The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 321

drca<_l. ~- §ympe:tl1y 11'i'.tli a faithless leader, and participation in the "spirit of fear" (2 Tim. 1. 1) which he possesses. Saul had forsaken the Lord. He had not the presence of Sanrnel with him; nor, apparently, that of the high priest ; nor did he seek the DiYine counsel as aforetime. He ruled independently of Jehovah ; and the people loved too much " to have it so," sha~ing in his faithlessness and fear. A faithless and fearful leader cannot have faithful and fearless followers. III. IT rncuns DESERYED REPROACH (vers. 8, 26)-uttered by the enemy, and echoed in the conscience of the people, on account of-1. The cowardice of their conduct. 2. The inconsutency of their position, as professed servants of the living God: unfaithful to their calling, trembling before the votaries of "gods that were no gods" (ver. 44), and bringing· dishonour upon the name of Jehovah. "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you" (Rom. ii. 24; Prov. xxv. 26), 3. The likelihood of their defeat, of which it is a virtual acknowledgment, and to which it must infallibly conduct, unless a better spitit be infused into them. "How is it that ye have not faith?'' (Mark iv. 40). Learn that-I. The spirit of fear can be expelled only by the spirit of faith, 2. Fearfulness in conflict, difficulty, and danger indicates a lack of faith, and should constrain to renewed trust in God. 3. In their greateBt extremity God doee not abandon his people to despair, but provides for them" a way of escape."-D. Vers. 17, 18. (BETHLEHEM. )-Parental solicitude. Family life occupies a prominent place in the Books of Samuel, and the affectionate concern of parents for their children is often mentioned (see eh. ii. 24; x. 2). Jesse, who, in consequence of his advanced age (ver. 12), was himself unable to go against the Philistines, had his three elder sons in the am1y of Israel ; and after they had been absent for some weeks, sent their youngest brother with provisions for their need, to make inquiries about their welfare, and " take their token," by which he might be assured thereof. Such solicitude as he displayed is- I. NATURAL. 1. Arising out of the instinctive affection which is felt by parents. 2. Continuing throughout the whole of life. • 3. Commended by the heavenly Father, who puts it into the heart; and often illustrated, directed, and regulated by the teachings of his word (Gen. rnii. 19 ; xxii. 2 ; 2 Sam. xviii. 33; EpheB, n. 4; 1 Tim. v. 8). II. CoNSIDERATE. 1. Of the distance of children from home, and of their depriva- tion of parental oversight, counsel, and restraint. 2. Of their need: temporal, spiritual, and eternal. 3. Of their peril : from their own tendencies, their intimate associations, and their open enemies. Ill PRACTICAL. Expressed-1. In sending them presents of th~~ which !.~ best adapted to their wants. 2. By the hand of a brother (Gen. xxxvu. 14; xhu.11). 3. With the request of a token of affectionate regard for the gratification of a heart that desires and seeks their happiness. IV. ILLUSTRATIVE of "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man" (Titus ii. 4). TLe relation of an earthly father to his children is a shadow of that of the heavenly Father to men; it was doubtless appointed from the first to be such, and the loving care which arises out of it is, in comparison with that of the "lt'ather of spirits," only Ill! a ray of light compared with the sun. This also is-1. Natural and spontaneous, for "God is love." 2. Considerate. (Ps. ciii. 13, 14). "In th_ee the fatherless findeth mercy" (Hosea xiv. 3). 3. Practical. 11 I have loved you, saith th9' Lord," &c. (Mai. i. 2; Matt. vii. 11 ; John iii. 16). Ezhortatwn :-1. To parents. Let your kindness to your children. be eucb ~s accords with that of your heavenly Father to yo~, and as affords _a tr~e image of it. 2. To children. Show kindness to your parents m return for their kmdness to you ( eh. xxii. 3), as your heavenly Father requires. S. To all. 11 If I be a father, wher'! ii mine honour?" (Mal. i. 6).-D. CB, XVII. 20-58.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL.