, “I
appreciate the consideration, but the time is not right and you are not the
man.” If the word of God had been complete in verse six, David would have graciously
accepted the over-ruling decision. By Jehovah’s wise design David was prepared
to be introduced to God’s plan for him and for his house. Once more David is
called Jehovah’s “servant.” Nathan was told to be careful to remind David that
from the humble life of a shepherd he had been lifted to the throne of Israel.
The sheepcote was a resting place for sheep and shepherds. It would refer to a
kind of pasture which would provide good natural protection for the flocks. A
shepherd had become a king, the leader of the unique people, Israel. Nathan was
ordered to remind David how Jehovah had been with him through every experience
until this hour. All enemies had been removed. David’s own brothers, Saul, the
Philistines, Ishbosheth with their combined antagonism had not been able to
thwart God’s purpose. This was history. It had already happened. Now, the hour
had struck when the Lord would reveal His plans for the future. ‘‘I will make thee a name like the
great ones of the earth” (verse 8). David,
the warrior, the administrator, the righteous ruler, Jehovah’s special
representative will take his place among the world’s most illustrious kings.
Israel, Jehovah’s people, will be established in their own land. Enemies will
not be able to scatter them and as a people they will be bound together by a
genuine righteousness. The great revelatory proclamation involving David is
recorded in verse 10, “Jehovah
will build thee a house.” The term “house” has to do with one’s descendants.
David had no lack of sons, as we have seen. Through a chosen son Jehovah will
guarantee the continuation of David’s reign. David would accomplish his
ministry of kingship and even as he passed from earth’s scene, Jehovah promised
to set David’s son on Israel’s throne.[6]
The
gloriously grand statements of the promise of God through Nathan to David,
included not just David, whose days would be fulfilled and who would "go
to be with his fathers," but God promised to "set up his seed after
him "and so establish his kingdom. In this we can see a lineage of the
promise – to David, to David's seed, and eventually for the kingdom and the
throne that would be forever. Certainly Solomon is in this promise as the seed
of David, but the promise does not stop with Solomon. Solomon was not so
settled in God's house as he should have been. However, this promise now
reaches to Him who would be so settled "in God's house and in God's
kingdom forever." Indeed, this is the throne that would be established
forever, and is not this that concerning which Peter spoke in the Book of Acts
(Acts 2:29-30; cf. 13:34ff; Luke 1:32-33)? Is it not also the teaching of such
Scriptures as Isa. 9:7; Jer. 23:5-6; Zech. 6:12-13; Heb. 1:5; 3:6? Is it not
declared as a Scriptural fact that Christ was to be the "high priest"
over the house of God? Was He not to have all authority both in heaven and upon
the earth (Matt. 28:18-20)? Yea, the house, the kingdom, the church finds Him
as the Head, the King, and the Savior of all mankind.[7]
1 Chr.
17:16-27 -- David's Gracious Acceptance from God
David sat
before Jehovah. In 1 Chr. 17:1 the record states that "David sat in his
house" (KJV), but here we find David "sat" before Jehovah.
Whether he sat in his "house," or sat "before Jehovah," one
item is clear concerning David: He had the heart of a true servant (David
referred to himself ten times, in reference to God, as "thy servant,"
1 Chr. 17:17-19,23-27). He recognized the graciousness, the benevolence of God.
However, this is not all, as he asked what every one (regardless of his person
or position) should ask: "Who am I ... what is my house?" (1 Chr.
17:16). David truly heightened the name of God, while also humbling himself.
This is one tremendously great, grand, gracious, and glorious example for all
of God's servants (note, the word "servant" is the one most
frequently used to describe one who is a Christian).
It is the
case, that in the lives of each of us, there perhaps will be times when our
fondest aspirations for things Divine may have to be set aside. We need to be
like our Master (cf. Heb. 12:2) and like David and realize that what God
promises He will perform. Our way is often hindered by our physical sight, but
God's way is one that always "looks to the end." Remember: When one
door is closed, God always opens another one. Indeed, "look through the
cross and unto the joy that is set before us." May we never forget that
God is in control and He works all things out (cf. Rom. 8:28).[8]
CHAPTER 18
It is most
interesting to note the first three words ("and after this") of this chapter,
as undoubtedly they refer back to the thoughts he had of honoring God and then
the word that he had himself (through Nathan) received from God (as well as his
communion with God in prayer). When any person is, as was David, in full and
complete submission to God's will, he is ready to go forth with vigor and
vitality, steadfastness and stalwartness, conquering and to conquer. Being in
God's presence means service with His power![9]
The record
at this point provides occasion for the student to recall how David the
shepherd became commander-in-chief of a great army. The purpose of the present
chapter is to summarize David’s early military victories as king of Israel. The
Philistines, Israel’s ancient foe, had challenged David’s army on two occasions
in the Valley of Rephaim. Once the Philistines fled leaving behind their broken
gods. Again, Jehovah caused the Philistines to hear the sounds of a mighty army
coming down upon them through the tops of the mulberry trees. No doubt, David
followed the Philistines into their own country occupying Gath and other
villages. Gath was about thirty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem and about
fifteen miles from the coast. It was one of the key Philistine cities. Israel’s
armies moved against the Moabites whose country was just to the east of the
Dead Sea. Ruth, David’s great great grandmother on his father’s side, had come
from Moab. 1 Samuel 22:3, 4 records
how David had requested the Moabites to provide a place of refuge for his
parents while he tried to avoid Saul. 2 Samuel 8:2 describes David’s war with
the Moabites indicating that he dealt with them in a very cruel manner. It is
possible that the Moabites had not been faithful in the matter of caring for
David’s parents. The Moabites began to pay tribute to David. These people were the
descendants of Lot.[10]
And so it
was with Hadarezer, king of Zobah (1 Chr. 18:3-4) and the Syrians of Damascus
(1 Chr. 18:5-8). David was even congratulated by Tou, king of Hamath (This city
was located on the Orontes River about 250 miles north of Jerusalem. The region
involved would mark the northern-most part of the territory to be controlled by
David.[11]),
yea, with all manner of rich blessings of gold, silver, and brass (1 Chr.
