The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 88

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUl'HORS. Vers. 1-5.-(BEBRON.) .. The house of David." 1. The theocracy bad its ohleC ~upport in David and his house. On him also rested tho Messianic hope (eh, vii. 13), Hence the importance which attaches to events of his life that would otherwise have boen left unrecorded. 2. "The summary narrative of these seven years presents the still youthful king in a very lovable light. The same temper which had mnrked hie first acts after SRul'e death is here strikingly brought out. He seems to hRve left the conduct of the war altogether with Joab, as if he shrank from striking a sinale blow for bis own advancement. When he does interfere, it is on the side of peace~ to· curb nnd chastise ferocious '\"engeance and dastardly assassination. The incidents recorded nil go to mRke up a picture of rare generosity, of patient waiting for God to fulfil his purposes, of longing that the miserable strife between the tribes of God's inheritance should end" (A. Maclaren). 3. In the house of David, at wo.r with the house of Sa\11; we see an embodiment of the great conflict between good and evil; a representation of "the household of faith" as opposed to the world, and the spirit as opposed to the fiesh (Gal. v. 17). Notice- I. 1TB PROTRACTED ANTAOON!S111. "And there was long war," etc. It: •1. Is rendered necessary by the opposite nature and aims of the contending parties. "TliesFl arc contrary the one to the other." 2. Implies a state of constant warf;ire, and.involves many a painful struggle. "What grievous tales of distress are folded up in these brief words!" 3. Is pennitte::J. by God for wise and beneficent purposes: to test the principles of his servants; to exercise their faith and patience; to strengthen, purify, and perfect their character. 4. And must go on to the end. "This iii a battle, from which, as it ends only with life, there is no escape ; and he who fights not in it is of 11e~essity either taken captive or slain" (Scupoli). II. ITS INCREASING STRENGTH. "David waxed stronger and stronger," in t}j,e number of his followers, the amount of his resources, the unity and vigour of their employment, the stability of his position, the extent of his influence, the assurap.ce of his success. .And all who "strive against sin" within and without also "g~ from· streng'"..h to strength:" 1. In patiently waiting upon God and faithfully doing his will "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart" (Ps. xxvii. 14). 2. By the bestowment of his grace and the co-operation of his provi- dence, directing, protecting, and prospering them, in accordance with his promises. Their strength is not selJ-derhed, but "cometh from the Lord." "And he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God," etc. (Zech. rii. 8) ; •• Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John iv. 4); "I have all stren,i;th in him that giveth me power" (Phil. iv. 13). 3. And thereby they show that God is with them, and that his righteous purposes concerning them will be accomplished. . III. ITS DECLINING 01•PONE~"Tll. "And the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker," relatively and proportionately to the growth of David's, and in consequence of the protracted antagonism and increasing strength of the latter. 1. In wilful separation from God, and seeking their own selfish ends in opposition to his will (see eh. ii. 8-12) .. 'l'hose who fall away from God fall into self-division and self-contention (ver. 8); •• and a house divideJ against itself cannot stand." 2. By the immovable might of God against whom they set themselves (Ps. ii. 4), and his wrath, which is "revcalild from heaven against all ungodliness," etc. (Rom. i. 18). They are like a wave that <lashes against a rock and is broken and scattered in foam. " 'l'he face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Pet. iiL 12). 3. And thereby they prove that God is age.inst them, and are taught that their purposes will assuredly fail and they themselves be overthrown. From the time of his defeat (eh. ii. 17), if not from the very first, Abner probably felt that the cauRe in which he had embarked was hopeles/l. "He recognized now most distinctly in David the rising star in Israel; and, however l,Au~htily bis wordB might sound, he only sought to conceal behind them bis despair of lsl,J.:.osheth" (K.rummacber). Cv. lTs PERILOUS HELATJONSHJPS. (Vers.2-5.) "The increasing political strength uf David was shown, as usual among Eastern monarchs, by the fresh alliCLnccs through Cl!, III, 1-39.] TI-m SECOND IlOOK 01<' 8A1JUF.L.