THE KINGDOM
THE KINGDOM
Speaking in a general way, I think the kingdom is presented in Scripture in two distinct connections: first, in relation to men, and secondly in relation to the inheritance. The former has reference to Egypt, the latter to Canaan.
God had no thought of rooting the Egyptians out of Egypt; His purpose was rather to deliver His people from them and it. This sets forth the present phase of the kingdom, and is [p. 62] the occasion of the song of Exodus 15. The form the kingdom has assumed at the present time is in the way of power, introduced for the deliverance of men from the enemy, and preserving them in his presence, so to speak, without disturbing his external position at all. Pharaoh and his warriors, it is true, were actually destroyed in the sea, but this alludes to the triumph of Christ in resurrection, and is for faith. Satan still wields his wonted power everywhere. Those who have been enlightened by the gospel, however, know that he has been overthrown and they do not fear him; further, they are conscious of a power down here greater than he, and in virtue of this hold themselves free of his influence. The singers on the banks of the Red Sea not only recognised that the Lord was a man of war, but were, it seems to me, conscious for the moment of the power by which the enemy was overthrown. This is the understanding one has of what marks this moment. Salvation involves not only what the Lord has done, but we stand consciously in the power of the Holy Ghost. The death, the resurrection, and ascension of Christ would not be of practical value to men at the present time were it not for the presence of the Spirit down here.
Not only are men held in the grip of Satan, but the [p. 63] inheritance is also held and occupied by him. This has not had the attention it deserves, but it is of immense importance in the mind of God. The inheritance must be cleared of the enemy, and this was what God had in view in the anointing of David. The anointing of David not only referred to Canaan but to the entire territory promised to Abraham. In the throne of David God really asserted His right to the world. David was not content with Canaan alone, he pushed his dominion as far as the Euphrates.
Jerusalem was to be the great centre. I think Jerusalem stands for the heavenlies. It was to be the great centre of light and government. David had intelligence as to this from the outset; directly he slew the giant, he brought his head there. The city had been in the hands of the Jebusites until his day, but when he was acknowledged king over all Israel he repaired thither and took it. There his throne was established, and as a result, the power of evil was subjugated throughout the length and breadth of the inheritance; light and blessing also ensued and prevailed everywhere. All this refers to Christ. He has taken the token of victory into the heavens, and the Jebusites will soon be thrust out. The Lord has not yet taken up the throne of His father David, but when He does all adverse power will quickly be broken up and dislodged.
It is a point of the very greatest importance that we should stand in the light of these things. It was a sad day for the ten tribes when they severed themselves from the house of David. It will be found that light and support stood connected with David’s line and Jerusalem, while there was little else but darkness (except indeed the prophetic word, but this was in no way connected with royalty) associated with Samaria. Those who stand for the throne of David and Jerusalem are sure to find divine support.