1 Chronicles 17:14

But I will settle him in Mine house and in My kingdom for ever.

The everlasting establishment

I. First of all, let us offer a word or two upon the kingdom. Much is written in Scripture about kingdoms and empires.

1. That the “house” or the “kingdom” which Jehovah claims as His own is a kingdom which originated with the Lord. It rose not up in the mind of mortals first. It grew not up of Nature’s materials. It was not brought forth, and set up, and established, by the arm of man, or by the conquests of warriors, as many other kingdoms are. It originated in the wisdom, grace, and power of the Most High. Moreover, not only does this kingdom originate with Him, but it is so formed and constituted as to glorify the Lord. “My glory,” saith Jehovah, “will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.” In the formation and constitution of the kingdom which God calls His own--“Mine house and My kingdom”--the subjects are a royal seed; of royal blood; of royal birth; “kings and priests unto God.” My hearer, of what kingdom art thou? If thou art not of the kingdom of God’s grace, thou art of the kingdom of darkness, a slave of Satan, and on the highroad to destruction.

2. Yet further observe, the laws are immutable.

3. Then further, I notice the privileges, the high spiritual privileges of the kingdom. Pardon, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost.

II. I come to the investiture of the king.

“I will settle him in Mine house and in My kingdom.” Solomon was settled for a time, and reigned long and peacefully over Israel; but he is not reigning now. “A greater than Solomon is here.” He is invested with sovereignty, absolute and universal: “I will settle Him in My kingdom.” He is invested with sovereignty, absolute and universal. “I have set My King upon My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord has said unto Me, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance and uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.” Moreover, if we speak of His absolute sovereignty for a moment, you know it is written expressly, that “none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?”

III. This national establishment; for there is that word in my text--“establish.” There is a great deal said in Scripture about establishment. Immutable decrees are the basis of the establishment. Oh! I could bring out some twenty or thirty instances under my own notice in which all the schemes and powers and efforts of men have passed by; and God, in a moment and by a word, through some of His sent servants, has accomplished it all.

IV. The glorious perpetuity--“I will settle Him in Mine house and in My kingdom for ever; and His throne shall be established for evermore.” (Joseph Irons.)