The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 217

other,-nnd seeks an open vindication (as public men are often nn<ler the necessity of doing); not, however, so much from regard to his own <lignity as to their welfare and the honour of God. We have here-1. A challenge, on the part of Samuel, to bear witness agninst him. "Behold, here I am," &c. (ver. 3). It is a common temptation for men in authority and power to use their position for selfish and unjust purposes, such 11s (1) appropriating wrongfully what belongs to others, (2) defrauding them of what is their due, (3) oppressing the poor and weak, and ( 4) perverting the proper course of justice, ~specially in the case of the rich and strong, for the sake of " 11 gift" or bribe. How have these evils prevailed in every age I Rut Samuel had consciously wronged no one, and if any can show that he has done so, be stands ready to make restitution (Luke xix. 8). His conscience is "as the noontide clear." "No doubt he found himself guilty before God of many private infirmities; but for his public carriage he appeals to men. A man's heart can best judge of himself~ others can best judge of bis actions. Happy is that man that can be acquitted by himself in private, in public by others, by God in both" (Hall). 2. A testimony, on, the part of the elders, to his integrity (ver. 4) ; ready, explicit, and with one voice. It is almost impossible for men in public office to be faithful without making enemies. If Samuel had any, they now nowhere appear; and his character shines forth " as the sun when he goeth forth in his might" (Judges v. 31). 3. An invocation, on the • part of both, to the Lord and his anointed to confiim the testimony ( ver. 5) ; thereby making it more solemn and memorable. Why, then, seeing his government was so unblamable, did they wish to set it aside? Their testimony to him was a sentence- of condemnation on themselves for their inconsideration, ingratitude, and discontent. The force of the testimony was increased by his further invocation of the Lord as be who bad "appointed Moses and Aaron, and brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt" (ver. 6). As the appointed and faithful leader of Israel, even as they, no other was necessary, and bis rejection was the rejection of the Lord. With this be passes on to speak of their course as- II. MARKED BY AGGRAVATED TRANSGRESSION (vers. 7-12) in the light of the right- eous dealings of God in past time. "Now therefore stand forth," &c. (ver. 7). He and they now change places ; he becomes their accuser, and reasons or contends with them (in order to convict them of sin) 11 concerning the righteous acts of Jehovah," who had acted justly in his covenant relation with them throughout their whole history, faithfully fulfilled bis promises, inflicted punishment only when it was deserved, and bestowed upon them the greatest benefits (Ezek. xxxiii. 17 ; Micah vi. 2). These acts include-I. A wonderful deliverance (ver. 8) from a crush- ing- oppression, in compassion to the cry of the needy, through the instrumentality of men raised up for the purpose, with II a mighty hand and an outstretched ann," and completed in their possession of the land of promise. This deliverance is always regarded as the foundation of their history. "History was born in that night in which Moses, with the law of God, moral and spiritual, in his heart, led the people of Israel out of Egypt" (Bunsen). 2. Repeated chastisements (ver. 9), rendered necessary by forgetfulness of God, varied (the Canaanites, the Philistines, the Moabites), and with a view to their moral improvement. 11 Notice here Samuel's prudence in reproof. (1) By his reproof of their ancestors he prepares their minds to receive reproof; (2) he shows that their ingratitude is old, and so worse, and they should take care that it grow no stronger; (3) ho chooses a very mild word, 'for- get,' to express their offence" (Pool). 3. Continued help (vers. 10, 11), through penitence and prayer, by means of successive "saviours," - Jerubbaal (Gideon), Bedan (Barak), Jepbthah, Samuel (eh. vii. 10; referring to himself in the third person, because now speaking as the advocate of Jehovah),-against their" enemies on every aide," and in their safe preservation unto the present time. 11 And ye dwelled safe." But what return did they make for all his benefits? As soon as they saw the threat- ening attitude of Nahash (ver. 12), they forgot the lessons of the past, lost their con- fidence in God, trusted in an arm 0£ flesh, and recklessly nnd persistently demanded a king, virtually rejecting the Lord as their king. Former experience of the good- ness and severity of God greatly aggravates present transgression (Yer. 19). Ill. INVOLVlN(l PERILOUS RESPONSIBILITY (vers. 13-15) in the light of present cir- oumetancee. "Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen." &e. Although  218 THE FIHST BOOK m' SAMUl~L. [r11. XII. 1-25,