Chapter 149. 1 Kings 2: 1-12. 1 Chronicles 22. The Death of David.
THE time had come for David to leave this scene and to go to be with the Lord. We know it was not his goodness that fitted him for heaven, for, as we saw, he had committed many grievous sins. But he knew that God could wash him and he would be whiter than snow. The blood of Jesus had not yet been shed for poor sinners on the cross, but David by faith could see in those sacrifices, offered daily in the tabernacle, a type of the one great offering, Christ Jesus, who would give Himself a ransom for many. So death had no terrors for David, and he could call his son Solomon and quietly tell him he was going “the way of all the earth,” and give him his last commands.
David charged the new king to be strong and to keep the charge of the Lord, according to all that is written in the law of Moses; God would then bless him, and could fulfill His promises to the house of David. The reign of Solomon must be in righteousness, and he must judge whatever had offended. He was to remember Joab’s cruel act, and punish him for the murder of Abner many years before. And Shemei, too, who had cursed David, was to be punished as Solomon should think right. But David charged Solomon to reward the kindness of Barzillai, who had been so kind to David when he was in trouble and sorrow. It was not that David was revengeful, but he knew that while he could personally forgive his enemies, God’s commands must be obeyed; Solomon was to reign in righteousness, and he must begin by putting out of his kingdom all that did offend, or that worked iniquity. In this we see Typified the Lord Jesus who is now bearing with His enemies in great patience and love as David did, but when He comes with His mighty angels in flaming fire, He will take vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 1:7, 87So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. (1 Thessalonians 1:7‑8).)
David spoke very solemnly and affectionately to Solomon, “My son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart, and with a willing-mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off forever.” (1 Chron. 28:99And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (1 Chronicles 28:9).)
David also charged the people to help their new king, who was yet young and tender, and the work of building the temple was great, as it was not a house for man, but for the Lord God. Then he blessed them all, and praised and thanked God for all His goodness to him and his house. Then sacrifices were offered, and Solomon was anointed a second time before all the people who came with the princes to promise obedience.
Soon after this David died, at a great age, full of riches and honor. He had reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three at Jerusalem. And if we, like him, have peace with God, we can think of the time when we shall leave this earth, with calmness and joy. And this joy will be far greater than ever could be David’s, for God’s word tells us what a wonderful portion is that of the believer. Not only sins gone forever, but made heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ, to be with Him, and like Him forever. Blessed portion! Well may we say from the depth of our hearts, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” (2 Cor. 9:1515Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15).)
ML 01/16/1916