18:9-11). However, the end was not yet, as Abishai fought with and routed the
Edomites so that they became the servants of David (1 Chr. 18:12-13). Indeed,
David further proved himself to be the man that God had needed, a ruler, a
leader and a man of war. David had his role of service and performed it well.[12]
David may
already have had all of the horses he needed and for this reason he “hocked”
the enemy’s horses. A sharp
slash of the sword at the back of the horse’s hoof cut the tendon and made the
animal unfit for service.[13]
There are
a number of great lessons that may be learned just here, but I point out only
three of them:
1.
Regardless of victories, do not forget Jerusalem! By this, of course, I refer
to how we all need, to be graciously generous, and to dedicate our gifts to God
(cf. 1 Chr. 18:7,11). God's kingdom is a spiritual one, that we all know, but
it is in a way we may not comprehend, bound up with the material and the work
of the hands of man. Oh how we need to learn that the giving of our gifts to
God may help to work out His spiritual plans. God is not interested in raising
money, but in so doing God is raising men! The New Testament is replete with
such thoughts as "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver," and "He that
soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully" (cf. 2 Cor. 8:1--9:15).
2.
Regardless of victories, do not forget the source of power! Every child of God
needs to learn that what God has promised He will perform. Twice in these first
thirteen verses this statement is made: "And Jehovah gave victory to David
whithersoever he went" (1 Chr. 18:6,13). The record also twice mentions
what David did with the spoils (1 Chr. 18:7,11). God was with David, gave the
victories to David, and David gave of all back to God! The Word of God should
always be considered as it is the source of all power for the Christian (cf.
Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18; Eph. 3:20), and his God will never fail nor forsake him
(cf. Heb. 13:5-6; Matt. 28:20; John 13:1).
3.
Regardless of victories, do not forget that battles for the Truth will never
end on earthly shores! When we think of all the battles fought with the
Philistines, it reminds us that battles we fight against the enemies of God
must be constantly fought (cf. Judg. 3:1-3; 1 Sam. 4:1; 13:1--14:52; 2 Sam. 58;
1 Chr. 14; Isa. 11:14; Jer. 25:20; Ezek. 25:15-17; Amos 1:6-8). Today, as well
as in years gone by, we are having to fight battles for the Truth of God, and,
perhaps like never before in certain areas. There will always be enemies
"without" and enemies "within"! In fact, one of our worst,
if not our worst enemy, is "within" (cf. Acts 20:30). He is, indeed,
our most dangerous one – the one who "draws away disciples after him"
(note this has a direct and definite "purpose" clause in it).[14]
David did
not set out to conquer the world. Whatever territories were annexed to his
kingdom were within the limits of the original promises to Abraham-between the
Great Sea and the Euphrates River. Within these limits “Jehovah gave victory to
David whithersoever he went” (verse 6).
Verse
11—David knew that it was not his work to build the Temple; but from the time
he first thought about it until he died, preparations for the Temple were of
primary importance. The gold taken in battle from the Syrians was laid up in
Jerusalem. The fact that the warriors of Zobah had “shields of gold” indicates
the remarkable wealth of that nation. Tibhath and Cun are identified as cities
of Hadarezer. Their exact location is not known. From them the armies of Israel
took a great amount of brass. This brass (or copper) was used for the “brazen
sea” which was set in the court of priests at the Temple. It measured ten
cubits (about 15 feet) in diameter. It was five cubits high (about 7% feet).
It was a hand-breadth in thickness (three or four inches). The capacity of the
vessel has been estimated at about twenty four thousand gallons.[15]
What David
enjoyed away from home, he now enjoyed at home, and I speak about the kernel
thought of these verses as found in 1 Chr. 18:14: "And David reigned over
all Israel; and he executed justice and righteousness unto all his
people." Let it be remembered that David took God (His Word) with him everywhere;
therefore, he prospered. We now observe that God gives men power, not that they
may (in their own eyes or in the eyes of others) be greatly dignified with it,
but that they may do that which is holy, righteous, and good with it. Indeed,
he did mighty deeds of valor away from
home by defeating the enemies of God and securing the people of Israel,
but, this would have been useless had he not at home executed both justice and
righteousness. David actually revealed to Israel that which is "Divine
justice." He magnificently proved that the scepter (the reign of royal,
kingly, power and authority) of God is that of righteousness.[16]
[1] Spence, H.
D. M., The Pulpit Commentary, I Chronicles, pp. 268-269.
[2]
Goebel Music. “Times of Glory and Shame for David” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish,
Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
[3] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[4]
Goebel Music. “Times of Glory and Shame for David” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish,
Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
[5]
Ibid.
[6] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[7] Goebel
Music. “Times of Glory and Shame for David” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish,
Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
[8]
Ibid.
[9]
Ibid.
[10] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[11]
Ibid.
[12] Goebel
Music. “Times of Glory and Shame for David” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish,
Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
[13] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[14] Goebel
Music. “Times of Glory and Shame for David” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish,
Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
[15] Robert E.
Black. The Books of Chronicles in
Bible Study Textbook Series. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1991.
[16] Goebel
Music. “Times of Glory and Shame for David” in Studies in 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles. Ed. By Dub McClish,
Denton, TX: Valid Publications, Inc., 1993.
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