The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 45

could not but think much of himeelf now u a free man, an objeo\ of publio intereet, on the high-road to affluence, e.nd about to enter on activities the.t would render him the chief objeot of intel'81!t. 'l'here would thue A.rise a new and perilous &elf-consciousness. The 110brieties, cantion, and eelf-restraint acquired in adversity might now seem to be virtues suited to a bygone time. A profound knowledge of the world and of self would oorreot thi11 judgment; but 11till the risk would be oonsid.. rable, for man at his bes~ estate is morally weak. It iA just here that a sincere, well-cultured godliness comes in as a eupport to the dictates of a purely moral judgment and the suggestions of expediency. The man after God's own heart, because of being such a man, looks out on bis opening prospects with a careful eye, and moves with aa much caution and Jeference to a higher will as in the former days of trouble; and the comfort of his household, as well as the advancement to comparative ease and plenty of the men who· had shared his sufferin~s, engage his thought, and they become the first partakers of the fruits of his improving fortnnes (vers. 2, 3). The same 1J1oderating influence of piety is seen in the life of Joseph. The principle involved is taught by our Lol'd in his perfect freedom, even amidst growing honours, from self-absorption. With the measured 1<tep of sobriety he marches on to full dominion, and with tender l'egard for the welfare of all who have known the "fellowship of his sufferings." The same mind in us will tone down the dangerous excitement of successes, andJnduce a broad and generous consideration of the claims and requirements of others. The following GE>."ERAL LESSONS naturally flow from this subject as exhibited in the life of David: 1. The consciousness of our being God's servants, living supremely to effect his purpose in the world, gives great moral power to our conduct. David lived and moved as a "man of God." Blessed is he who can go forth daily with that conviction I 2. The assurance that God has a definite will in reference to our daily movements is warranted, not only by philosophic considerations, but also by the record·of his actua~ dealings with his servants. David, the "sparrow," and the "hairs" of our head are means of illustrating that nothing in our life is too insipillicant for Divine care, and therefore for matter of supplice.tion (Me.tt. x. 29-31). .3. The true policy of man is another na.me for what is the will of God. No doubt in this case it was humanly expedient to go first up to Hebron; and because God knew it was best under the circumstances, 'he willed Da,·id to go. In the higher moral sphere, God's will is not a judgment based on knowledge of circumstances; but, though absolute, yet it al ways coincides with . true policy. 4. The menns of ascertaining the main lines of right action are within reach of a, good man. God speaks in providence, conscience, and his Word. 5. • 'l'here is immense moral support to our action when we have deliberately sought.and have learnt the will of God. J,'irm is the step of such men, steady is their eye. The uses of partial success. David's advancement to the throne of Judah was a great step towards the realization of the ideal which, ever since the de.y of his anointing, had drawn him on in the path of patient endurance; but it was far from being all that he wished. &i compared with the understa.nding arrived at, and encouraged by all that God had aid and done during the past years of exile, it fell. below what he had a right, to expect, for he was chosen of God to be ruler over the whole of the people;, but, at the same time, it so far was satisfying that it became a pledge of still further advances till the original promise should be literally and in its entirety fulfilled. There is no indication here or elsewhere in the Psalms that David was vexed and fretful because ho did not all at once succeed Saul as king of the entire nation. '!'here were doubtless in the circumstances of the case sufficient pleas for an unfilial spirit to indulge in the language of disappointment; but the pas~ discipline of this. true child of God had manifestly wrought jn him such confidence 1n the order of ProV1dence, and such breadth of view with respect to Divine methods, as to render him deaf and indifferent to unhallowed suggestions. His cheerful .acceptance of an instalment of fulfilled promise is in keeping with his former patient endurance of deferred hope. l. 'l'HEEE ABE lUNY OONVEBGING LINES INVOLVED IN OUR BUOOEBB IN THE BEBVIOE oF Goo. The true nnal success of David's career lay in his becoming the beloved and honoured ruler of the entire chosen race. But a fact of this kind means the adjust- ment, over a considerable period, of countless subtile human relationships, the kindling of apparently divergent interests, and the physical removal of barriers by the action of OR. ll, 1-32,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 43