The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 380

~cC'nes anrl belo'l'crl friend~, to "be m~ssed" from our accustomed place is a sadden• !ng lh_o'.1ght. But ~v\iat gwe~ solem111ty to dea_th as well as life is its moral aspect, 1ts spmtua\ and Dinn~ relat!ons. 1. !t. terminates our earthly probation-severs our nnme~iate connect10n with the pnv1leges, means, and opportunities by which charncter 1s prov~d and the soul prepared for another st~te. Wh~n. this step is taken, all these thmgs belong to the past. 2. It 1tsliers 11.s into tlie Divine p1·esence • no longer partially concealed by the veil of material thing·s, but fully revealed in light which reveals the moral attitude of every human spirit and judges it "in righteous~ ness.'' "After death" ~ and following cl_ose upon it) "the judgment" (Heb. ix. 28). ",ve must all be manifest before the Judgment-seat of Christ," &c. (2 Cor. v. 10). 3. It.fixes our future destiny, in weal or woe. "\\'hat is a man profited," &c. II. THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE. The step mu.st be taken, but when we know not. That we may t,,e duly impressed by a truth which all admit, but few adequately realise, consider-1. The frailty of the body, and the innumerable dangers to which it is exposed. " Between us and hell or heaven there is nothing but life the most fragile thing in existence" (Pascal). 2. Phe facts of daily observati~. What occurs to others so often, so suddenly and unexpectedly, may occur to ourselves. 7 \ \ e have no g~arantee that it wil! not. "~an's. uncertain life is like a raindrop on the bough, amid ten thousand of its sparkling kmdred, and at any moment it may fall." 3. Phe declaration.s of the Divine word. "Man lmoweth not his time," &c. (Eccles. ix. 12). "Ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is yomr life jl" &c. (James iv. 14). Why should we be left in such uncertainty? (1) To teach us the sovereignty of God and our dependence upon him. (2) To accord with our present probationary position, which necessitates the proper adjustment of motives to our freedom and responsibility. (3) To enable us properly to perform the ordinary duties of life, in connection with which we are appointed to serve God here and prepare for his service hereafter. ( 4) To check presumption in devoting undue attention to the affairs of this life and neglecting those of the life -to come. (5) To lead us not to put the event out of our minds altogether, but rather to con- stant preparation for it and for the life that lies beyond. "The last day is kept secret that every day may be watched" (Augustine). "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is" (Mark xiii. 33). "Be ye therefore ready also," &c. (Luke xii. 40). III. THE NECESSITY OF WATCHFUL PREPARATION. Seeing fnat at any instant the step may be taken, it plainly behoves us to be always ready. 1. By seeking and maintaining a right state r,f heart (John iii. 2, 14). 2. By diligent, f~ithful, and: persevering _performance of duty. 3. By constant and prayerful committal of our «ntls into the hands of God. So, whenever the step is taken, it will be "only a step" out of the shadows and sorrows of earth into the glory and joy of heaven.-D. Vere. 11-23. (THE OPEN COUNTRY, NEAR GIDEAH.)-A covenant of friendship. "And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David'' (ver. 16). The friendship of Jonathan and David was expressed and confirmed by a sacred covenant (eh. xviii. B). The covenant now made differed from the former. 1. It was made at a tim& of trial. Their friendship was put to a severe test; for it had become clear to the mind of Jonathan that David was destined to be king (ver. 13), as he afterwards statecl. more fully ( eh. xx.iii. 17). "Jonathan caused David to swear again". (ver. 17), not because he distrusted him, but " because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved liis own soul ; " and in times of special danger such repeated and solemn aseurances- rnay be needful and beneficial. 2. It included the obligation to show kindness to- ,ne house of Jonathan as well as himself. Consider it as- I. CONFIRMED BY AN APPEAL TO Goo. It was customary in making a covenant (contract or agreement) to take an oath in which God was appealed to as a witness and an avenger of its violation (Gen. x:xvi. 28 ; xxxi. 45-63). Even when no 1mch appeal is expressly made it should be remembereil-1. That he observ~s the promises and engagements which men make to one another, and keel;'B a fa1thf!1l record thereof (Mal. iii. 16). 2. ~hat he !~yes to see truth and f~ithfuln~ss .m their speech and conduct (Deut. vii. 9; xxxn. 4). 3. That he manifests hie dis- pleasure toward those who neglect or violate their engagements (Ezek. xvii. 9). 4. OB. XX. 1-23.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SA)llUEL. 385