The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 230

Vers. 1-:7·-:-The g~·ea~ antagonism; The £acts are-1. Saul, entering on the mili- tary orgamsat10n of Ins kmgdom, forms a select force under the·command of himself and Jonathan. 2. The defeat of the Philistine garrison by Jonathan is announced to, all Israel. 3. This first success arouses the hostility of the Philistines, :who threaten Israel with overwhelming numbers, 4. The effect of this display of force is to dis- hearten the followers of Saul who ·waited at Gilgal. The presence of the Philistines within tl1e borders of Israel was inconsistent with the privileges,originally granted; and was a perpetual source of danger and annoyance. One of the ends contemplated in seeking a king was to clear the promised land of foes. The normal state of the people of God was only realised when the land was the exclusive home of the descend- ants of Abraham. The reformation, in slow yet steady progress, created the ambi- tion and effort to cast out the enemy. Saul's movements, therefore, were a correct expression of national feeling, and in harmony with the high purpose of Israers exist-, ence. In this attempt to subdue the great enemy of the •kingdom we .have an historic• representation of the great conflict which is ever being wag·ed between the spiritual kingdom and the evils which largely hold possession -0f the world ; and· in the -va,ry- ing experience of. Israel we see shadows of truths that find expression in Christian times. l. The EXISTENCE OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST INVOLVES A CONFLICT WITH AWATCHFUL, P0WEllFGL FOE FOR THE POSSESSION OF THE EARTH. The separate existence of Israel, combined with the promise made to Abraham (Gen. xv. 7), and the spiritual purpose to be wrought out for the glory of God, rendered war with the Philistines at ~)lis time inevitable. The existence of Christ's kingdom in the actual separation to him- self of those who form his Church, combined with his right to be King of every land and heart, and the prediction that he shalf have the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession, involves ceaseless strife with men, spirits, customs, laws, principles, purposes, and all else, visible and invisible, that is incompatible with his full and blessed sway. Light is not more opposed to darknesB, life to death, purity to corruption, than Christ and hta holy rule are opposed to much that now governs human society. II. The EARLY EFFORTS OF THE FAITHFUL AUE ENSAMPLES FOR FUTURE CONDUCT, AND TilE TRIUMPHS WON ARE AN EARNEST OF WHAT MAY BE ON A LARGER SCALE. The eady efforts of Saul and his followers were characterised by faith in their mission as people of God, loyalty to the Divine cause they represented, courage and self-denial for the good of the land, unity of aim and concentration of strength. They had ;a right to believe in success, because the promised land was for Israel, and not for the idolatrous Philistine. The victory at Geba was a pledge of coming events. The war against sin has been carried on ever since the first promise cheered the heart of our fallen ancestor. But we may regard the exertions of the early Christian Church as the first organised effort, under the laws of the kingdom of Christ, for the extirpa- tion of all sin and evil. The early Christians were fine examples of clear and deep conviction that they were the servants of Christ, and had a Divine mission to work out in an antagonistic world. And the splendid triumphs won, though, compared with the area of sin, as small as .was the capture of Geba relatively to the whole p_os- sessions of the Philistines, are an indication of what awaits the Church if only, lay1~g aside internal strifes, worldly policies, self-indulgence, she will but brace her energies to the perfecting of the conquests almady made. Novelties. we !1eed !1ot; the old weapons, the old spirit, the old consecration, the old singleness of aim, will pull down strongholds still. Ill. The ANTAG0N!Sll MA¥ GROW IN INTENSITY AS A CONSEQUENCE 01! SUCCESS. Up CH. XIII. l~-23.] 'I'HE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 231