1 Kings 2:46

REFLECTIONS

READER! after gathering all the instructions from this chapter which the Holy Ghost graciously intended from it, for the comfort and edification of his church and people, let us direct our views to the contemplation of David; and, having here seen his end in his death and burial, first consider the character of this man as he is in himself; and, secondly, in the light in which he eminently stands in the church, a type and figure of the ever blessed Jesus.

When we consider David in his original obscurity of situation, as the son of Jesse! When we behold him brought forth and placed in a state so high and exalted! When we view him in all his private life, and public usefulness! When we see him in his most exalted seasons of piety! and when we behold him no less in his falling into sin - What a wonderful character, taken together, doth he appear! The most extraordinary perhaps that ever the Lord brought forward from among the sons of Adam. No doubt, eminently intended to be held forth as a monument in the church; that his most astonishing heights of devotion might comfort, encourage, and animate the people of God. And no less that the sad falling into sin, from which almighty grace recovered him, might encourage poor penitent transgressors to hope in his mercy, in and through Jesus.

But, when we have duly pondered over the character of David, as he was in himself, I would beg the Reader to look at him yet more leisurely and attentively, as he stands in the church, a type and figure of our ever adored Redeemer. Here he comes forward in a more eminent manner, and challenges our more serious consideration.

Chosen of God from among the sheepcotes, and from the lowest obscurity, how doth he prefigure Him who was taken from among the humblest of men, and set up in the councils of peace from everlasting. And if David was the man after God's own heart, who can overlook in him the type of Jesus, Jehovah's elect, in whom his soul delighteth; the man whose name is the Branch, and concerning whom a voice from heaven proclaimed him God's well-beloved Son, in whom his soul was well pleased? Did David fight the battles of the Lord; did he conquer Goliath, and the armies of the uncircumcised Philistines? and did not Jesus obtain the victory over all the enemies of our salvation'? Was David anointed king over God's people contrary to the wishes of Saul, and all the expectation of Israel? and was not Jesus crowned king in Zion in direct defiance of Herod, and all the expectation of the people of the Jews, who declared that they would not have this man to reign over them? Did David make his way to the throne through a series of persecution, affliction, and distress? and who can forget the sorrows, persecutions, and oppositions, dearest Jesus, by which thou didst purchase the crown of redemption, before it was put upon thy sacred head? Was David surrounded with his worthies, the captains, and elders of Israel; and what a noble army of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, followed the Lord Jesus? Was David the sweet psalmist of Israel, and did he compose songs for the sanctuary? And what songs of salvation hath our Jesus taught his people, both in the temple service below, and in the realms of bliss above, when the redeemed of the Lord shall come to Zion with everlasting joy upon their heads, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away forever! Hail! blessed Jesus! thou hast the key of David; thou art both the root and the offspring of David! David's son after the flesh, and David's Lord and God in the divinity of thy nature. Truly, Lord, many kings have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Oh! may the history of all thy servants lead my soul to thee. They shall lay on thee all the glory of thy Father's house; and on thee would I lay all the glory of my salvation!