The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 386

If Jon~1tl,a.n kept_ the one l,c n_rnst lose the other. Saul assumed that policy andl prudence would d1ct~te the ch01ce of the succession,' for, witlr the swift logic of the cruel, he wound up !11s argument by, "Therefore now send and fetch hin-i unto me for he shall surely die " (wr. 31 ). It is easy to show that Saul's logic, like 'that of au' the wicked, was faulty; for if David was really the" neighbour" to whom God had decreed: !c, gin t_he kin~·dorn (eh. ~v. 28), no breaking of frietl'dship woul~ prev~nt _his naving 1t; and 1f Dand was a friend of Jonathan he would never rob 1nm of his right should the friendship be maintained. Jonathan's love and spiritual insight enabled hirn to see through the fallacy and to make his choice. There are alternatives open to most: men in the course of years which bring material and spiritual cdnaiderations info sharp contrast. Here it waR selfish grasping at power versus joy in God's purposes for Israel and mankind. Moses had to say whether the probability of becoming: prime-minister of Egypt was more attractive· than identifying himself with 'the'. despise<l. sla-ves in prosecution of a spiritual enterprise. The same contrast ar'ose, though the choice was different, when the young rich man was required to evince his supreme love for God and all that that implies by giving up the wealth on which his heart was set (Matt. xix. 20-22). The possession of wealth and acquisition of honour in public life are not inconsistent with true piety, but it makes all the difference when parents say to young men, "Give up your religion if· you are to mak:e your way in the world ; " " Surrender the Greater than David, and grasp the honours of this life." Every one is called on to decide between Christ and the supremMy o~ material, earthly interests. In which lies wisdom is evident (Matt. x. 37 ; xix. 27-'29f V. VIRTUE VICTORIOUS. Jonathan was proof against parental influertce, material considerations delusively presented, and even threatening of death. He pleaded for' right and innocence. He mourned the debasement of a father. He was indignant at the base insinuations against the noblest and purest of men. He dared to let the court know his preference for the spiritual over the material (ver. 34). This is heroism requiring far more courage than to go amidst the cheers of men and the pageantry of war to the cannon's mouth. Here is the power of faith, the sufficiency of God's grace, the victory that overcometh the world (Heb. xi. 32-38). The world: is short-sighted. Jonathan now wears a crown which will never fade (2 ,Tim. ii. 12; iv. 7, 8; Rev. iii. 21). ' ' General lessons :-1. Seeing that such varied characters are around us, let us be in every place as the " salt of the earth" and "light of the world." 2. It is our duty to exercise the holiest influence and to work unweariedly, whatever be the issue (Eccles. :xi. 6). 3. We should cultivate such an inner life that if all our thought~ found audible expression we need not be ashamed (Pa. Ii; 6, 10). 4. Every one is tempted to reject Christ, and so every one has to determine his •own destiny.: 5. Fidelity in seasons of great trial depends much on previously-cultivated friendship with Christ. Vera. 35-42.-Warning in danger. The facts are-1. In accordance with arrangement, Jonathan, on the next day, goes out into the field, and, on shooting the arrow beyond the lad with him, he cries out the signal of dang·er. 2. David recog- nises the sign, and the lad is sent away to the city. 3. Thereupon David and Jonathan: embrace each other, and take a sorrowful farewell-Jonathan giving him his benedic! tion, and reminding him for his comfort of the sacred covenant between them both. A crisis had come in the life of David which demanded prompt action. He had passe'4_ from a quiet pastoral occupation to the full glory of a victor's triumph, and from thence through the chl'quered scenes of public service in the army and the court. Meanwhile the hidden purposes of God were fast developing; and now the " anointed" has to take a painful step in order to insure the preservation of life essential to the realisation of the end for which Samuel had chosen him in the name of God. The manner in which Jonathan performed his part is a beautiful instance of wise and faithful friendship under most perilous circumstances. We see here- I. How WE MAY COME INTO ClRCUMBTANCEB OF GREAT DANGER WHICH AT ONE TIME WOULD NOT BE ANTICIPATED. The life of the anointed of the Lord was in real peril by reason of the fixed purpose of an enraged and envious king. No one would have 1mppoeed such a condition of things when the ruddy youth went forth to meet the OB. XX. f24--42.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SAJ\,iUEL. 391