The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 54

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vore, 1-4.-(ZIKLAG, HEBRON.) Divine guidanr:;J. "David inquired of the Lord" (ver. 1). A new chapter in the life of David now opens. By the death of Saul and Jonathan the obstacles to his accession were, in part, removed. The time of patient waiting was gone, and the time for decisive action come. .As be had not run before he was sent, so he did not expect, without running, to attain. But he would not take a step without the approval and direction of God. His inquiry pertained to the Divine purpose he was chosen to fulfil, and the Divine guidance he needed for its accomplish- ment. In this inquiry, as in his subsequent conduct and experience, he was a pattern to us; since there is/or every man a Divine plan and purpose of life, which he should seek to ascertain and strive to realize. Consider Divine guidance (in the way to a crown) as- I. URGENTLY NEEDED. We are liable (like travellers in a strange country) to go astrny from the right path and fall into danger. 1. This liability arises from many erroneous paths presented to our view; trheir attractive appearance and stron2: tempta- tions. "'l'here is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. xiv. 12). 2. And from the im1,erfection of our own nature; our ignorance, and our disposition to please ourselves rather than deny ourselves an<l please God. "0 Lord. I know that the way of man is not in himself," etc. (Jer. x. 23). 3. It is evident from experience of past failures. David had taken many fahe steps. And there is no man but- has reason to feel, in looking back over departed years, that his greatest folly has been to walk in the light of his own wisdom, and his greatest wisdom to depend upon the wisdom of God. 4. '!'he need of it is specially felt by us when about to enter upon a new enterprise, or a course of action to which we are impelled by out- ward circumstances or inward conviction, but the exact nature of which is uncertain, or which is dependent for its success upon the disposition and co-operation of other persons. II. DILIGENTLY BOUGHT. Although the Urim and Thummim are gone (see 1 Sam. xiv. 16-23; xxiii; 1-12), yet: 1. There are certain means which must be employed for a similar purpose-such as considering our own capacities and condition ; listening to the voice of conscience; seeking the advice of good men; observing the ways of Providence; studying "the Scriptures of truth; " r.nd, above all, offering prayer to the Father" in the Name" of Christ. 2. And to their proper employment a right spirit is essential; viz. sincerity, docility, trustfulness, perseverance. Such was the spirit of David, as it appears in his psalms; and therefore, while Saul exclaimed," God answereth me no more" (1 Sam. x..xviii. 15), he could say," I sought the Lord, and he heard me" (Ps. xxxiv. 4). III. GRACIOUSLY AFFORDED. 1. In various ways, in accordance with the means just mentioned, and especially by the Holy Spirit, who prepares the heart, teaches the meaning and application of the written Word, and produces impressions and impulses in harmony therewith. "Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and know all things" (1 John ii. 20; John xvi, °13). 2. ·individually, and in a measure fully adequate to the requirements of the case and the capacity of profiting by it. 3. Certalinly. As of old, so now. Gad is as desirous as he is able to lead us in the way wherein we should go, and he has given many faithful promises to this effect. "I will guide thee with mine eye" (Ps. xxxii. 8 ; xxxvii. 23 ; xlviii. 14). "Thine ears shall hear a voice behind thee," etc. (Isa. xx..x. 21; xlii. 16; Prov. iii. 6). IV. FAITHFULLY FOLLOWED. "And David went up thither" (ver. 2). 1. With humble obedience and entire dependence, as a child relying on the superior wisdom of his father. 2. Without hesitation, questioning, or delay. 3. With cheerfulness, zeal, and energy. It is al.ways given with a practical end in view. 62 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [cB. II, l.-32,