Vere. 1-12. (HARETH, KEILAH.)-Answers to prayer. Inquiry of the Lord by Urim and Thummim really meant prayer in which Divine direction was sought in a particular manner (see eh. xiv. 19, 36). It was made by David soon after the arrival of Abiathar, on three several occasions (vers. 2, 4, 10),-on the last of them by two separate questions,-and in each case a definite answer was received. "God shows great care for David, instructing him now by prophets (eh. xxii. 5), and now by Urim and Thummirn" (Grotius). "That which in the olden Jewish times wa5 the prerogative of a few becomes in Christian days the privilege of the many. Christ makes all his faithful followers 'kings and priests unto God.' And much of the sacred symbolism that gathered around the ancient priesthood now gat\1ers in another form around the believer in Christ. Mere symbols have given place to true spiritual power. The Spirit of God which once underlay the symbols, and spake through them to the devout mind, now communicates directly with the heart, and needs no- material intervention" (' Bible Educ.,' iv. 38). Those who seek guidance of God in a right spirit never fail to obtain it, especially in- I. PERPLEXITY concerning the knowledge of duty. Asking, "Shall I go?" (ver. 2) they receive, perchance, the definite answer, "Go;" not, indeed, by an audible voice, but by means of-1. The elevating, calming, and enlightening of their minds through communion with God, and more particularly by the purifying of their moral nature from carnal and selfish affections by his indwelling Spirit, which enables them to see "what the will of the Lord is." "Our notions resemble the index and hand of the dial; our feelings are the hidden springs which impel the machine ; with this difference, that notions and feelings react on each other reciprocttl!y" (Coleridge). "The understanding resembles not a dry light, but admits a tincture of the will ancl the passions, which generate their own system of truth accordingly" (Bacon). And when the heart (which is the soul's eye) is pure we see God (Prov. xxviii. 5; l\Iatt. v. 8; John vii. 17). 2. A clear understanding of the meaning of the written word, and of its application to the circumstances in which they are placed. As by that word thoughts, impressions, and purposes are tried, in order that it may be proved whether they are of God, so by the same word they are formed and directed (Isa. viii. 20; John xvi. 13). 3. A correctJudgment of what is right and most expedient, accompanied by an inward assurance of the Divine approbation. " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," &c. (James i. 5; Ps. xxv. 9). II. DIFFICULTY arising from hindrances to the perforimmce of duty. "Davi,] inquired of the Lord yet again" (ver. 4). The obstacles placed in the way of duty, especially by friends, ought to lead to renewed consideration and prayer, and these are often followed by-1. Strong confirmation of the conviction previously enter- .tained. "Arise, go down to Keil ah." 2. Increased confidence of success. " I will give the Philistines into thine hnnd." 3. Entire removal of the difficulty. " David and his men went." It appears to have been chiefly for their satisfaction that the second 4-l.4 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [CR. xxm. 14~29
inquiry was made. ,vhilst ":e should endeavour to persuade men to adopt a right course, we ought above all thmgs to look to God to dispose them to walk therein " III. DANGER, whi_ch some!imes ?ccurs on the fulfilment of duty (vere. 7-i2). In the deed~ of _deliverance 1tsel~ lies the se_ed of new suffering. 11 Saul misinterprets -even~s (ver. 1) 1 like other men blmded by sm and "using the name of God when God 1s farthest off fr?m them, 11 confidcnt_ly calcul_ates. on seizing David, levies war, and openly devotes himself to the execution of !us wicked purpose. But David is warned; _he _has _also, probably, reason to suspect the fidelity of the citizens of Keil ah, and agam mqmres of the Lord. He does so with much fervour, calling him the "Lord God of Israel," and humbly acknowledgin°· himself to be his servant• and ihc ansy,ers he obtains afford him-1. Foresi,ght of the perilous events of the f~ture. " He will come down." 2. Insi,glit into the hidden purposes of men. "They will deliver t!1ee u~." We may often ascert_ain m_ore of the secret thoughts o~ men by c-ornmumon with God than by consultat10n with men themselves. 3. Guidance for J,he fr_ustratio,~ of ungra~eful and evil intentions, and escape from every danger. David and lns_ men, &c. (ver. 1_3). Ho,:, perfect i_s the knowledge which God pos- -s~sses of all thmgs I How sure 1s the guidance which he affords to those who seek him I How safe are they who make him their Rock and their Fortress I In the midst of all his troubles David can sing of "his marvellous loving-kindness in a fenced city;" as he does in Ps. xxxi.: "In thee, 0 Jehovah, have I found refuge." "See Judah's promised king bereft of all ; Driven out au exile from the face of Saul. To distant caves the lonely wanderer flies, To seek that peace a tyrant's frown denies. His soul exults ; hope animates his lays ; The sense of mercy kindles into praise ; And wilds familiar with the lion's roar Ring 'l'l'ith ecstatic sounds unheard before" (Cowper). D.