2 Samuel 8

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VIII.—Faithful is he who hath promised. Now, after many ages, he put Israel into the full enjoyment of all their promised territory, from the river of Egypt on the south-west to the Euphrates on the north-east. No mighty nations, or powerful corruptions, can withstand when God’s time of humbling them arrives. The awful threatenings denounced against them take fast hold on them; and the more they have oppressed the people of God, the worse fate may they expect. While the associated enemies of the church are broken in pieces, those armies are safe with whom the Lord goes out to the battle. In all wars, the glory of God ought to be our principal end; and to him our whole success ought to be ascribed. Wars abroad ought never to hinder mildness, good order, and equity, at home. And such as have been faithful friends in adversity deserve preferment in prosperity. But lo! when God has a temple to build, how he brings under such as would incline to oppose it, and provides for its expense! 1 W