The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 131

soul does not share in the full bliRs. 11 Why art thou cast down?" is ofter, asked. The answer is, there is not the spiritual fitness for perfect fellowship. Some "idols" hnve been cherished. Divine reserve is a discipline to cause the heart to lament after God. General lessons :-1. There is ample ground for believing tbat all things shall be Aubdued unto Christ. His great power is yet to be put forth. 2. Inquiry should be mnde as to the existence_ of anything in motive, conduct, or spirit wl1ich keeps the Cl,urch from enjoying the full exercise of the power of God. 3. We may profitably reflect on what might be ours in private life if by our devotedness to Gorl we secured more of the II residue of the Spirit." Vera. 3-12.-Ebenezer. The facts are-1. Samuel calls on the people to prove their desire to return to God by putting away idols and preparing their hearts for a blessing. 2. A response to the call is followed by a summons to Mizpah for prayer and humiliation. 3'. A rumoured approach of the Philistines excites fear, and an urgent request for Samuel's intercession with God. 4. While Samuel is €ngaged in worship God discomfits the assailing Philistines by thunder. 5. The victory is commemoratea by raising the stone Ebenezer. This paragraph is to be considered in relation to Israel's true goal in life-to fulfil the Messianic purposes of their existence as a chosen people. Associated with this ulterior object, and sub- servient to it, was the full favour and blessing of God. This, again, was to be indicated _by the restoration in developed form of the holy services and festivals connected with the ark and the sanctuary. The turning-point in the degeneracy had come in a sense o:I:" d·esolation and misery consequent on the recent defeat and the capture of the ark. The return of the ark gently fanned the flickering flame of hope, but as yet the goal was far distant, and the conditions of attaining to it were very unsatisfactory. The narrative sketches, in the instance of Israel, an outline of true e,_ffort towards the goal of l~'fe, and the encouragements to persevere in the effort. The Christian Church and the individual soul have each an issue of life to attain to It is also true of them that they start from a relatively low and W1Satisfactory position, and will succeed in their endeavour only as they observe conditions inseparable from their position. I. The MEANS AND CONDITIONS OF REALISING LIFE'S PURPOSE. Confining attention to those involved in tl1is portion of history, we find them to be-1. A hearty renun- ciation of all tliat is alien to the mind of God. Idols had to be put aside. Man is attached to idols. They may be feelings entertained, passions gratified, favourite motives cherished, customs cultivated, aims kept in view, objects unduly loved. The "covetousness" which clings to forbidden things is "idolatry." In so far as these things absorb our feeling and receive our attention after that God has indicated that they ought not, so far do we set them up as deserving regard and love in preference to himself. The Church and the individual niust search and cast aside all that is alien to the mind of God. 2. Confession of sin and hztmiliation of spirit. No soul can attain to its goal, no Church can do its work and acquire purity and freedom, apart from sincere confession and deep humiliation for what is past. Israel's gathering at Mizpah to acknowledge their guilt and bow before God, as though they were II like water spilt on the ground'' (ver. 6; cf. 2 Sam. xiv. 14), was a great step towards recovery of strength and joy. Seasons may arise when special services shall alone give due expression to the sense of shame and sorrow for the past; but daily sin needs to be confessed and the spirit to be clrnstened before the holy One whom we serve. Power for holy deeds grows out of true penitence. 3. Adaptation of tlte mind to a bette1· course in tlie fut1tre. The " preparing" of " the heart " n n to the L,)fd implies a self-control, n searching of the seat of feeling, a cleansing pro- cess by such spiritual helps as God may give, a fitting one's self internally fur a higher mode of life than yet has been known. Internal, carefully-sought reforma- tion is a guarantee of improved external nets. Most of us are not in a mood adapted to the grar.d future which God has in reserve. We are to seek it. Fellow- Rliip with God more pure, and close, ~nd constant is not the result of acci,lent, but is the issue of an earnest endeavour. 4. Special prayer for power to hve a better life. The cry of Israel's heart was a prayer for more than human aid to help  128 THE FIRST BOOK OF S.UlUEL. [<'11. rn 1-17.