1 Chronicles 12:38-40 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel… The man who was the darling of the people, and from whose administration they had raised expectations, being now, by Divine appointment, made king over all the tribes, "there was joy in Israel." There is abundant reason for much greater joy in the spiritual Israel, on account of David's illustrious son, the King Messiah, the Saviour of His people (Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 25:9). I. THE CAUSE OF JOY OF ISRAEL, WITH RELATION TO THE KING MESSIAH, THE SON OF DAVID, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. 1. This coming in the flesh is a matter of joy, as He then appeared King of Israel, and the Saviour thereof. Salvation is the source, the foundation of spiritual joy in Israel. (1) This salvation is — (a) From sin; (b) From wrath to come; (c) From eternal death; (d) From every spiritual enemy. (2) It is to be had freely. (3) It is a great salvation. (4) It is a salvation in which the glory of God is greatly concerned. 2. The spiritual coming of Christ in the hearts of His people at conversion is another event that causes joy in Israel. 3. In the latter day, when Christ will be more manifest, and, like David, will be King over all the house of Israel, and over the whole world, then there will be joy and gladness. II. WHERE AND AMONG WHOM IS THIS JOY? Not only in Israel but in the whole world. Christ is not the God of the Jews only. III. THE NATURE OF THIS JOY. 1. It is spiritual. 2. It is the joy of our Lord. 3. It is the joy of faith. 4. It is a joy that the world knows nothing of. 6. It is unspeakable. 6. It is a joy to be continually exercised. 7. This joy will be at last full and complete. (J. Gill, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king. |
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