The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 107

be was five yeal'II old the country was invaded by the Philistines (1 Sam. xxix. 1), hia father went forth with the king from Gibeah to fight against them in Jezreel, and ho was left e.t home in the care of a nurHo (bis mother probably being dead). They waited anxiously for news of the conflict; and e.t length there came e. messenger saying that the battle wu lost, the king and Jone.than were dead, and the terrible Philistines were coming to plunder and burn the place. The nurse caught up the child, and carried him away on her shoulder; but in her flight across tho hills sho stumbled, and the little prince fell, was hurt in both his feet, and bec3me a helpless cripple for the rest of his dsvs. I. CHILDHOOD IB BESET BY HANY PERILS. No other creature on eRrth is weRkor, more helpless or dependent at the commencement of life, thRn a child, He is peculiarly lie.hie to accident and susceptible to disease ; incapable of defending himself from harm or preserving hie own life ; and is cast entirely upon the care of others. A little neglPct on their part may prove fa.ta.I. More than e. fourth of all tho children that are born die before they are five years old. There ill the still greater danger to your souls of being allowed to grow up in ignorance and led into "the way of transgressors," stumbling and perishing therein (Matt. xviii. 6). Be thankful to your parents, nurses, and teachers for their ea.re over you ; still more to your heavenly Father who has taught them such care, appointed his holy angels to be your guardians, sent his Son to hle~s you, and himself loves, preserves, watches over you, and seeks your salvation (Matt. xviii.10-14). II. EVEN A PRINCE IS NOT FBEE FROH HISFORTUNE. You may sometimes wish that you belonged to a royal or wealthy fa.mily, lived in a palace, and had numerous servants to wait upon you; supposing that you would be happier than you are. Well, here is a prince; yet motherless, fatherless, homeless, helpless, and hopeless. How much better is your condition than that of this poor little orphan cripple I No condition of life is above the reach of trouble; none beneath the possession of enjoyment. Envy not the lot of others, nor fret and be dissatisfied with your own. Hear a fable of three litt"le fishes that dwelt in a beautiful stream. On being asked what they wished for, one said, "Wing~,'' and when these grew he flew away so high and so far that he could not get back, eank exhausted. and breathed his last; ,another said, "Knowledge," and when he obtained it, became anxious and fearful, and durst not touch a. fly or a worm or eat any food, lest it should contain a. fatal bait, pined a.way and died; the third said, "I wish for nothing, but am contented with my lot," and this little fish had a. long and happy life. Have you not heard of the apostle who was a prisoner for Jesus' sake, and said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content" (Phil. iv. 11)? "There is a. cro~s in every lot, And an earnest need for prayer: But a lowly heart that leans on thee Is happy anywhere." When a little blind girl was asked the reason of her afiliction, she replied, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy eight." Ill. THE UNFORTUNATE ARE NEVER LEFT WITHOUT A FRIEND. And "a friend in need is a friend indeed." What became of Mephiboeheth? He was carried beyond the river Jordan, out of the reach of the Philistines; found a home" in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel. in Lo-debar" (eh. ix. 4; xvii. 2i), in the neighbourhood or Mahanaim, among the mountains of Gilead ; was treated with kindness; and dwelt in a place of safety untii he became a man. Only a few persons knew where he lived, or whether he were alive; and when King David heard of him, he invited him to Jeru- salem, that he might show him kindness "for Jonathan'e sake." Affliction appeals to our pity, and tends to call forth our sympathy and help. We should never despise the unfortunate nN" mock at their misfortune; but always try to do them good. Above all, in our trouble we should trust in God, in whom "the fatherless findeth mercy" (Hos. xiv. 3). "When my father and mother forsa.ke me, then the Lord will take me up" (Pe. xxvii. 10). IV. A GREAT liOBFORTUNE OFTEN PROVES A GREAT BT,EBSING. If Mephiboeheth had not been made lame by the accident of his childhood, he would have been tempted to aim at the crown, and might have rushed into ambitious and godless enterprises aR others did, and perished in like manner. As it was, he spent his days in quietness and OH. IV, 1-12.] 'rHE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 107