The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 320

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 1-11. (THE VALLEY OF ELAH.)-lsrael smitten with fear. "They were dismayed, and greatly afraid" (ver. 11). 1. The renewed attempt of the Philistines to subjugate Israel showf(,"in comparison with their former invasion, a decrease of power. They did not penetrate into the heart of the land (eh. xiii. 5), but advanced only a short distance from their own border, and " pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim," a dozen miles south-west of Bethlehem. They had been driven back and held in check. 2. It could hardly have been possible, but for the rashness of Saul in " the war of Michmash," by which the opportunity of inflict- ing a fatal blow was lost. Hearing, perhaps, of his condition, and perceiving signs of the laxity of his rule, they sought to repair their defeat. 3. It found the people of Israel, notwithstanding their previous success, ill-prepared to repel the aggression. Although they went to meet the enemy, and encamped opposite to them, they did nothing more. In the spirit of a better time they would have immediately fallen upon them in reliance upon "the Lord of hosts " (Deut. xx:x:ii. 30) ; but now they were paralysed withfea1·, especially at the appearance of the gigantic champion who came out against them. The Philistines desired to make the issue depend on a single combat between this man and any leraelitish warrior who might be appointed to meet him ; and he " drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days" (ver. 16). A similar fear has sometimes pervaded the Christian community in the presence of the enemy. I. IT IS INSPIRED BY FORMIDABLE OPPONENTS. 1. The:ir number is great. They consist not merely of one or two, but of a host of giants. (1) Within: carnal affec- tions, corrupt tendencies, proud thoughts, evil imaginations, and wrathful passions. (2) Without : ignorance, error, unbelief, superstition, intemperance, licentiousness, worldliness, and "all ungodliness.'' (3) In the background of all II the prince of the P.ower of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephes. ii. 2). 2. Their appearance is iml?osi,ng. They seem to be possessed of extra- ordinary might, and arrayed in ternble armour, and are of great renown. "Am I not that Philistine" (ver. 8), who has exhibited such prowess and slain so many foes ? 11 He arose, and came, and drew nigh, like a stalking mountain, overlaid with braes and iron" (M. Henry). 3. The:ir attitude ia proud, boastful, defiant, con- temptuous, and increasingly confident of victory as day after day the challenge is renewed, and no one dares to answer it. 11 The first challenge to a duel that we ever find came out of the mouth of an uncircumcised Philistine" (Hall). How often has the contemplation of such adversaries filled even good men with dismay I While we measure our natural strength against the forces of evil our case is hopeless. " Who is sufficient for these things ., " Il IT RESULTS FROM PREVIOUS UNFAITHFULNESS, 1. Distrust of God and alienation from him. Faith prevents fear. It looks to God, judges of the power of the enemy in the light of his omnipotence, unites to him, and inspires with unbounded courage (eh. xiv. 6; ver. 47); but unbelief is blind and weak and fearful (Matt. viii. 26). And dismay in great emergencies reveals the absence or feebleness of faith in the preceding and ordinary course of life. 2. 01ttward acts of disobedience to the Divine will - diminishing moral power, and producing inward di~traction aRd 1 SAM Y  322 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [CII. XVH, 1-rn.