The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 159

"At Ephrstah, Rt Bethlehem, the idea of making thie great tl'llnsference" (Acts vii. 46) may hRve first " occurred to DRvid's mind" (Stanley ; but see Commentaries on thie J'llelm). "And DRvid oonsolted with the captains of thousnnds," etc. (1 Chron. xiii. 1--4) ; " gat.hered together all the chosen men [ warriorsl of Israel ; " and "arose and 'Wllnt." 1. Eminent piety in the individual manifests itself in deep and tender concern with respect to a common neglect of Divine Wol'l!hip, and in wise and diligent ejfort t.o repair it. "David's ruling passion was zeal for the house and worship of God" (Ps. xxvi. 8). 2. Men in amhority should make use of their position for thRt purpose ; not, indeed, in the way of compulsion, but of example and persuasion, " Where shall we find to-day men whose first concern is for the honour of God; who really believe t.hat the favour of the Highest is the true palladium of their country's welfare?" (Blaikie). 3. Thus one man sometimes effects a general and lasting reformation, It was so with Samuel and David, and it has been so with others. How much may be accomplished by one man who is thoroughly in earnest I 4. In this manner such a man fulfils the will of God concerning him, and proves hie Divine calling (see 1 Sam. xiii. 14). "These things show David to be • a man after God's own heart,' every way fitted for the purpose for which he was exalted, a prince of the largest capacities and noblest 'Views; and the extensiveness and national utility of the scheme he formed, in which the honour of God and the welfare and advantage of his people were equally consult.ed, demonstrate the piety and goodness of his heart, and clothe him with a ,zlory in which no prince could ever rival or equal him " (Chandler, • Life of David,' pp. 286,320). III. A SYJ,[pATHETIO PEOPLE. In response to David's appeal, "all the congregation said that they would do so," et.c.. (1 Chron. xiii. 4). He "went with all the people that were with him," etc. 1. A leader of men, however great, stands in need of their sympathy and support, and can do nothing without them. 2. It is by their means that he &chieve;s success. The age contributes as much to him as he to it. 3. The union and co-operation of the people witb him are a sign of the favour and blessing of God, and a condition -0f further prosperity. "The new enthusiasm and elevation of the community was not the creation of David. It met him as his noblest incentive; but it is the completeness with which he suffer~ it to take possession of him . . . that constitutes the secret of his peculiar greatness, and the charm which never failed to attach to his struggles and triumphs all the strongest and purest spirits of his age'' (Ewald). IV. A. UNITED AND ZEALOUS ENDEAVOUR. Captains of thousands, every leader, brethren everywhere, all Israel from Shihor of Egypt even'unto the entering _of Ha.math, priest& and Levites, chosen warriors, numbering thirty thousand (seventy thousand, LXX.), went "to find the lost relic of the ancient religion." 'l'hey felt the value of the object of their search ; were intent on its possession; "of. one heart and one soul·;" rested not in wishes and prayers merely, but exhibited their concord in practical, appropriate, persevering activity. It was a fresh starting-point for the nation, the commencement of a new religious era. Be it ours now to seek and strive after a still more glorious time! "Oh, may the hon:r Soon oome when all false gods, fe.lse creeds, false prophets, Allowed in thy good purpose for a time, Demolished,-tbe great world shall be at last The mercy-seat of God, the heritage Of Christ, and the possession of the Spirit, The Comforter, the Wisdom I shall all be One land, one home, one friend, one fe.ith, one law, Its roler God. its practice righteoUBness, Its life peace ! n (Bailey, 'FestUB.', D. Ven. 3--5 (1 Chron._ xiii 7, 8).-(Km.JATB-JEABU[,) The ark brought out of deep obBcurity. The enterpnse wa.s marked by- I. A GREAT oISOOVEBY. u We found it in the fields of the wood" (Ps. cxxxii. 6). I. An invaluable treaaure, long hidden from view; like the "treasure hid in a field," CH, VI, 1-23.] THE SECOND BOOK OF 8AMUEL. 163