The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 261

Ver. 45. (AJALON.)-Co-operation with God. "He hath wrought with God this day." Apart from the power of God man can do nothing. In opposition to it he is defeated and crushed. Only in co-operation with it can he accomplish anything great or good. As in the material, so in the moral and spiritual world it is our wisdom, strength, and dignity to be " labourers together with God " (1 Cor. iii. 9 ; 2 Cor. vi. 1). Notice- •• • " THE AIM of this co-operation. 1. To overcome sin and misery amongst men. 2. To promote righteousness and happiness in ourselves and others. ~-, To fXtend the kingdom and glory of God. • , II. THE MEANS. 1. Studying the laws or modes of God's working (Eccles. iii. 14) and the manifold intimations of his will. 2. Trusting in him, fin1tly resting on his promises, and patiently waiting their fulfilment. Oftentimes "our st_rength is to sit still." 3. Using with diligence the strength he gives, still depending on him "who ,~orketh all in all" (1 Cor. xii. 6; Phil. ii. 13 ; Isa. xxvi. 12). III. THE RESULT. 1. Conscious approbation of God. 2. Effectu11l aid. •3. Certain achievement. "In due season we shall reap if we faint not.'.'-D. Vers. 47-52. (GIBEAH.)-Saul'.s sovereignty aniwa1·s, his army and family . .From this summary observe that- '·· • • . • I. THE PEOPLE OF GoD ARE BESET BY NUMEROUS ADVERSARIES. • Moab,· Ammon, .&c.-" on every side," of varied character, imbued with the san;ie enmi'ty, and threate·n- ing their existence. Conflict is necessary to self-preservation; • II. THE CHASTISEMENT OF 'fHE WICKED IS INFLICTED BY SUITABLE AGENTS, "Anli ·.Saul took the kingdom," &c. "Whithersoever lie turned himself he cl~asti_s~d the_m • .For this work be was well qualified by warlike courage and skill, indomitable energy and zea~ and in it he met with success. God often employs men to carry out his purposes who possess little of the spirit of obedience. Ill. DIVERSITY OP' CHARACTER IS OFTEN MANIFESTED IN THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. "Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui (Abinadab), and Melchishiia.'' The fourth Esh-baa! (Ishbosbeth), is not here mentioned. "And the names of his two ,<laughters were Merab and Michal,"&c. (vers.49-51). What a_contrastof cha-, racter is presented in this family-e. g. between Jonathan and his fath~r and sister (Michal). Hidden hereditary influences and special associationl3 may ha~e. co~- 1ribute<l to the difference, but much more the voluntary use or abuse of welimmaif, -<:nnditionH, outward circumstances, and spiritual gifts. , . , IV. THE MISUSE OF POWER IS TilE RUIN OF ITS POSSESSOR. ," lle gathered a host 11 {ver. 48), or acquired power. He formed a standing army, _as it had been p_redicted ( eh. viii. 11, 16; xxii. 7). He employed bis power for his own aggrandisement. '' If he could have done as he wished, there would have_been an end to the supremacy "f God in hracl. Rude despotism would !1avo usurped its place" (Hengstenberg). cH, XIY, 36-52.] THE FIRST BOOK Oif SA;\,IUEL. 263