The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 63

II. llow suon INQUIRY BilOULD DE CONDUCTED. 1. By what methods. Where shall we find a Divine oracle to answer our inquiries? (1) Reason and conscience will often (if we allow them free speech) give a response which at once commends itsdf as e. Divine reply. If one course be morally right and the other morally wrong, one in manifest accordance with the laws of Christ, the other iu plain opposition to them, there is no room for further question. (2) Holy Scripture is to be consulted. Not in thi, way of bibliomancy, but by study of its revelations and precepts. The New Testament is especially the Christian's vade-mecum, from whence he may obtain all needful instruction I\B to the will of God. (3) The providence of God. Courses to which we a.re prompted by the best desires may be seen not to be our duty, because ability and oppr,rtuuity a.re wanting to pursue them. (4) The counsels of wise and good men. Consulting them, our course will often become clear. Yet we may not submit blindly and shvishly to our fellow-men. (5) 'l'he commands of superiors. For children at home the will of their parents is the will of God; for servants, the co=ands of their employers; al ways supposing in both cases that what is enjoined is not clearly sinful. (6) Withal and always, prayer for Divine guidance should be resorted to. "Show me thy ways, 0 Lord; tea.eh me thy paths" (Ps. xxv. 4). By direct influence on the minds and hearts of those who seek him, God becomes their Guide. His Spirit leads those who are willing to be led by him. 2. ln what spirit. A simple and sincere desire to know and do the will of God. In opposition to pride and self-will, and double-minded- ness, Many seek counsel of God as the advice of men is often sought. They virtually make up their minds before they inquire, and "make it a matter of prayer" in order that they may obtain a. feeling of the Divine approval of the course they have chosen. Not avowedly, not consciously, is this done. But" the heart is deceitful," and never shows its deceitfulness more than in such cases (comp. Ezek. xiv. 1-5; 2 Thess. ii. 10-14). III. MOTIVES TO BUOB INQUIRY. 1. Our ignorance. "The way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. L 23). Human affairs are so complex, appearances so deceitful, men often so untrustworthy, our vision so limited, that we roa.y well desire and shall wisely yield ourselves to the guidance of God. 2. The right and powe:r of God to direct us. As supreme Ruler, as perfect in knowledge, wisdom, and goodness. 3. His promues. (See Ps. xxv. 12, 14; Jas. i. 5.) Especially the great promise of the Holy Spirit to all who ask of God this un8peakably great and precious gift (Luke xi. 13). 4. The blessedness of being divinely led. In present wisdom, holiness, and happiness, and in eternal life. 5. The ce:rtainty of fatal darkness and stumbling to those who do not in![uire of God. (See Jer. xiii 16; John xii. 35.)-G. W. Vers. 5-7.-Gratitude and policy. David was now king of the tribe of Judah by their own choice, but the rest of the tribes had not declared themselves. Amongst these the tribes beyond the Jordan were of special importance and influence; and David took an opportunity of reminding them of his position and claims. The chief city amongst those tribes was Jabesh-Gilead. Brave men from that city had rescued the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Bethsha.n. and, after burning them. had buried their bones under the ta.ma.risk tree (Revised Version) at Jabesh. David, being made acquainted with what they had done, sends messengers to assure them of his appreciation of their conduct, and a.t the same time to hint that, Saul being dead, and he having been appointed king over Juda.b, the way was clear for them to aid, if so disposed, in promoting his election as king by the other tribes. The message was at once a suitable expression of his gratitude and a politic endeavour to ingratiate him.self with them. L D.A.vm's GB.ATITUDE. 1. On what account. Their burial of Saul. He speaks of this as kindness to him. We can show kindness to the dead by suitably interring them. Other ways of doing this would be upholding their reputation, caring for those they leave behind, promoting for their sakes any cause in which they were deeply interested. David could not but highly appreciate the brave deed of these men. His own marvellous courage would impel him to admire theirs. But it was the respect they had thus shown to their departed sovereign which especially moved him to send a message to them, His gratitude for this was quite in accordance with his usual  THE SEOOND BOOK OF SAMUEL, [C'H. II. 1-32,