The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 376

as~erl:ion were it not t_hat he wa_s subject to a t_rea.tment not expiicable on ordinary prmc1ples_. It. w_as tm1e f?r 1nm to affirm Ins mnocence, and bring his natural mtegnty mto d1stmct consc10usness. He often does this in the Psalms not to claim righteousness in relation to God, but to rebut accusations in reference t~ his conduct Rmongst men. It ""as the same sense of injustice which led Job to assert bis inno- .cence of many of the charges of his friends. "I will maintain mine own ways before ~in!" (~ob X\'. 13-16). The Apostle Paul also vindicated his own life against the rnsmuatrnns of false brethren (2 Cor. x. 8-11; xi. 6-10, 21-30). Our Saviour JJ.lso, when persecuted by malicious men, could ask, "Which of you convinceth me -of sin?" (John Yiii. 46). Only a stern sense of duty-a protest against wrong-will break a righteous man's silence in relation to himself. 5. Integrity before man m:u..•t_never be a substitute for integri,ty before God. David's object was simply vin- -d1cati?n from supposed charges of wrong deliberately done to Saul. He had a deep consc10usness a~ the same time that in the sight of God, as a spiritual being, be was unworthy and m need of mercy. Only such a man, sensible of sinfulness before God, would dwell so much on mercy (Ps. Iii. 8; !xii. 12; lx.xxvi. 5) and at the ea.me time on " integrity " and " uprightness " (Ps. vii. 8 ; xxv. 21 ; x'xvi. 1 ; xii. 42). Men take a very superficial view of things when they im_agine that goodness which passes among men, and is a fulfilment of our earthly obligations, "extendeth" unto God (Ps. xvi. 2, 3). This was one of the deadly errors of the Pharisees, and it was exposed by the whole tenor of our Saviour's teaching (Luke xviii. 9-14; John iii. 1-1_1). As we have not integrity before God, we must be born again, repent, seek forgrveness and acceptance, not because of what we ii.re and have done, but because of Christ having loved us and given himself for us (Acts iv. 12; Rom. iii. 24-28; iv. 5, 6; v. 1, 2; Phil. iii. 8, 9). II. A MAN SENSIBLE OF GREAT PERIL. Two perils beset David. He feared death .at the hand of Saul, and, most of all, loss of reputation. He rightly judged that if the king of Israel sought his life and chased him with that end in view, the impression would be conveyed to many that he had been guilty of some act of wrong well known to Saul, though unknown to the people. An upright man, althoug·h able to commit himself to God, dreads to be thought a wrong-doer, and to die as though he were such. Hence Lis pleading with Jonathan, Lis pain at the suspicion of want of integrity, his desire to learn whether the king's mind was more placable. These two perils beset us all. In one sense we are safe from death till our appointed time has come, for God's care fails not; yet in relation to the forces at work around us we know not what a day or an hour may bring forth. Life is begirt with powers of -destruction. There is but a " step " between us and death. " In the midst of life we are in death." The proper effect of this sense of peril is wholesome. It leads to such an estimate of life as renders it wiser, more sober, earnest, and devout (Ps. xxxix. 4--7; xc. 12; Eccles. ix. 10; xi. 9; xii. 13; 1 Cor. vii. 29-31). But to a sincerely good roan danger to reputation is more serious. Many would rather die than either actually lose character or be deemed to have lost it. They can sympathise with David's wish that Jonathan would slay Iiim if really moral cause existed. Our Saviour's pain was great because of the effort to ruin his character. But though all .are exposed to these two perils in common with David, there is one other peril of life which often is an occasion of loss of reputation. We are exposed to the wiles of the devil. As Saul sought the life of David, so Satan goeth about seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. v. 8). Every day the adversary destroys by "his strong ones.'' The language of the Psalmist (Ps. x. 8-10) will apply with wonderful precision to the destroyer of souls, the" murderer from the beginning" (John viii. 44). The proper, effect of this sense of peril is to induce watchfulness, avoidance of the hau~ts of iniquity, prayer for strength, and such consecration to work as shall leave no time or thought for dalliance with the tempter (Matt. vii. 13; xxvi. 41 ; Ephes. vi. 11, 12, 18). IIL A MAN INTENT ON SELF-PRESERVATION. While in conflict with Goliath, amidst the regular duties of his public course, David seems to have been under no ,concern for Lis life or reputation. He did his duty and trusted in God. But wh_en .be suspected attempts in the dark on his life and character, he felt bound to devise means of securing l1imself, and rightly manifested much anxiety in relation thereto. It is possible that character may be so defamed during life that only death will prcve CH. XX. 1--23,l THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 381'