The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 384

HOMILETICS. Vere. 24--34.-Wasted influences, mujfted thoughts, and ronjf,icting interests. The facts are-1. While David lies hidden, Saul notices hie absence from the feast on the first day, and refers it to some ceremonial defilement. 2. On the 5econd day he calls Jonathan's attention to the fact, and inquires the cause. 3. On his explaining the reason, Saul, in a fit of anger, accuses him of friendship with David, e.nd points out the injury which he thinks will arise therefrom. 4. On Jonathan reasoning against the command to fetch David that he may be slain, Saul, in his rag-e, casts a javelin at him. 5. Jonathan, indignant at the injustice and cruelty of hie father, )eaves the court and spends the day in fasting and sorrow. The chief interest of this section turns on the conduct of Jonathan e.nd Saul in the absence of David. The event proved the sagacity of David in keeping at a safe distance from his declared enemy. The facts of this narrative may be best dee.It with e.s furnishing suggestions of realities common even in modem life. I. THE COMMINGLED CHARACTERS OF LIFE. Here we.s a festive board, a court banquet, and a blending in it of characters most dissimilar. First there was Saul, sullen, morose, charged to the full with envy e.nd malice, ready for deeds of blood, and fearful of a doom of which he dared not speak. Then there was Jonathan, pure, bright, the very soul of chivalry and honour, carrying on his heart a tender secret, and bound by holy bonds to the interests of e. coming king. By him was Abner in a seat of honour, just coming into distinction, a warrior destined to play an important part in the future affairs of Israel. Others, not named, were there- men of influence, varying in temper and diversely influenced by the strange events of the age. And, in spirit, holding hie right to a vacant place, David, who in sympatliy sustained the heart of hie beloved friend in face of a perilous undertaking. A motley assembly in a moral point of view I Representative of many a banquet and social gathering I Society is strangely formed. The necessities of life, eustained by custom, bring into contact elements most dissimilar, each being toned down by the presence of the other, an<l the powers that lie in the heart being systematically repressed out of deference to the proprieties of life. The contending forces of sin and holiness, modified by diversities in education and association, issue in shade~ of character in endless variety. Take any assembly, around the festive board or m a wider circle; what passions, hopes, fears, terrors, joys, aspirations, motive~, d~signs lie concealed in each breast ! Each one there is a distinct world ; carries ID himself a special destiny ; is a sepulchre of buried joys, or a garden o~ germinating seeds. How little we know of those sitting by our side I What tragedies a.re to be wrought o11t by some we meet! (Matt. x. 26; 1 Cor. ii. 11 ). OB. XX, 24-42.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SA)lUEL. 389