The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 219

of trust, idols). (6) An instructive word. "For they are vain" (utterly empty and disappointing). 3. An assurance of mercy and grace (ver. 22), resting on-(1) His relationship. They are still "his people." (2) His name-his revelations of power and salvation to his people, and his honour and glory before all the nations. (3) His good-will. "Because" (he will not forsake his people, because) 11 it hath pleased the Lord to mako you his people." Whatever benefits he has conferred have proceeded from his pure benevolence, and are a pledge of further benefits (Jer. xxxi. 3). His free and unmerited love is the sinner's chief hope. 4. A promise of continued aid, on the part of Samuel, in intercession and instruction (ver. 23). 11 In this he sets a glorious example to all rulers, showing them that they should not be led astray by the ingratitude of their subordinates or subjects, and give up on that account all interest in their welfare; but should further persevere all the more in their anxiety for them." 5. .A final admonition to steadfast obedience (vers. 24, 25), without which both people and king will be overwhelmed in destruction. In keeping with the tone which pervades these admonitions, and as in foresight of coming evils, they end with -a warning.-D. Ver. 2. (GILGAL.)-Piety in old age. 11 Old and grey-headed." On speaking of himself as "old and grey-headed," Samuel immediately afterwards made reference to hie childhood. "I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day." He loved to linger (as old men are wont) over his early days; and in hie case there was every reas9n for doing so, for they were surpassingly pure and beautiful. One of the chief lessons of his life is that a well-spent childhood and youth conduces greatly to a happy and honoured age. Consider him as an eminent illustration of piety in old age. !. OLD AGE IS PRESUMPTIVE OF PIETY, inasmuch as-1. Piety prevents indulgence in vices that tend to shorten life. How many are brought by such vices to a prema- ture· grave I When, therefore, we see an old man we naturally infer that he has been· a good man, nor can there be any doubt that he has exercised much self- coritrol. 'Samuel was a Nazarite. 2. It has a direct tendency to prolong life by producing healthful.virtues. "The fear of the Lord prolongeth days" (Prov. x. 27). 3. It has the promise of many days. 11 With long life will I satisfy him" (Pa. xci. 16). (< Even to old age I am ; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you" (Isa. xlvi. 4).' "A good old age" (Gen. xv. 15). "Thou shalt come to thy gr:i.ve in a full age, like as a shoC'k of corn cometh in. his season" (Job v. 26). 4. It is commonly associated with long life. There ·are, doubtless, exceptions, the causes of which are not far to seek, but this is the rule. II. OLD AGE IS MADE HONOURABLE BY PIETY, because of-1. Its maintaining the respect which is naturally felt for the aged. Among the Spartans, when a hoary- headed man entered their assemblies, they all immediately rose, and remained stand- ing till he had taken his place; and it is enjoined in the law of Moses: "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man" (Levit. xix. 32). But this injunction assumes the possession of godliness, without which old age neither deserves nor receives appropriate reverence. 2. The beauty and perfection -0f character which it develops. There is beauty in the fresh-springing corn, but there. is still, greater beauty in "the full corn in the ear," hending under its golden b,uden. A good old man, matured in character by long growth, and abounding in "the fruit of the Spirit," is one of the noblest sights on earth. He is a king amongst inen. "The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness ' 1 (Pfov. xvi. 31 ; xx. 29). 3. The confliots and perils that have been passed. "An old disciple" (Acts :xxi. 16), or "such an one as Paul the aged " (Philern. 9), is like a veteran soldier bearing on him the scars of many a hard-fought hattle, and wearing the honours conferred by a grateful country. He is like a giant of the forest, standing erect when the Rtonn has laid his companions in the dn~t. 4. The good that bas been clone in past time, and lives to bear witness to the doer, and "praise him in the gates." We value the young for the good they may here- after effect, the old for the good they have already accomplished. "Them that bonour me I will honour." III. OLD AGE IS nENDRRED USEF1JL DY PIETY, for thereby it-1. Furnishes &  220 THE FIIlST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. xn. 1-25.