1 Samuel 2:10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder on them… The last word of the song of Hannah is the first mention of the Lord's Anointed, Messiah, Christ. 1. Her language was a direct prediction of the appointment of a theocratic king, for which Samuel prepared the way, and which, under Divine direction, he was the chief agent in effecting. 2. It was an indirect prediction of One who had been long expected (Genesis 3:14, 15; Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:17, 18; Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17-19; Deuteronomy 18:15-19), and in whom the idea of such a king would be completely realised. 3. It marks the dawn of a splendid series of prophecies founded on the reign of David, and ever brightening to the perfect day (2 Samuel 7; 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 2; Psalm 110; Isaiah 9:9; Daniel 9:25; Micah 5:1; Malachi 4:2. Fairbairn, 'Typology,' 1:111; Pye Smith, 'Script. Test.,' 1:169). Consider - I. HIS REGAL OFFICE. Its general purpose was - 1. To unite a divided people (Genesis 49:10). Nothing was more needed in the days of the judges. 2. To save them from their enemies. "Thy salvation" (1 Samuel 2:1; Psalm 18:50; Psalm 95:1; Matthew 1:21). 3. To rule over them, judge them in righteousness, and establish among them order peace, and happiness. "The regal office of our Saviour consisteth partly in the ruling, protecting, and rewarding of his people; partly in the coercing, condemning, and destroying of his enemies" (Pearson 'on the Creed,' Art. 2.). It was the fatal mistake of Israel in all ages to look for an outward, worldly, and imposing, rather than an inward, moral, and spiritual fulfilment of this purpose. The same mistake has, to some extent, pervaded Christendom. "My kingdom is not of this world." "The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." "Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself have founded empires. But upon what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his empire upon love; and at this moment millions would die for him" ('Table Talk and Opinions of Napoleon Buonaparte'). II. HIS DIVINE APPOINTMENT. "His King." "His Anointed" (Psalm 2:6; Psalm 18:50). 1. The choice was of God. "Chosen out of the people" (Psalm 89:19). Even Saul, a man after the people's heart rather than after God's heart, was selected and appointed by him. The invisible King of Israel did not relinquish his authority. 2. Founded on personal eminence. David. The ancient Persians believed that their ruler was an incarnation of the eternal light, the object of their worship, and therefore rendered him Divine honour. This was a reality in Christ. 3. Confirmed and manifested by the anointing of his Spirit (1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 2:4); the outward act being a symbol of the inward endowment (Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:18). "God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him" (John 3:34; Hebrews 1:9). III. HIS GLORIOUS EXALTATION. 1. After a state of humiliation; implied in the language here used; also indicated in ver. 8; and typified by the lowly origin of David and his course to the throne. 2. By the right hand of God. "He will give strength;" "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18); exhibited in his resurrection, ascension, and possession of supreme honour, authority, and power. 3. To a kingdom universal and eternal. "The Lord shall judge the ends of the earth" (Psalm 2:8; Psalm 72:2-5; Psalm 132:18; Luke 1:31-33, 69). Whilst Jesus lives and reigns in heaven, he also lives and reigns on earth. He does so by the continued and ever increasing power of his example and teachings, his wondrous life, and still more wondrous death. The truths and principles which he declared and embodied are, at this moment, accepted by the loftiest intellects, the purest consciences, and the tenderest hearts amongst men. Who now reverses a single judgment which he pronounced upon men or things? Who can conceive any character more worthy of reverence and affection than his? The lapse of time has only served to invest his words and character with fresh interest and power. Other kings and conquerors are fading away amidst the shadows of the past; but he is ever rising before the view of mankind more distinctly, and living in their thoughts, their consciences, and their hearts more mightily. Yea, more, he lives and reigns on earth by his Divine presence, his providential working, and the power of his Spirit. Just as the sun, shining in mid-heaven, sheds down his rays upon the earth; so Christ, the Sun of righteousness (though no longer seen by mortal eye), pours down the beams of his influence upon us continually, and rules over all things for the complete establishment of his kingdom. - D. . Parallel Verses KJV: The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. |
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