---

David's work as a warrior was preparatory to his as a king. He defeated enemies and vanquished conspirators, in order that there might be peace and tranquillity in the land, in order that the pursuits and arts of peace might take the place of violence, disorder, and turbulence. It is still sometimes necessary that the sword should be drawn for the protection of liberty and for the preservation of order. There could not be a worthier, a nobler outcome of David's campaigns and victories than that recorded in the text: "So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people."

I. CIVIL SOCIETY INVOLVES THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY. This need not reside in a king; it may be a president, or other chief magistrate. But in some person or persons must be deposited the right and power to rule. Unless men are to live in the condition of savages or brutes, civil authority must be constituted, recognized, and supported. Checks to arbitrary power, limitations to all personal action, there must be; but not to the destruction of a right to reign and to require obedience.

II. CIVIL SOCIETY INVOLVES THE MAINTENANCE OF JUSTICE BETWEEN MAN AND MALE. Power is good when rightly used. Right and might should go together. Rulers are not entrusted with authority for the indulgence of their own caprice, or the enhancement of their own glory. They are bound to act, "not for their own, but for their people's good." In Oriental countries it was and is the custom for princes themselves to sit in the gate and to administer justice. It was so with David and Solomon, and with other kings of Israel. In modern society, where law is more complex, the administration of justice is confided to a profession - to judges and magistrates. In any case, well-ordered society requires both judicial and legislative functions, in whomsoever centred. "The powers that be are ordained of God."

III. CIVIL SOCIETY IS CONSOLIDATED AND PERFECTED BY JUSTICE, "David reigned over all Israel." This was undoubtedly the consequence of the impartial administration of justice among all classes. Civil rulers have often been slow to learn the lesson, that there is no foundation for general content like unswerving justice. Just rulers make contented and united peoples.

IV. CIVIL SOCIETY IS DESTINED TO EXTEND ITS ADVANTAGES TO ALL MANKIND. Every community where kings and rulers reign with justice, every nation which is exalted by righteousness, is a beacon to the world. Peoples so favoured have a sacred mission to fulfil, and upon them is laid a responsibility from which there is no escape. - T.

---

---

KJV: So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

WEB: David reigned over all Israel; and he executed justice and righteousness to all his people.