The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 137

deliver you out of the hand of the Philstiines." 4. Li,stened to in a right spirit; witli fresh interest, reverence, self-application, and a determination to put it into practice. When the heart is prepared the truth is invested with new meaning and power; as words written on paper with invisible ink are clearly perceived when held to the fire. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. x. 17). III. A SINCERE RENUNCIATION OF BIN A0AINST THE LORD (ver. 4), which was-1. A proof of their genuine repentance ; "a heart broken for sin, and from sin." 2. Shrnrn with respect to the transgressions to which they were specially addicted-the worship of Baalim (images or modifications of Baal, the principal male divinity of tl1P Phrenician and Canaanitish nations-the sun-god) and Ashtaroth (images of thei1 supreme female divinity," the queen of heaven,'' the Syrian Venus-Astarte), and the -corrupt practices connected therewith (Judges ii. 11, 13). 3. Combined with positive acts of obedience and piety. They not only ceased to worship false gods, but also "served the Lord alone" (Matt. vi. 24). Sin is most effectually broken off "by righteousness" (Dan. iv. 27) ; an old affection most effectually expelled by a new one. The heart cannot rest without some object of love and trust. And if, "when the unclean spirit is gone out of a man," it be not immediately replaced by a pure spirit, it is sure to return " with seven other spirits more wicked than himself" ( Matt. xii. 43). 4. Made by men individually and in private; whereby they become prepared to make a national profession, and to receive the Divine blessing. God can bless men only by "turning every one of them from his iniquities" (Acts iii. 26). IV. A PUllLIC CONSECRATION TO THE SERVICE OF THE LORD (vers. 5, 6). At the word of Samuel a national assembly was gathered together at Mizpah for the purpose of openly expressing and confirming the general feeling ; and there under the open sky they "yielded themselves to the Lord" (2 Chron. xx.x. 8) with-1. Solemn vows of obedience to the law of their God. "They drew water and poured it out before the Lord." "We take this act to have been a sign and symbol, or rather confirmation of an oath-a solemn vow. To pour out water on the ground is in the East an ancient way of taking a solemn oath-the words and promises that bad gone forth from their mouth being as water spilt upon the ground that cannot be gathered up again" (Kitto). 2. Sincere humiliation on account of former disobedience. The symbol just mentioned is interpreted by some as denoting the pouring out of their hearts in penitence. They also "fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord." 3. Praye:ra and supplications for Divine mercy and help. "I will pray for you." "Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us," implying that Samuel had already prayed for them. He g·ave expression to their desires, and made intercession on their behalf. " So Moses prayed for the people at Rephidim and for Miriam, so Elijah prayed at Carmel, so Ezra prayed at the evening sacrifice, so the high priest prayed for the house of Israel on the day of atonement, and so does our Lord Jesus Christ ever live at God's right hand to make intercession :fior us'' (' Sp. Com.'). 4. Devout acrnowledgment of the prophet of the Lord as their leader and judge. "And Samnel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah." On that day he commenced his public labours as judge, and a great moral and spiritual reformation was inaugurated. It was a day l<'ng remem- bered (2 Chron. x:x.xv. 18: "There was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet"), and such a day as every godly man desires to see in this land (Pa. l:x.xxv. 6; Hos. xiv. 1-3; Hab. iii. 2).-D. Ver. 6. (MIZPAH.)-Confession of sin. "We have sinned against the Lord." When any one has done wrong to another he ought to make acknowledgment and reparation to him (Matt. v. 23, 24). We are directed to" confess our faults one to .another" (James v. 16); and there are cases in which we may derive benefit from confessing our sins against the Lord to a godly man. The passage just referred to, however, affords no ground for " auricular confession " to a priest ; nor does the commission given to the apostles (John xx. 23), since (in addition to other reasons) it simply conferred authority to declare the ordinances of the kingdom of hMven, and especially the terms or conditions according to which 6ins are remitted or retained; and the prnctice of such confession is most injuriou.;. But we ought all to confess our sins to God. Every wrong done to men is a sin against God, and there are multitudes of sins agninst I.im that do not directly affect our fc!low-men. "In many things "·s  134 TIIE FIRST DOOK OF SAjlUEL. [en. vn. 1--17.