The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 279

V ~rs. 5, 6. (THE WILDERNESS OF JuDAH.) - Come out from among them. The Kemtes were descendants of Abraham (Gen. xxv. 2; Num. x. 29 • Judges i. 16) like the Amalekites, but they were unlike the latter in character and donduct. Many of them were incorporated with Israel; others, whilst standing in friendly relationship to them, lived in close contact with "the sinners the Amalekites." They may be regarded as representing those who are "not far from the kingdom of God " but imperil their salvation by evil companionship. In this message (sent by Saul, pe~haps, according to the direction of Samuel) we notice- I. THE PERIL OF UNGODLY ASSOCIATION. It is not every association with irreligious persons indeed that is to be deprecated (1 Cor. v. 10), but only such as is unneces- ~ary, Yoluntary, very intimate, and formed with a view to personal convenience, profit, or pleasure rather than to their improvement (Gen. xiii. 12). This-1. Destroys the good which is possessed. 2. Conforms to the evil which prevails (Ps. i. 1; Rev. xviii. 4). 3. Involves in the doom which is predicted-certain, terrihle, and imminent. The ban has been pronounced (1 Cor. xvi. 22; 2 'l'hess. i. 9), and it will ere long be executed. "A companion of fools shall be destroyed " (Prov. xiii. 20). II. THE OPPORTUNITY OF EFFECTUAL ESCAPE, which-1. Is afforded by the mercy of God, of which the message spoken by man is the expression. 2. Shows the va) ue which he sets upon even the least measure of kindness and piety. "Ye showed kindness," &c. (ver. 6). Moral goodness, like moral evil (ver. 2), tends to perpetuate itself. God honours it by the blessing which he causes to follow in its track. He <le sires its preservation and perfection, and hence he says, "Destroy it not" (Isa. lxv. 8). 3. Offers a certain, great, and immediate be.nefit. "Corne out from among them and be separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you" (2 Cor. vi. 14-18). III. THE NECEeSJTY OF IMMEDIATE SEPARATION. I. This requires decision, self- <le11ial, sacrifice, and effort. 2. Nothing else can avail (Ephes. v. 11). 3. And every moment's delay increases danger. "Escape for thy life; look not behind thet,, neither stay thou in all the plain " (Gen. xix. 17). " Be wise to-day, 'tis madness to defer."-D. Vers. 10, 11. (RAM AH. )-Samuel's intercession for Saul. The recorded instances 0f Samuel's praying are of an intercessory character ( eh. vii. 9; viii. 6, 21; xii. 18. 23). The last of them is his intercession for Saul. He appears to have been toi'<l by God in a dream of the result of the probationary commission which bad been given to the king. Agitated and distressed, and not yet clearly perceiving it to be the fixed purpose of God (ver. 29) that Saul should no longer reign ove! Israel as his recognised servant and vicegerent, Samuel gave himself unto prayer, if thereby he might avert the calamity. Respecting bis intercession, consider- I. ON WHOSE BEHALF IT WAS MADE. Chiefly, doubtless, on behalf of Saul, though 1,ot without regard to the nation, on which his rejection seemed likely to produce a disastrous effect. Intercession should be made for individuals as well aa communi- ties. "Satan hath desired to have you," said he who is the peifect example of mtercessory prayer, 11 but I have prayed for tliee" (Luke xxii. 32). There wer, ·CH. XV. 1--35.] TIIE FIRST BOOK OF SA:\lUEL.