The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 369

Vere. 22-24. (RAMAB,)-The meeting of three remarkable men. This appears t4 ·have been the only occasion on which Samuel, Saul, and David were present at the same time and place. The meeting was a notable one, and may be compared with others (Exod. x. 16; 1 Kings xviii. 16; Acts xxv. 24). Besides the three men just mentioned, there was also present One infinitely greater, and, although invisible, his power was displayed in a m1rvellous manner. Considered in relation to the Divinl! power, the narrative sets before us- I. AN AGED PROPHET IMBUED WITH FEARLESS DIGNITY. His dnnger was great. What Saul might do may be judged from the fear which Samuel expressed on a former occasion (eh. xvi. 2), and from what he actually did not long afterwards (eh. xxii. 18, 19). But the prophet went on with his holy service calm and undismayed. He was inwardly sustained by Divine power, as others have since been in danger and suffering (Acts xvi. 25). Such fearlessness is possessed by God's servants in connection with-1. A firm persuasion that they are in the path of duty. They have within " a peace above all earthly dignities, a still and quiet conscience." If conscience" does make cowards of us all," it also makes us heroes. And "He that bath light within his own clear breast May sit in the centre and enjoy bright day; But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts Benighted walks under the midday sun" (Milton, 'Comus '). 2. A vivid realisation of the presence and, might of the Lord. Faith '' sees him who is invisible" and "the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire " (2 Kings vi. 17). B. A strong· assurance of deliverance from their adversaries. II. A PERSECUTING MONARCH TURNED INTO A HARMLESS ENTHUSIAST. The Divine power was exerted first upon Saul's messengers and then upon himself. In a some- what similar manner, if not to the same extent, it is often exerted upon evil und persecuting men-1. In connection with the utterances of the praises of God by his servants (2 Chron. xx. 22; Ps. cxlix. 6). Instances are not unknown in which II one that believeth not" has come into their assembly, and, hearing their praises, has fallen down on his face and worshipped God (1 Cor. xiv. 24, 25). This was not the first time that Saul was so affected, and the recollection of his earlier experience had probably some influence upon him. But then it was a sign that the power of God was for him, now that it was against him. 2. In order to restrain the wicked from carrying out their evil designs. He who holds the hearts of men in his hand thereby says," Do my prophets no harm" (1 Chron. xvi. 22). 3. In order to restore them to the right way. It was to Saul more than a warning that he was .fighting against God. "He was seized by this mighty influence of the Spirit of God in a more powerful manner than his servants were, both because he had most obstinately resisted the leadings of Divine grace, and also in order that, if it were possible, his hard lieart might be broken an~ subdued by the power of grace. If, however, ho should nevertheless continue obstinately in his rebellio11 against God, he would then fall under the judgrnent of hardening, which would be speedily followed by hi3 -destruction" (Keil). III. AN INNOCENT FUGITIVE RESCUED FROM UIPENDING DESTRUCTION, David was saved from the han,d of Saul, and even (as it would appear) formally reconciled to him (eh. xx. 18, 27). The putting forth of the power of God was to him-1. An indication of the varied and abundant resources of God to protect in the greatest peril. 2. An nssurance of Divine approbation in the way of trust and obedience. 3. An .encouragement to patient end1trance. He might be tempted to reach the goal for which, Rij he was now probably fully aware, he was destined (eh. xx. 15; xxiii. 17) by violent measures; but ever as he thought on this scene, together with the counsel and the whole course of the venerable prophet, he \l·ou'd feel that "the way of order fo the best."  874 TIIE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. XIX. 1-24'.