The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 457

conviction that his actions were now not responsible in the same degree as when he disobeyed the command of God through Samuel. In the Psalms we have other language-strong, se,-ere, withering-intended for " men set on fire, sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword" (Ps. !vii. 4). "Deceit," ''fraud," "lying· lips," "poison of adders," tong·ues "set on fire" that "wrest words ,. and "love all devouring words," are the terms used to indic~te the motives and pmposes of the men prompting the action of Saul. .Now ns we find the explanation of the mild language in the intimate knowledge which he had of the weakness of his enen_1y, and th~ use which stronger wills were making of him, so, by the same rule of mterpretat1on, ought we to allow an appropriateness of other and more severe language to men so utterly vile as these were known to be, and to who~ he alludes in ver. 9 and eh. xxvi. 19. Too often Christian men, and especially unbehe-ers, read the strong language of the Psalms as though it were expressive of sentiments ordinarily entertained towards any who might differ from David· and it is vie"l"l'ed as in contrast with his address to Saul and the precepts of Christ. The unreasonableness of this judgment is evident when we only consider what David knew these men to be, and to be aiming at. They were deliberate, calculating liars, knowing by his deeds, by Samuel's approval, and by his pure and useful life, that he- was a chosen man of God, and yet endeavouring by false representations to blast his reputation, to incite a moody king to slay him on account of his vileness of intention, and, in fact, to frustrate the purpose which God had announced through Samuel, and of which Jonathan, Gad, Abiathar, and others were aware. A baser, more cruel and co,rnrdl_v conspiracy against character, life, and national welfare can hardly be- inrngined. The kno,Yledge of these specific facts renders David's wrath and indigna- tion most holy, and, in view of what would be the calamity to Israel should they succeed in annulling the purpose of God as declared to Samuel and made known to David and others, the Church can say Amen to the Psalms. This principle of inter- pretation is wider than tlie case before us. None of us dare use towards others the seYere language of Christ's deuunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, because we han llot the minute knowledge of motive and internal, irreclaimable deceitfulness which was clear to his eye ; but his view of what is hidden from us rendered his words just and good. Also, the language used with reference to the necessity of atonement, the manner in which it is made, and the conditions on which it becomes available for those ma.de acquainted with it, should be considered reverently, as being founded on an intimate knowledge on the part of God of very many facts pertain- ing to moral exi;;tence, the inter-relation of all moral being·s, and the administration of a government stretching through all time and place, which necessarily at present escape our oµservation. The same principle may apply to much of the language in reference to the future condition of the wicked. Even the right interpretation of historical matter in many dubious cases may depend on facts which to the_ writers ,Yere well known, but to us are unknown. It would be useful to direct attention to• the conditions of a right understanding of the Bible, embracing in the purview moral health, attained by the quickening of the Holy Spirit, caution, reverence, regard to its spiritual aims, its fragmentary character, its progressive teaching- especially sympathy with its purpose. Ill. A MAN'S VOCATION IN LIFE EXERCISES A POWERFUL INFLUENCE IN DETERMINING EIS MORAL QUALITIES. The moral qualities of consideration, forbearance, magna- nimity, and candour so prominent in David during this interview with Saul met with little sympathy among his followers at the time, though subsequently they would see the wisdom of his conduct. Like others, they judged of what should be done by what from their lower moral position they were inclined to do. 'l'he superior conduct of David was not due simply to tenderness of natural disposition, nor to the presence of piety considered per se, but largely to the educating influence on his generally pious character of his calling in life. He perfectly understood that, as servant of God, he was called to be future ruler of Israel, and meanwhile so to live and act t~at no deed of his should touch his personal reputation in Israel or create the impress10n ou tlie mind of Saul that he sought his removal from the throne to gratify private ambition. Virtually he was already a 'royal personage. His actions and words were- therefore public property. 'l'he building up of national character and development CJ!, XXIV. l-22.] THE 1''IRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 467