The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 47

important city WO'lld become the centre of a great~t kingdom. The memorable historic aBBociatiot.s of the place (Gen. niii. 2-20; Jo~h. x. 36 ; xiv. 6-16; xv. 13, 14; :u:i. 11-13) could not but cre11te in the mind of David the feeling that he was succeeding men who were substantially engaged in the B&rue cause && himself, nnd who prospered therein. II'he natural position of the city, and the wise measures which thence wout-1 go forth for the government of a compact tribe, would naturally con- solidate hi& power, and, in due course, issue in & eontrast between his judicious rule and that of rivals in lsrsel, which would tend to break down prejudices &gainst him, and give force to his claim when &n opening occurred for his assumption of sovereignty over the twelve tribes. Using well his moderate gains, he would convert them into agencies for complete triumph. Herein is the law of solid advance. In the organic world higher and more beautiful forms are built up by means of the powers latent in the lower forms already in being. Mental life becomes wide in range and profound in thought by conversion of partial knowledge acquired into means of further develop- ment.. Social weal may proceed by stages, in which for a time progress may seem to be checked; but the institutions and habits consolidated soon become points from which other, and better, are formed. 'l'he growth of the spiritual life of the Ohristian means the successive attainment of points of advantage, which, though far from satisfying the earnest soul who seeks to subdue all to Christ, yet render the subjugation of the entire man to the Law of Christ more easy and certain. Christian enterprise often lays hold of some Hebron, in the heathen world, or in the midst of our non-Christian civilization, and working thence, with memories of past success to cheer and encourage, gets nearer to the goal of all prayer and effort-the bringing of the entire race into cheerful sub- mission to Christ, the true King in Zion. Therefore, like David in Hebron, we all should gratefully accept what is vouchsafed as the reward of effort and patience, and apply our new resources and acquired position to higher issues. .dn sfl.lltructive epi,ode. The sacred narrative is in the main concerned with the great national events which point on to the coming of the permanent King in Zion ; but here and there it introdaces a personal incident, which forms a pleasing and instructive episode amidst the public transactions which are the staple of the history. So here, while describing the important facts connected with David's elevation to the throne, and the conseqnent advanoe in the unfolding of the process by which at last the Christ should appear, the writer relates a circumstance of a more private character, and that both reveals noble qualities in David and sets forth truths of general interest. Observe, then- I. THAT, IN A TRUE IUN, .A.FFAIBS OF STATE DO NOT EXTINGUISH THE JllOBE TENDEB AND BEFlh"'ED SE?-.''TDIElITS OF LIFE. To become monarch by a people's choice and in accordance with Divine purpose involves the pressure of heavy responsibilities, the absorption of energy in onerous duties, and the exposure of the spirit to manifold tempta- tions to selfish aggrandizement. It is to the honour of David that he retained, amidst all these new and perilous conditions, his old tenderness of feeling and noble generosity. He found time and faculty for thinking lovingly of his once relentless but now buried foe, and for cherishing gratitude and respect for the men who had, at much personal risk, striven to pay honour to the dishonoured corpse (vers. 6, 6). He was not spoiled as a man of generous sentiments by becoming a king. He nourished private feelings amidst public cares. He would have the men of Jabesh-Gilead know how fondly he cherished the remembrance of their kindness to one now no more. How unlike many who have gained a throne through the disasters brought on rivals I How free, natural, and simple the expression of feeling as compared with the formal courtesies which sometimes society requires toward even the detested dead I In these respects David is a type of the greater One, who, amidst all the cares of life, cherished in his heart only pure, kindly, generous feelings towards even those who by others would have been forgotten. In like manner it is well that we strive to keep the heart fresh and warm when promotion comes, or public affairs absorb, or temptations arise to be indifferent to the minor claims of life. II. '.IH.A.T A TBUE JUN WILL EXHJllIT IN HIS CONDUCT THE BUPBEHAOY OF ms LIFE'S BPIHITUAL PUHPOBE. '.l.'here is an obscurity in the exhortation sent to the men of Ji.besh-Gilead arising from its l&eonic chv.racter (ver. 7). But, read in the light of what on. II, 1-32,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 45