The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 463

morally perverted natures, in such wise that the Divine in thern is freed from the binding power of evil, and the religious moral element of the conscience, which is concealed deep under religious moral corruption, breaks freely forth, at leaRt in some bright and good moments, in order to point to the wo.y of salvation and show the possibility of deliverance, provided the man is willing to be saverl and renewed " (Erdmann). 3. J.'he apprehension of an extraordinar_y escape from danger and , death (ver. 18). Saul had been placed by the hand of God within reach of the stroke of death, and if David had acted as men would ordinarily have done he would not have been now alive (ver. 19). The heart must be hard irdeed if it be not melted by such things as these. II. IT IS APPARENTLY GENUINE j the proof of a radical change of disposition. In tears and wq,rds and actions there is-1. The presence of strong emotion. It i" evidently not simulated, but real. 2. The operation of an awakened conscience (ver 17), which produces the recognition of what is right, the vindication of one who ha~ been wronged, the confession of sin, and prayer for the blessing of God on one who has been regarded as an enemy (ver. 19). 3. The conviction of the Divine JYlfrpose. 11 And now, behold, I know well," &c. (ver. 20). That purpose had been mdicated to Saul by Samuel and by the course of events; but he refused to 'recognise it, sought to change it, and fought against it. Now he aeknowledges its inevitable fulfilment on the ground of the superior worth of David ( eh. xv. 28), submits to it without complaint, and even seeks a solemn pledge of forbearance toward his house on its accomplishment (ver. 21). He says in effect," The will of the Lord be done." 4. The abandonment of evil designs. His amendment goes beyond good resolutions, and appears in his actu11lly leaving off the pursuit of David and returning home to Gibeah (ver. 22). When gooci actions follow good words, what more can be needed? Yet Saul among the saints, like Saul among the prophets, was Saul still. III. l'r IS REALLY WORTHLESS. Although the signs of repentance and reformation in Saul were greatly valued, they were not absolutely relied upon by David, who had experience of his impulsive and changeable nature, and" knew what was in man.'' The most promising signs may be, and often are, connected with a goodness which is-1. Superficial; the depth of the heart being still hard and stony. 2. Defective, in hatred of sin, renunciation of self, return to God, surrender of the will, true faith, inward renewal, and spiritual strength to resist temptation. 3. Transient. "They soon forgat his works," &c. (Ps. cvi. 13). Not long afterwards Saul was again in pursuit of David, and his heart was more obdurnte than ever (eh. xxvi. 1). Transient good- ness issues in permanent destruction. " Water that riseth and floweth from a living spring runnetb equally and constantly, unless it be obstructed or diverted by some violent opposition ; but that which is from thunder-showers runs furiously for a season, but is quickly dried up. So are those spiritual thoughts which arise from a prevalent internal principle of grace in the heart; they are even and constant unless an interruption be put upon them for a season by temptations. But those which are excited by the thunder of convictions, however their streams may be filled for a. season, they quickly dry up and utterly decay" (Owen, 1 Spiritual-Mindedness'). Consider that-I. Men may be near the kingdom of God and yet n,ever enter into it. 2. We are liable to be deceived by the appearance of goodness in others, and even in ourselves. 3. Whilst we should" search and try our hearts," we should also pray; 11 Search me, 0 God," &c. (Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24). 11 Create in me a clean heart," &c. (Ps. Ii. 10).-D. Vera. 16, 17.-Evil overcome by good. Recent passages of this history have shown more of David's weakness than of his strength. But here he is again a hero. The fine points of his character shine out-his self-control, his magnanimity, and his reliance on the justice of God to vindicate his integrity. To this period is ascribed the seventh Psalm in which the son of Jesse appeals against the slanders with which he was assailed, a~d looks to God for solace and deliverance. The situation strikes. both the imagination _nnd the heart. The young chief stands at the mouth of the cavern, holding· up the proof of his generous forbearane;e, and protesting with picturesque eloquence against Saul's hot pursuit. The king amazed, ashamed, and 1111bdued ; the sternness fading from his face, the haughty ang-er in his eyes drowned  '74 THE :FIRST BOOK OF SA~WEL. [ell. XXII'. 1-22.