The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 131

Vers. 17-20 (1 Chron. xiv. 8-11).-(THE VALLEY OF REPH.AIM.) Vit:toTy over the Philistines. (References: eh. viii. 1, 12; xxi. 15, 18, 19; xxiii. 9, 11, 13; 1 Kings ii. 39.) "Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-Perazim" (ver. 20). So long as David reigned over a single tribe and was at war with the house of Saul, he was left unmolested by the Philistines (1 Sam. xxix. 1-11), whose suzerainty he, perhaps, acknowledged; but when they heard that he was chosen king over all Israel, that an immense army had gathered around him not far from their own border, and that the Jebusite "stronghold of Zion" had fallen before him, they took alarm, mustered all their forces, marched up" to seek [attack] David" (the chief object of their suspicion and fear), and "spread themselves in the Valley of Rephaim" (near Jerusalem). In the condition and conduct of David (as representing the servants of God in conflict with their adversaries) we observe- !. PERILOUS EMERGENOY, which: 1. Often occurs after unusual BUCcess and ho=r; being adapted to check undue self-confidence and self-security. "Lest I should be exalted above measure," etc. (2 Cor. xiL 7). 2. Clearly manifests the spirit which men possess, whether of faith and courage, or of fear and cowardice (1 Sam. xvii. 11). 3. Makes personal effort indispensable. The conflict was forced upon David. It could not be avoided without disobedience (eh. iii. 18), dishonour, and destruction. And it is the same in other cases. "Ye approach this day unto battle against your enec::ies," etc. (Deut. xx. 3). II. PRUDENTIAL ACTIVITY. "And David heard of it, and went down to the hold," the stronghold of Zion (ver. 7), from his residence on the highest and safest part of the mountain ridge; or more probably the stronghold in the desert of Judah, where he bad formerly found refuge (1 Sam. xxii. 5; xxiv. 22; eh. xxiii. 14). It may be sometimes necessary to "sit still" and quietly wait for Divine deliverance; but we should: 1. Not remain inactive through sloth, vain-confidence, or presumption. 2. Nor rush into conflict rashly, or enter upon new courRes unadvisedly. 3. But after due con- sideration adopt those measures which afford the fairest prospects of safety and success. "A prudent man," etc. (Prov. xxii. 3). III. PRAYERFUL mQUIRY. "And David inquired of the Lord," etc. (eh. ii. 1; xvi. 23; xxi. 1). 1. After the utmost thought and endeavour of our own, we often find ourselves in perplexity as to the course we should pursue. 2. Our best resource in per- plexity is to seek Divine counsel; and those who have had experience of its efficacy will not fail to do so (1 Sam. xiv. 16-23; xxiii. 1-12). 3. Nor shall we fail to find adequate directions and. encouraging promises if we seek it in a right manner. "Go up," etc. "David did not seek Divine counsel (by consulting the Urim) whether to attack Jebus, apparently, because his mind was clear that the enterprise was advantageous. But when Ziklag had been burned by the Amalekites, and now when a dangerous army is at hand, he is glad of such advice. It would appear that he regarded it as a Divine aitl in times of perplexity, but only to be sought for in such times. He had no idea. of abdicating his duties as a military leader, and putting the movements of his army into  134 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [on. v. 1-20.