We may take the "princes of Israel" as types and representatives of the strong men, the leaders in the kingdom, or Church, or society of which they are members, those who are responsible for the measures which are adopted, for the course which is chosen, for the principles which are professed. Thus regarding them, we may gather from the text -

I. THAT IT IS THE WISDOM OF THE STRONG TO GAIN THE FAVOUR OF GOD for themselves and for the community. "Set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God' (ver. 19); i.e. strenuously and perseveringly endeavour to gain God's approval, to do his will and win his smile. That is the "beginning of wisdom" and the end of it, in all cases now, with all leaders everywhere. They are to do this by

(1) taking earnest heed to his revelation of himself;

(2) accepting him who is the Manifestation of his mind and will;

(3) fashioning their own lives and directing those of others according to his holy Word.

II. THAT THE WISDOM OF THE STRONG IS IN MAKING THE MOST OF FAVOURABLE OPPORTUNITY. David urged the princes to activity on the ground that the time had come for action. "Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side?" etc. (ver. 18). Now that the energy of the people needed not to be devoted to the art of war, it was most fitting that it should be given to the building of a house for the Lord. The time of peace is the hour of national industry and progress, when the useful arts and religious institutions should receive particular attention. It is the part of wise and conscientious leaders, in the Church as well as in the state, to watch for the time of opportunity, to make the utmost of the "golden hour," to strike when the blows will tell. Carefulness or negligence in this matter may make all the difference between success and failure. These are favourable times for

(1) reorganization,

(2) reconciliation,

(3) evangelization.

III. THAT IT IS THE WISDOM OF THE STRONG TO BUILD UP THAT WHICH HOLDS THE MOST SACRED THINGS. "Build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house" (ver. 19). The princes could do nothing better for Israel than build the house in which the ark would abide; for the Lord himself would dwell above the mercy-seat, and so long as Israel worshipped purely in the house they were building they might count on his presence and his favour. Our leaders do well to incite us to build

(1) houses of the Lord in which he himself will dwell, and receive the homage of his people and teach them his truth;

(2) institutions - Churches, societies, families - in which the holy principles Christ has taught us shall be incorporated;

(3) national character, which shall contain and embody those pure and righteous habits which are found in the lifo of the great Exemplar. These are of more value than all the "holy vessels" which David's zeal could collect. - C.

This charge has respect to and gathers force from —

I. THE PAST. Upon the life and conscience of Solomon were concentrated the considerations and responsibilities which arise out of —

1. The relations of the family covenant. Solomon was a sou of promise.

2. The influence of parental example.

3. The Divine faithfulness.

II. THE PRESENT. From the present several motives and ., encouragements are drawn.

1. Problems have been solved, paths of duty have been made clear, and avenues of effort and usefulness have been opened up.

2. The present was made rich in material which had been prepared and laid up in the past.

3. These preparations brought within the reach of Solomon opportunities such as had been enjoyed by no one before him. The preparation of means and material create opportunities. Providence has created for every Christian greater spiritual opportunities than Solomon enjoyed, and the responsibilities arising out of these opportunities are solemn and urgent.

4. All these motives, arguments, and considerations, drawn from the past and present, unite in a resistless appeal for action: "Arise and be doing."

III. THE CHARGE HAS RESPECT TO THE FUTURE.

1. Encouragement in his undertaking. Solomon had the promise of the Divine presence and blessing.

2. He was also encouraged in his undertaking by the fact that in the accomplishment of it the desires, hopes, and prayers of pious ancestors would be fulfilled.

3. By thus fulfilling the pious desires of godly ancestors, Solomon set in operation spiritual agencies which carry down to future ages blessings in ever widening streams of diffusive beneficence.Application:

1. In our work we use materials and agencies which have been prepared by kings, prophets, apostles, and martyrs. All the achievements and improvements of modern science and civilisation are available in Christian work.

2. In the kingdom of God them is a place and a sphere for talents and service of all kinds.

(S. J. Wilson, D. D.)