Ver. 12.-Hatred of idolatry. The conduct of David, in directing that tho idols of the Philistines shoulr:l be "burned with fire," arose from the fervour of his religious feelings a11d his contempt for idolatrous usages. It must always be borno in mind, in reading of the wars between I~rael and l'hilistia, that these, like other wars recorded in Old 'festament history, were more social and religious than political. Isolated from surrounding nations, the people of Israel were provi<lentially appointed to be witnesses to the one true God. Hence their repugnance to and hatred of polytheism in all its offensive and degrading mauifestations. I. IDOLATRY IS DISHONOURING TO GoD. It is the substitution of God's work for him- self. Idolaters" worship and serve the creature more than the Creator, whn is blcsRc<l. for ever," Whether adoration be paid to the handiwork of the great Makel" uf all or 224 THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. [uH. xiv, 1-17,
to the workmanship of men's own hands, God is robbed of the reverence and service which are due to him alone. II. IDOLATRY IS UNREASONABLE AND VAIN. How strikingly is this portrayed in the hundred and fifteent~ psalm!-" They h_ave mouths, but they speak not," etc.; "They that make them are hke unto them; so 1s every one that trusteth in them." It iij the absurd and superstitious confidence that men have placed .in idols which has rendered religion the laughing-stock of the thoughtless and superficial. III. lDO!'ATRY IS DEGR_ADING AND DEBASING TO THO_SE ~HO PBA0TIBE IT. History abounds with proofs of this. The greater the hold which idolatry has over a nation and the more cruel, sensuous, and capricious are the deities worshipped the mar~ degraded is the moral condition of the community. We know well how' sunk were the Philistines and their neighbours, by reason of their religion, in the depths of vice and sin. IV. looLATRY 18 DOOMED TO PERISH AND TO GIVE PLACE TO A PURER A.ND NOBLER FAITH. David's "rough and ready" method of dealing with the Philistine "gods" was natural to his impulsive disposition. We are assured by inspired predictions that the time shall come when the idolatrous peoples, illumined by the rays of the gospel, shall of their own accord " cast their idols to the moles and to the bats." So far from the abolition of idolatry being the precursor to universal irreligion, we have every reason to believe that upon the ruins of heathenism shall be reared the stately and holy temple of Christianity, in which an enlightened and regenerated race shall offer unceasing adorations to the one God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Saviour of all men.-T.
Ver. 15.-" .A sound of going." In his frequent contests with the Philistines, David was assured of the constant support and guidance of the God of hosts. The king sought the honour of his God, and God prospered the exploits of his servant. On the occasion referred to in this passage, Divine wisdom is said to have directed the strategy of the army of Israel, to have indicated the moment of assault, and to have assured the warriors of certain victory. The signal was, strange to say, "a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees." This incident has usually been regarded as indicative of the tokens of the Divine presence accorded to such as are engaged in the spiritual service of their Gud. We are reminded of- I. THE POWERLESSNESS AND INSUFFICIENCY OF MEN FOB TllE SPIRITUAL CONFLICT, Christians have a warfare to wage against foes many and mighty, and for this warfare their native resources are inadequate, scanty, and feeble. If we know ourselves we must needs look above, to the Strong for strength, to the Wise for wisdom. II. THE GRACIOUS TOKENS OF A DIVINE PRESENCE AND CO-OPERATION. The "sound of going" told David that God was near-was on his side. God's people are never lert without indications of the Divine presence, and these assure them that they are not alone, that the "Lord of hosts is with them." Sometimes by events in his providence, sometimes by lessons from his Word, sometimes by the suggestions of his Spirit, he ~ves his people to understand, in the hour of their need and helplessness, that he is on their side. III. THE DIVINE SIGNAL FOB BIS PEOPLE'S ACTION. As we have not only to know but also to do God's will, we need not only revelation of truth but summons to practical service. God gives his soldiers the watchword, the signal to advance. Then is the moment to "go forward," to repel and to defeat the foe. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" It is well that we should not run before the word is given; yet it will not do to tarry when he directs us to advance. IV. TnE OMEN A.ND PRESAGE OF TRUE VICTORY. When the sound of going was heard in the tree-tops, it was as the movement of angels' wings; the mighty rushing was as the tramp of the host of God, the earnest of victory to David's arms. If the Lord our God goes forth with us to the spiritual war, we shall surely overcome, Ours shall be the victory of faith, even that which overcometh the world.-T. Ver. 17.-Fame and fear. David, notwithstanding hie follies and sins, was "the mac after God's own heart.n Devout, obedient, diligent, courageous, he was eminently !Miapted both to ~ovcrn the nation, to lead the army, to promote ihc revival of tru11 ou. JU\', 1-17.] THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. 225