The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 195

is (4) to rally '118 when we are defeated or overtaken with adversity. And so much is the world alive to this office as to have chosen it out as the true test; it being one of our best proverbs that• a friend in need is a friend indeed'" (E. Irving).-D. Ver. 3.-TlieProphetNathan. (References: eh. xii.1,25; 1 Kings i.10, 22; iv. 5; 1 Chron. xvii. 1; xxix. 29; 2 Chron. ix. 29; xxix. 25; Zech. xii. 12.) This is the first mention of his name. He may have been trained by Samuel at Naioth, and become acqurilnted with David there; was now the confidential friend and spiritual adviser of the king; subsequently reproved him for his sin; gave him counsel concern- ing the accessi.on of Solomon ; aided him in the. reorganization of public worship; and wrote annals of his reign. It was his vocation to interpret and announce the Divine mind to others (see 1 Sam. iv. 1). "The calling of a prophet was that of a preacher or pastpr with reference to the congregation as a whole and its individual members; but was distinct frorn our moderh ideas with reference to the calling as thus explained in his drawing directly from Divine revelation. The prophets have been rightly called • the conscience of the Israelitish state.' . . . They held intercourse with God by means of prayer. They questioned God (Hab. ii. 1), and he answered; but they did not receive Divine disclosures until they had first occupied an attitude of waiting and prayin'g" (Delitzsch; Oehler, 'Theology of the Old Testament;' Riehm). 1. All men, and especially those who are in authority,have need of wise and faithful counsel. The king himself is only a man; his position is apt to blind his judgment and corrupt his heart; whilst his responsibilities and the cons~quences of his actions are very great. 2. Even the wisest of coonsello'rs are liable to err injudgment. (Job xxxii. 9.) "All that is in thine heart go, do.'' But herein Nathan spoke "out of his own mind, and not by Divine revelatioI)." tJ. H. Michaelis). The prophet, like the king, was only a. man (Acts x. 26), imperfect and· fallible, and often mistaken, when giving counsel accord- ing to his natural judgment and first impressions, without seeking and obtaining the counsel of God. It is not said that he spoke by "the word of tbe Lord," as he did afterwards (ver. 4). "Ofttimes our thoughts, although springing from motives of real religion, are not God's thoughts; and the lesson here conveyed is most important-not taking our own impressions, however earnestly and piously derived, as necessarily in accordance with the will of God, but testing them by his revealed Word" (Edersheim). 3. The errors of human judgment are rectified. by Divine communications. Such com- munications have been actually made; and they are unspeakably precious. The prophet clearly d\stinguished them frorn his own thoughts, and had an inward assurance and overpowering conviction that he was the organ of God. It is the privilege of all Christians to be" taught of God," and "led by the Spirit;" but unless their convic- tions and impulses accord with the revealed Word, they must be rejected. 4. The Wurd of Divine revelation admits of no questioning or contradiction; but should be received "with meekness," uttered with simplicity and fidelity (Deut. xii. 32), and obeyed humbly, cheerfully, and fully. The prophet hesitated not to acknowledge his mistake, nor the king to lay aside his purpose in obedience to the will of the Lord (vers. 17, 18).-D. Ver. 3.-" The Lord is with thee," This brief and significant language has often been addressed to good men. And what can be more encouraging! 1. It describes an invaluable privilege. "Jehovah," the Eternal, the Unchangeable, the Fa.ithful, the Covenant-God of Israel, "is with thee;" not simply in his special presence, but also in his effectual grace, approving, directing, protecting, qualifying, helping, prospering thee. '' I am ,vith thee" (Gen. xxvi. 24; Exod. xx. 24). 2. It expresses a personal assurance. "With thee." Such assurance is given by the word of the prophet, the covenant of God, the argument of experience (ver. 9; 1 Sam. xviii. 32-37), and the conviction of the heart in the way of faith and obedience. 3. It furnishes a powerful incitement to thanksgiving, prayer, conflict, labour, perseverance, hope (Hag. ii. 4; 1 Cor. xv. 68). "Lo, I am with you always." The spiritual presence and fellowship of Christ o.re the secret of all spiritual strength and success.-D. Vers. 4-11 (1 Cliron, xvii. 8-10).-(ZroN.) A forbidden purpose. "Shalt thou build me a houso for me to dwell in?" On reflection, the prophet, perhaps, felt some mis•  200 'tBE SECO:N"l) BOOK OF SAMUEL. [oil. \1U, 1-:!0.