The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 102

"Go<l's ju<lgmcnts are tl,e expressions of his opinion about our guilt.... But there i~ this difference between man and God in this matter :-A human judge gives his opinion in worcls; God gives his in events. And God always pays sinners back ir, land, that he may not merely punish them, but correct them; so that by the kind of their punishment they may know the kind of their sin" (C. Kingsley).-D. Tlie inquiriJ of the ajfticted. "Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us? " (ver. 3). Men are accustomed to meet affliction in various ways. 1. Some meet it lightly, am! endeavour to laugh at it. Dut this is possible only when it is not very- severe. 2. Others exaggerate it, lose their self-possession, and sink under it into despondency and despair. 3. Others quarrel with it as with an enemy, become embittered and cynical. 4. Others, still, endure it with philosophical (stoical) fortitude, accounting it not an evil, and resolving not to feel it. But this method breaks down in actual experience, -and leaves the character unimproved. The truly wise, whilst fully sensitive to its natural influence, and confessing it to be an evil, seek to understand its meaning an<l l)Urpose, and act in accordanc1i therewith. They adopt this inquiry of the elders of Israel, though in a somewhat different spirit. The inquiry pertains to- I. '£HE HAND FROM WHICH IT COMES. " Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us ? " 1. His dominion is supreme and universal. 2. His operations are often indirect, and to our view intricate and perplexing. Adversity is not the less under his direction -and control because it comes by the hand of man. 3. All be does is done in perfect wisdom, justice, and benevolence. It must be so, even when it appears otherwise (Ps. lxxvii. 19, 20). The mystery which beclouds his wayij is itself adapted to beget in us proper feelings toward him. The first necessity in affliction is to settle it in our hearts that " it is the Lord." II. THE CAUSE TO WHICH IT IS DUE. Whence? Suffering is the result ·and penalty of violating the natural or moral order which God has established in the world. 1. It may be often traced to the transgression of the sufferer, but not always. Those who are greater sufferers than others are not necessarily greater sinners (Luke xiii. 1-5). 2. It is often due to the transgressions of others with whom we are intimately associated, and in the effects of whose conduct we necessarily have part. 3. It is connected with the sinfulness of the heart, and implies participation in the fallen and corrupt nature of humanity. "This is the key both to the sufferings of the righteous and to many other secrets." Human suffering points, as with the finger of God, to human sin, :ind should ever lead to self-examination and profound humiliation. III. THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH IT IS SENT. Herein the fatherly love of God appears; and to those who love him punishment is transformed into chastisement and a means of blessing (Heh. xii. 11). It is designed-I. To manifest the presence and evil of sin, which would not be otherwise properly felt. The consequences of transgression often quicken the conscience to its 11 exceeding sinfulness," and lead to godly sorrow (Isa. xxvii. 9). 2. To restrain, and prevent future disobedience (Ps. cxix. 67). 3. To educate and improve the character-by instructing the soul in spiritual truth, working in it submission and patience, disposing it to sympathy, &c. (Ps. xciv. 12; Rom. v. 3; 2 Cor. i. 4). "All things work together for good," i. e. for the perfecting of the character in conformity to "the image of his Son" (Rom. viii. 29). 4. To prepare for the eKperience of higher joy, here and hereafter (2 Cor. iv. 17). 5. To promote the holiness and happiness of others in many ways. 6. To bring glory to God (John ix. 3; xi. 4). What is naturally a curse has thus hidden within it a priceless bless- ing ; which, h1wever, is not attained without human co-operation and Divine grnce. Affliction has not in itself the power to purify, strengthen, and save. IV. TllE )!EANS BY WHICH THESE PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLIS,HED. 1. Humility and ptnitence (Job xl. 4; xiii. 6). 2. Filial trust.; entering into fellowship with Christ m his sufferings, and receiving his Spirit according to his promise. 3. Tho hope of heaven, where there shall be "no more pain" (Rom. viii. 18). "Whatever thou aost hate, Whatever thou wouldst cast llway and scorn As profitless-Affliction never lose; Affliction never cens~ to venemte. t i;..rn. B  98 THE FIRST ROOK OF SAMUEL. [en. 1v. 1--'.:2.