The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 56

the other tribes would have followerl their example, and, by unitina in David, hava quietly submiUed to the appointment of God, as they themselves had done" (Chandler). In their conduct we seo- 1. AN EXALTED ESTIMATE OF ms PERSONAL WORTH. One of themselves (Deut. :xvii. 16), "chosen out of the people" (Ps. lxxxix. 19), he could understand and sympa- thize with them. He possessed eminent military abilitie~ and noble moral qualities; and he had rendered invaluable services to his country, and shown special kindness to the elders of his own tribe (1 Sam. xxx. 26). His previous career wa.s well known to them, and bad won their confidence and affection. The character of a people is com- monly manifested in that of its chosen ruler. As Saul embodied and reflected the prevailing spirit of Benjamin and Ephraim, so David embodied and reflected what was beet in Judah; its independent spirit, lion-like courage, and religious devotion. II. LOYAL ACCEPTANCE OF BIS DIVINE APPOmTMENT. With that appointment they were familiar. They recognized Jehovah as their King; the Source of authority and of the endowments which were needful for the kingly office. Their condition isolated them in feeling, to some extent, from the other tribes (as afterwards more fully appears); but in acting independently of them they rebelled against no existing and legitimate authority, and they neither aimed at dominion over them nor separation from them. They displayed a truly theocratic spirit. And, in the election of a ruler, a people should always 'recognize the authority and obey the will of God. "Kings derive their kingly majesty immediately from God, but also mediately from their subjects" ( J. Lange). III. VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION TO HIS ROYAL AUTHORITY. He was to them "a minister of God." Their obedience to God required their submission to the king of his choice; whose authority, however, great as it was, was not absolute. It is not said, as on a subsequent occasion (eh. v. 3), that "he made a league with them;" but they doubtless submitted to him on the understanding that he would rule according to the Divine will. The efficiency of a ruler depends upon the free submission of his people; and there is not a, nobler exercise of freedom than submission to the highest order. IV. UNBOUNDED CONFIDENCE IN HIS BENEFICENT RULE. They expected, under the government of "the man worthy of the sceptre," deliverance from their enemies, by whom they were now threatened; the establishment of justice, from the want of which they had long suffered; and the attainment of power and prosperity. Nor were they disappointed. The pre-eminence of this tribe was ordained with reference to the advent and exaltation of Christ, the promised Shiloh, "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. v, 5); and the conduct of the men of Judah may be taken as illustrating the free acceptance of "him whom God bath anointed with his Holy Spirit" on the part of hie people; their humble obedience to his rule, and their fervent desire for his universal reign. "Thou art worthy." "Come, then, and, added to thy many crowns, Receive yet one, the crown of all the earth, Thou who alone art worthy I It was thine By ancient oovenant, ere Nature's birth; And thou hast made it thine by purchase since, And overpaid its value with thy blood. Thy saints proclaim thee King ; and in their hearts Thy title is engraven with a pen Dipped in the fountain of eternal love." (Cowper.' D. Vera. 4-7.-(HEBRON.) Commendation. The first recorded act of David after he became king was of a kingly character. It is not improbable that the persons who informed him of what the men of Jabesh had done supposed that he had little love for the memory of Saul, and was apprehensive of opposition from his "house" (ver. 8), and wished to excite his jealousy agll.i.nst them; seeking to insinuate themselves into his confidence by detraction from the good name of others. But, instead of yielding to suspicion, he sent a message of peace and good will. His commendation was- I. WELL DESERVED by men who had performed a noble deed (see 1 Sam. ::uxi.  64 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [CH, II, 1-32,