David’s Example
Just
before his death, David encourages the people to give to the temple. At the heart of this request is the knowledge
that the offering is for God. David wants
God to be praised. David wants God to be
honored. In the opening verses of this
chapter we truly get a sense of the relationship between David and his
God. It isn’t about human glory; it is
about divine glory.
At the
heart of this point is his own personal example. Look at how much David gave out of his own
personal wealth. He was committed to the
temple. Even if he would never see it,
David was committed to the project.
David’s heart was truly with God.
He set this example for the nation.
There is nothing higher than giving to the glory of God.
What an
interesting example when set up against the calling of the world. Does not the world call us to store up our
treasures here on earth? Does not the world
tell us to make a name for ourselves?
Doesn’t the world teach us to think about ourselves? Here we see David give generously to the Lord
in response of how generously the Lord had given to him. Here we see David give to the glory of the
Lord rather than retaining his prosperity for the sake of his own name or the
inheritance of his children.
David sets
an incredible example for the Hebrew people.
As I’ve heard said, leadership defines culture. The culture responds. The leaders of the various tribes come forth
and give generously to the temple effort.
As David gave, the people respond as well.
But there
is something that comes out of David’s request and the generous response of the
people. The hearts of the people are
made glad. The hearts of the people are
warmed. The people rejoice because they
gave freely. They did not give out of
burden or obligation. They gave cheerfully
and rejoiced because of it!
David Prays among the People
When the
gifts had been given, David turns to pray among the people. However, look at what David does at the
beginning of the prayer. David blesses
the Lord! Let this point sink in for a
moment. What blessing can a human
pronounce upon God that gives God anything that he doesn’t already have? Doesn’t it sound strange for a human being to
bless the Lord?
Yet, this
is what David does. You see, it isn’t
about what David can bring to God. It
isn’t about who is greater: David or God.
Everyone knows God is greater than David. What this is about is David turning and
recognizing how great God is in the world.
God’s glory extends farther than we could ever know. God’s power and majesty can be seen in the
whole universe. It is not so much about
bestowing a blessing upon God as it is about turning to God and giving Him
thanks.
Then
David does a little confession. David
acknowledges that when compared to God he is nothing. David even acknowledges that they cannot give
God anything that isn’t already His to begin with! How is that for a humbling position of
giving? Everything we give is already
God’s to begin with. Truly, we are not
masters or owners. At best, we are
merely stewards.
This
confession then leads to sacrifice.
Sacrifice comes because human beings acknowledge their brokenness and
their thankfulness before God. What is
the result of this? There is great joy
before the Lord.
I think
that it is really neat that this is one of the last recorded acts of David’s
public presence. David leads the people
in charity, prayer, praise, repentance, and sacrifice back to God. I can think of no better way to end a life.
Solomon Anointed Again
Solomon
is anointed a second time. Certainly
this was merely ceremonial. However,
after this event Solomon takes the throne instead of his father. It is here that the transition takes
place. David’s mighty men swear
allegiance to Solomon. The crown is
passed from father to son.
As I read
this, it all sounds so rather anti-climactic.
After all, David is the greatest king in Hebrew history. Solomon is the wisest king in Hebrew history. You would think that there would be a little
more fanfare about this transition than there actually is in the text.
In fact,
this fact points us back to the chronicler.
As we close the life of David, it is important to remember the
chronicler’s point. The chronicler is
writing about the relationship of God’s people with God. This isn’t a human accounting of a great
king. This isn’t even a human
effort! This is God’s work in reminding
these post-exilic Hebrew people about what made David’s reign great. The chronicler is telling the people that God
made David great. This is God’s story,
not David’s story or Solomon’s story.
David Dies
At the
end of this book, we hear that David dies.
Again we are lacking fanfare. We
are simply told that David passes from the living into the dead. His record is kept, but not exaggerated.
The
chronicler doesn’t need to make a grand statement. He doesn’t need to oversell the story. The exiles returning from Babylon would know
David’s story from the accounting of Samuel and Nathan and Gad (Probably the books
of 1 & 2 Samuel). Instead, the
chronicler’s point is subtle. David
died. Solomon took over. God remained and continued to be in charge.
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