The Pulpit Commentary — Judges — Section 52

c-0mparnti-ely or relatively right which is not absolutely so. The fact that we ~ondemn th~ a_cti?n is not due to our superior n~tural light, but simply to the teach- ings of Chr1stJS1rnty, the o?tg:rowth and perf~ctn~g of the crude morality of the Old T<'~tnment. :2. On the princip_le that the o?ligation to tell tlie t1·utli depends upon the e.TI.stence of a normal and friendly relatwn between men • the permission to kill carryi:ng with it tha:t of dusi'.mulation (Mozley): 3. Bec~u.se Jael followed as a mei·e in,~trument th:e irnpulse of the Abs?lute.. I~ 1t not credible that persons may be move? by a supenor re~son_ to do tlnngs Ju_st1fiable from the standpoint of that supenor reason, but which, if they fully realised what they were doing, would be utterly unlawful for them to do? II. ITS BEARINGS UPON INSPIRATION, &c. OF HOLY ScRIPTURE. The inspiration of Scripture cannot be affected by the inspired sanction of such a deed. Inspiration does not necessarily involve a knowledge of the" whole counsel of God." It has its d<igrees, and is reliable so far as it goes. A merely human production would have n~-oided_ su?h appar~nt self-?ontradictions. That there are moral mysteries and difficulties 1_n the _Bible, wluch are neve~heless seen to have possible solutions beyond the immediate knowledge of man, 1s a strong presumption in favour of its being Divine. III. How FAR IS JAEL AN EXAMPLE TO DE IMITATED? In no wise. This is an exceptional case, all of whose circumstances must be taken into account. She is like many whom a special destiny seems to isolate from their fellows, almost to b~ pitied, save for the thought that she acted as the servant of God. The instincts by which we condemn her deed are evidently of God, and must therefore be fol- 1owed.-M. Ver. 31.-The sunlike life. Cf. Prov. iv. 18. A beautiful simile. Many points of resemblance between the course and nature of the sun and the character and life of the Christian. I. PROGRESS. Steady. By gradual, regularly increasing advance. The hours and days and years can be measured by it. We can calculate upon it. Continual. Not by fits and starts. Ever forward, even when not seen. Culminating. Noon is splendour and strength ; sunset is fulfilment. II. ILLUMINATION. ID the Christian life nothing need be concealed. We are " children of the light, and of the day." Openness, honesty, actions of simplicity and good report. Knowledge is light, and it is by knowing the Eternal that we live. The spiritual are the light of the world. Christ is so par excellence; but all Chris- tians shine with his brightness, and exhibit his character. We are so to live as that others can take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, and that they may follow us as we follow him. The figure also suggests that Christians may become clear, and bright, and free from darkness as light itself is. Spiritual iHumination is not ever a borrowing from without. We may have light and life in ourselves. The sun is independent of circumstances, and shines on even when half the world is dark. It is also a figure for vindication and triumph. The day shall declare how much I The glory and beauty of the spiritual man shall then be revealed.-M. Ver. 7.-.A 'ITWther in Israel. The position and character of Deborah and her mission to Israel are suggestive of the Scriptural teaching concerning women and their work. I. GOD RAISED UP A WOMAN FOB THE DELIVERANUE OF HIS PEOPLE. Deborah appears in the line of deliverers. The others are all fighting men. In the present instance a warrior, Barak, is associated with the prophetess ; yet it is not he, but the woman, Deborah, who secured victory, for she tells us that the hamlets were deserted until she arose. The Bible assigns great honour and high privileges to women. In Jewish history they are often prominent and famous for noble services. Women were among the most honoured of the disciples of Christ. In spite of the narrow views regarding the rightful position of women with which St. Paul is credited, that great apostle was ready to recognise the valuable work of women in the Church (Phil. iv. 3). Women have peculiar powers for such work as requires sympathy and the gentleness which is at the root of true greatness (Ps. xviii. 35). And many OD. V. 1--31.] THE BOOK OF JUDGES. 53