The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 352

by the promise of Michal (ver. 21), but only RS "a snare," nnd her love was marle use of for the purpose. .And at length (when the king had formed his plan, and felt sui'e of !ta success), he was told. by his servants ( as if in confidential communication), "Behold, the king hath delight in thee," &c. (ver. 22), "desireth not any dowry," &c. (ver. 25) ; "but Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philis- tines." · 3. Adopts means which are unworthy, base, ond godless. Scheming, plot- ting, murderous attempts on life under the sanctities of affection and religion ; at heart, ·Infatuated opposition to the w/ll of God. If it were not the Divine purpose that David should be king, why fear him? if it were, of what avail would resi~t- ance be? II. DISPLAYED IN THE MIDST OF CRAFT. The snares that were woven around David seem plain enough to us ; but there is no reason to suppose that they were at first observed by him. The simple-hearted man-1. Is accustomed to look upon othe:rs a& sincere like himself, regards their statements and assurances as truthful, and is slow to suspect their evil intentions. Even to the last David could hardly believe that Sau:!, of his own accord, sought his life (eh. xxvi. 19). He is "simple concerning evil." Large experience makes men cautious; but it is better to be deceived a hun- dred times thriu to lead a life of continual suspicion. 2. Entertains modest and lowly views of himself, tak,es contempt ,and disappointment without complaint, and accepts humbly and cheerfully whatever honour may be conferred upon him (vers. 18, 23). '' Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not" ( Jer. xiv. 5). "A pious man·is even in.prosperity.humble in heart." 3. Is intent upon the honest, faithful, and efficient discharge of the duty that lies before him, and fears danger little because he fears God much (vers. 5, 14, 27). "David's calm indifference to outward circumstances affecting himself were very strikingly expressed in his con- duct. Partly from bis poetic temperament, partly from bis sweet, natural unselfish- ness, nnd chiefly from bis loving trust in God, be accepts whatever happens with equanimity, and makes no effort to altei;- it" (Maclaren). It bas been remarked that " gmius is simply the carrying into the maturity of our powers tho simplicity and ardour of childhood." . •III. PRESERVED FROM THE DEVICES OF ,CRAFT.. It.is the best means of preservation, inasmuch as-L It afl:ords the least occasion for an adversary to take an advantage . .Although the ingenuous mari may appear to lie open to attack, yet he is really most effectually guarded against it. 2. It attracts the respect of other men (ver. 16), gains the love of those who warn and help him (ver. 28; eh. xix. 11), and makes 1t difficult for his enemies to prevail over him. 3. It insures the favour of God. "The· Lord was with him" (vers. 12, 14, 28) to guide, defend, and help him (Ps. xxxvii. 24, 33).' "In thee do I trust." IV. RESULTING IN AN END OPPOSED TO THAT OF CRAFT. 1. Instead of returning no more from the conflict, be returns in triumph, and receives an unwilling honour from the hand that wus li{ted up against him (vers. 27, 28'; Rev. iii. 9). 2. Instead of being less an object of terror to the wicked, he is more so (ver. 29). 3. Instead of being deprived of· the love of the people of God (ver. 16: "All Israel and Judah loved David"), he is more completely enthroned in their hearts (ver. 30). Remarlc-1. How ineffectual are the devices of the wicked against "the upright in heart." 2. How beneficial may even their devices become when met with "sim- plicity and godly sincerity." 3. How inexpressibly beautiful is the character of the Son: of Davia_:_" meek and lowly in heart." 4. How necessary is the "anoint- ing· of the holy 9ne,''. that we may become like unto bim.-D. Vere. 1-9.-Love and }ealousy. One great exploit performed in the sight of two nrmies took David at once and for ever out of obscurity. Thenceforth be was a man much observed. The quiet pastoral life at Bethlehem was ended, and could never be resumed. Sudden success brings rapid distinction, but also brings trials and risks from which the obscure are free. David leaped at a bound into honour and fame, but for that very reason he found himself at the beginning of bis troubles. Well that, before those troubles began to press him, he knew the Lord as his refuge; well, too, that be won to himself in the very sphere of danger a loving and faithful friend. .l A 2  THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [CR. XVIII, 1-30.