overthro"· of one of these by Jonathan (at Geba, four miles north of Gibeah and opposite Michmash) gave the signal for renewed conflict. Having evac~ated Michmash, where he had stationed himself with an army of 2000 Saul sum- moned all the men of Israel to gather to him at Gilgal; but the adv;ncino· hosts -of the enemy filled the country with terror, so that he was left with 01~ly 600 followers, and found it necessary, after his interview with Samuel, to join his son Jonathan at Gibeah (Geba) (vers. 2, 16; eh. xiv. 2). Meanwhile the enemy occupied Michmash, wlience three companies of spoilers issued, plundering the plains nncl ,·nlleys. A second and greater exploit ·of Jonathan, however, drove them out c-f l\Iichmash, and it was followed by a general engagement, in which large numbers of them were slain, and the rest "went to their own place" (eh. xiv. 23, 31, 46). 3. The conflict to which Israel was summoned represents that to which Christians are called. It is a conflict with physical and moral evil, with the world, the flesh, and the devil (John xv. 19; 2 Cor. x. 4; Ephes. vi. 12; 1 Pet. ii. 11; 2 Pet. v. 8; l John ii. 16), and with men only in so far as they are ruled by sin, and in order to 'their sah-ation; a conflict which is good (" the good fight of faith "-1 Tim. vi. 12) and necessary, and affords full scope for whatever warlike instincts and energies are :possessed. What does the sound of the trumpet signify? (1 Cor. xiv. 8). I. A BLOW RAS BEEN STRUCK AGAINST THE FOE. The greatest blow that was ever inflicted upon the "power of darkness" was struck by" the Captain of our salvation" in his life and death and glorious resurrection (John xii. 31; xvi. 33; 1 John iii. 8); and in the spirit and power of his victory his followers carry on the conflict (Matt. x. 34). At times there seems to be something like a truce, but it never lasts long; and when a fresh blow is struck by "a good soldier of Jesus Christ' it-1. Reveals the essential difference between the spirit that is in "the Israel of God " and "the -.spirit that is in the world..'' 2. Intensifies their antagonism (ver. 4). 3. Commits them to more definite and decisive action. And to this end the fact should be pro- claimed. "When Saul the king of the Hebrews was informed of this (ver. 3), he went down to the city of Gilgal, and made proclamation of it over all the country, summoning them to freedom" (Josephus). II. THE ENEMY IS MUSTERING HIS FORCES (ver. 5), which are-I. Exceedingly numerous, "as the sand which is on the sea-shore." 2. Skilful, crafty, and deceit- ful (2 Cor. xi. 14). 3. Very powerful. There is at the present day an extraordinary combination of anti-christian agencies (2 Tim. iii. 1-9; Rev. xiii. 1~-18), threa~en- ing Christian faith and practice, which might well fill us ;nth fear,,?1d w~ not b~heve that "they that be with us are more than they that b~ with the~ (2 Kmgs v1. 16). ~- The spirits of the unseen world seem to be approach111g us. Times of troubl~ there ha Ye been before· but such a time in which everything, everywhere, tends m one direction to one ~ghty struggle ~f one sort-of faith with infi?elity, lawlessness -with rule Christ with antichrist-there seems never to have been till now" (Pusey). III. T~E FAITHFUL MUST RALLY AROUND THEIR LEADER. The gathering forces of the enemy should constrain us to closer union, and the proper centre of union is he of whom the greatest kings and heroes were feeble types and shadows. 1. ~e has -been Divinely appointed, and claims our obedience and co-operation. 2. He 1s fully qualified as " a Leader and Commander of the people." 3. He is the only lwpe of safety and success. "God is with him" ( eh. x. 7). "With force of arms we nothing can, Full soon were we down-ridden, But for us fights the proper man, Whom God himself bath bidden. Ask ye, Who is this same 7 Christ Jesus is his name; The Lord Sabaoth's Son ; He, and no other one, Shall conquer in the battle" (Luther).
lV. TRE SUCCESS ALREADY ACHIEVED QIVES ASSURANCE OU VICTORY (eh. xi. 11, vtir. S).1. What triumphs has he gained in former days I 2. They are un earnesl CH, XIJJ. 1-23.] THE FlkST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 23i
of "still greater things than these." 3. And they should inspire UR with the con- fidence nnd courage which are needful to participation in his victory and glory (Rev. xvii. 14; xix. 11 ). "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."-D.