Let us consider, II. For what end they are displayed unto us —
As the banner given to Israel in the time of David was to confirm their faith in his promises, and to assure them of God's faithfulness, so are the banners which God has given to us bestowed,
1. To confirm our confidence in him —
[We ought to " know in whom we have believed," and to feel assured that he is both " able and willing to keep that which we have committed to him™." We should never forget who it is that is engaged for us. We should never forget that in God we have a wisdom that cannot be circumvented, and a
f Heb. xii. 1,2. s Isai. lix. 1. ''2 Cor. xii. 9.
* 2 Cor. V. 5. k 1 Sam. xii. 22. i Phil. i. G.
m 2 Tim. i. 12.
•power that cannot be withstood. In hhn, too, we have di faith- fulness that is altogether inviolate and incapable of change. What, then, have we to fear ? The serpent, no doubt, is subtle, and the devices of Satan are very deep ; but can he elude the eye of our heavenly Protector, or by any means defeat His purpose ? Our enemies too, both within and without, are mighty : but what have we to fear, who have a Protector that is Almighty? " If God be for us, who can be against us"?" Let our enemies be ever so numerous, we may safely affirm that " they who be with us, are more than they who be witli them°;" and if we have no more than a lamp and a trumpet against an armed host, we shall in Jehovah's name prevail against them all p. A stone out of the brook shall suffice us to destroy our mightiest adversary ; yea, his own sword shall serve us for the instrument whereby to complete our triumph '^.J
2. To assure us of victory over all our enemies —
[Amongst men, a banner is only a signal to enlist them for the combat : but with God it is a pledge of victory. See how David regarded it : " In the Lord put I my trust : how say ye then to my soul. Flee as a bird to your mountain ? for, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that the}' may privily shoot at him that is perfect ; and, if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do ? The Lord is in his holy temple : the Lord's throne is in heaven "■;" and, whilst he is there, you need not attempt to alarm me : I know my security, and defy the efforts of all my enemies. It was this consideration that enabled Paul also to hurl defiance at his enemies, and to assure him- self of victory, as much as if it had been already gained^
And we also, in dependence on our God, may dismiss every fear, and anticipate, as already ours, the glory and felicity that await us'.]
Application —
What now can I say more but this ?
1. Fear God — [You will observe, that this is the descriptioii of the per- sons to whom his banner ivas given : and for them is the same privilege reserved in every age. Let not any undervalue this grace; for, in truth, it is that which as assuredly interests us in the divine favour as love itself. Of course, it is a filial fear of which we speak : and he who possesses that, may divest himself of every other fear ; " Who art thovi, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, or of the son of man, that
n Rom. viii. 31. " 2Kingsvi. IG, 17. P Judg. vii. 15—22.
q lSam.xvii.49— 51. ^ Ps. xi. 1— 4. « Rom. viii. 33— 39.
' 2 Cor. v. 1—4. 2 Tim. iv. 8.