The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 381

That he shows f~vour nnd. affords help to _those who strive 1:0 keep them faithfully. "Who bath not liftrd up his soul unto vamty, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord" (Ps. xxiv. 4; xv. 4; Ephes. iv. 25). II. DEEPENING THE SENSE OF OBLIGATION. Jn some cases a covenant creates a new obligation; in others (like that of friendship) it intensifies the force and feeling of it-1. By the solemn manner in which it is made. 2. By the greater definiteness in which the obligation is expressed. 3. By the permanent record which is formed of it in the memory, often associated with particular places and objects (Josh. xxiv. 27). 4. And this is important as an incentive to faithfulness in temptation arising from self-interest and strong passion to set it aside. As often as Jonathan and David remembered their sacred covenant they would be impelled to ever higher love and faithfulness. III. CONTRIBUTING TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH. 11 By Jehovah," &c. (ver. 12). "And O that thou wouldst while I live show me kindness," &c. (ver. 14). Each received as well as gave assurances of kindness, which served-!. To afford a claim that might be confidently urged in difficulty and danger (ver. 8). 2. To enrich the soul with a permanent feeling of pure and elevating joy. "Very pleasant hast thou been to me" (2 Sam. i. 26). 3. To preserve it from despondency in hours of darkness and trouble. 4. To increase its aspiration and endeavour after all tliat is excellent. The continued loyalty of David to Saul and his acts of kindness to him were doubtless greatly incited by the love of Jonathan; and the latter was not less morally strengthened and blessed by the love of David. "There is no influence on a feeling mind stronger than the sense of being loved; nothing more elevating, more securing to the inner life." IV. INVOLVING THE WELFARE OF OTHERS. 11 And that thou wouldst not cut off thy kindness from my house l:or ever," &c. (vers. 15, 23). 11 His request that his house may be excepted from this judg·ment, as executor of which he regards David, is founded on and justified by hie position outside the circle of 'enemies' (since be recognises God's will concerning David, and bends to it as David's friend), so that, though a member of Saul's house, he does not belong to it as concerns the judgmen: of extermination" (Erdmann). 1. .A parent naturally desires and ought to seek the welfare of hie family. 2. He may by his faithful conduct do much to promote it. 3. For the sake of one many are frequently and justly spared and bleaeed. "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness.for Jonathan'a sake" (2 Sam. ix. 1). 4. The memory of the good is o. perpetuaf incitement to goodness. Learn-I. The wonderful condescension of God in making with men a friendly coveno.nt (arrangement, constitution, dispensation), according to which be graciously assures them of unspeakable privileges and blessings (Gen. ix. 14; Jer. :uxi. 33; Gal. iii. 15-18). 2. The sure ground which is thereby n:fl'orded for confidence and "strong consofntion." 3. The necessity of observing the appointed conditions thereof. 4. To look to God for all good through II Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant" (Heh. xii. 24), and II for Christ's sake" (Ephes. iv. 32).-D. Ver. 3.-Mortal peril. Brave men have their times of depression, and believing men have their fits of discouragement. Of David's courage there could be no ques• tion. He hnd faced death without flinching, both in defence of his flock from beasts of prey, and for the deliverance of Israel from the bonstful Philistine. Yet he now recoiled, saying, "There is but a step between me and death." He felt as on the edge of a precipice. One push, and he was gone. We need not wonder at this ; for it is one thing to mee1 an enemy in the open field, nnother thing to feel that one':1 steps are dogged by treacherous malice, and not know but one may be attacked in hie sleep or struck from behind, or entrapped by some cruel stratagem. Of David's faith in God there could be just as little question as of his bravery. .All the successes he had gained had been triumphs of faith. But temperament goes for something too 1 o.nd the son of Jesse had the sensitive nature which goes with poetic genius He was capable of great exultation,_but just as capable of ~udde_n discouragement; and when he gave way to a forebodmg, melancholy mo_od, his ~a1th looked like un- ){llief. The young and healthy cannot, should not, wish to die. We ~an feel for 1 SAM. CC  ·ss6 TIIE FrnST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. xx. 1-23