Prosperous Reign of David
445
Nation Freed From Idolatry
The removal of the ark had made a lasting impression upon the
people of Israel, kindling anew their zeal for Jehovah. David endeav-
ored to deepen these impressions. Song was made a regular part of
religious worship, and David composed psalms to be sung by the peo-
ple in their journeys to the annual feasts. The influence thus exerted
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resulted in freeing the nation from idolatry. Many of the surrounding
peoples were led to think favorably of Israel’s God, who had done
such great things for His people.
David had erected a palace for himself, and he felt that it was not
fitting for the ark of God to rest within a tent. He determined to build
for it a temple of such magnificence as should express Israel’s appreci-
ation of the abiding presence of Jehovah their King. Communicating
his purpose to the prophet Nathan, he received the response, “Do all
that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee.”
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, giving
him a message for the king: “The Lord telleth thee that He will make
thee a house... . I will set up thy seed after thee... . He shall build
a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom
forever.”
The reason David was not to build the temple was declared: “Thou
hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt
not build a house unto My name... . Behold, a son shall be born to
thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his
enemies; ... his name shall be Solomon [peaceable], and I will give
peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build a house for
My name.”
1 Chronicles 22:8-10
.
Though the cherished purpose of his heart had been denied, David
received the message with gratitude. He knew that it would be an
honor to his name to perform the work he had purposed to do, but he
was ready to submit to the will of God. How often those who have
passed the strength of manhood cling to the hope of accomplishing
some great work which they are unfitted to perform! God’s providence
may speak, declaring that it is theirs to prepare the way for another to
accomplish it. But instead of gratefully submitting to divine direction,
many fall back as if slighted. If they cannot do the one thing they desire
to do, they will do nothing. Many vainly endeavor to accomplish a
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