The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-07-18
Studies in Old Testament History.


buat MS aQVlce TO DaVlQ was wrong.
Nathan the next day sought the king.
He came as the fearless exponent of the
Inner Voice. His question, spoken in
the name of the Lord, Shalt thou build
me an house for me to daceU IMP by it's
tone implied decided negative. David
himself subsequently Il Chron. xii, Z,
81 reported the message of Nathan to
him: David said to Solomon. Nv SON,
as for me. 1T aoas in mig mind to build q
house unto the name of the Lord my
God: but the aOord of the Lord came to
me, saying, Thou hast she'd blood alum
dainty, and hast made great Wdrs:
thou shalt not build house unto mig
name because thou hast shed much
blood upon the earth in n,y sight.
Nathan proceeded to declare to David
that there had not yet, in all the history
of Israel, been any command Of the
Spirit that temple should be built.
The tabernacle had been built by
Divine guidance; not yet had the Inner
Voice pronounced that a temple of
cedar should be erected.
Manifestly, in the calmness of clear
afterthought, there were real reasons
why David should not now devote him
self to building temple.
Although he was not at this period
being molested by his external enemies
the truce would soon be broken, and
war would once more be his main bust
ness. The era for architecture in Israel
had not quite arrived.
Another reason must have had infiu.
ence with Nathan. Israel was moi
wholly united in the tabernacle service
in Jerusalem Abiathar. the high priest
OF David's appointment, was now in
authority at the capital; but Zadok, the
high priest of Saul's appointment, was
maintaining sacrificial worship at the
historic tabernacle at Shiloh. The old
tabernacle was perhaps dilapidated; but
it appealed to many people of the north
erly tribes as David's new tabernacle OF
even stone temple could not.
There was danger in this condition OF
things. How great the danger was we
can see when we behold, seventy years
later, the nation rent in twain. Nathan
in conservatism to his second thought
perceived what we can now plainly see
that the need of the nation then was
not a temple. the building of which
might force dangerous disagreement
to premature issue; but it was rather
the pursuance of policy which would
tend to pacify and weld the nation in an
enduring unity.
2. David is Assured that his
own House shall be Built,-vs. g.
IL.
To be debarred as man of war from
building the temple might naturally
lead David to suspect that the prophet
had doubt as to the permanence of his
continuance as king. In answer to such
an inference Nathan gives David assur-
ance that the Providence that has from
the first over-ruled lis life, calling him
from the tending of sheep and making
him shepherd of Israel, will still at
tend him. and make for him great
name, like unto the name of the great
ones that are n, the earth. Providence
will protect the nation Israel. Now that
the tribes are consolidated into nation
there will be no more divisions, as in
the days of the judges. David's reign
shall be for the advantage of united
Israel.
While therefore David may not, for
prudential reasons, build house for
Jehovah. his desire to build such an
house is Divinely approved, and will re,
suit in his own house being built in the
prosperity of Israel.
3. David's Throne Established,
vs.. 1916.
The Divine good will to David is fur
ther declared in the prophecy that his
dynasty will be Of long endurance. The
nation will continue to be favored in his
posterity. He is to have son succeed
him on the throne; his sons kingdom
will be established. The special mes
sage of the Spirit concerning David's
son. the coming Solomon, u.s. He shall
build an house for mig name. Solomon's
waverings of faith are prefgured; but
the promise is made that he will not. as
Saul did, weary the Divine mercy by
persistent rebellion. but will continue to
be Jehovah's man.
This message of promise is represent,
ed as having given the greatest salts
faction to David. He lived in the antici-
patton of his son doing the great work he
would have done. He was content that
his sons name should be clothed with
renown as the temple builder.
Meanwhile David promoted the great.
ness of Israel by military exploits and
triumphs, and all his life prepared ma
terial for the temple, anticipating the
need in Solomon's day.
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