The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 230

those words in hie quotation) eougnt to induce the S)n of man to pursue (Matt. iv. G). "lie that walketh uprightly walketh surely" (Prov. x. 9), and "shall be saved; but he that is perverso In his ways shall fall at once" (Prov. xxviii. 18). We must keep the commandments of God if we would be "kept by the power of God." "Who is he that wlll harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" (1 Pet. iii. 13; iv. 19). II. .AMIDST IMMINENT PERIL, arising from attacks of numerous foes; which must often be met in the path of duty, and cannot be avoided without sin (eh. iv. 9-11). "And, indeed, there is a great deal of reason why we should respect him that, with an untainted valour, has grown old in arms a.nd hearing the drum beat. When every tainute death seems to pass by and shun him, he is one that the supreme God cared for, and, by a particular guard, defended in the hail of death" (0. Felltham). There is a holy strife (Phil. i. 27 ; Jude 3; Eph. vi. 12), and in it we may sometimes be exposed to as great danger as David was (eh. xxi. 16); but the eye of God sees it and. his hand wards it off. "No weapon," etc. (Isa. !iv. 17). "0 Jehovah Lord, thon Strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle." 0 (Ps. cxl. 7.) III. BY MANIFOLD MEANS, Not without prudence and effort on the part of men; not by direct, extraordinary and miraculous interposition; but by: 1. The salutary influence of a devout spirit on conditions favourable to safety. 2. Special impressions on the minds both of the good and of the bad, conducive to the preservation of the former. 3. A peculiar concurrence of circumstances having the same effect ; a.nd other ways, still more wonderful, and not less effectual (Prov. xxi. 31). Nothing is more mysterious to our partial comprehension of them than the methods of providence by which God accomplishes his designs. "A mighty maze t but not without a plan." IV. FoR B)!:NEFICENT ENDS. Not only" the good of his chosen" (Ps. cvi. 5), whom he preserves;, but also the good which they may effect on behalf of others, the mani- festation of his great Name, the complete establishment of his kingdom. "We know that all things work together for good," etc. (Rom. viii. 28). "This is the snn in the heaven of all t)le promises."-D. . Vers. 15-18. (1 Chron. xviii. 14-17).-(JEBUBALEM.) Davia's administratim. From ,the wars and victories of David we turn to contemplate his administration of the internal affairs of the kingdom. By hie skill and energy, united with the services of many eminent men, and aided by the favour of Heaven, he raised the nation, in an incredibly short period, to a. position of extraordinary power and glory. "More than Charlemagne did for Europe, ,or Alfred for England, David accomplished for the tribes of Israel" (W. M. 'l'aylor). What is here recorded (taken along with what is else- where stated) affords an illustration .of- J. A JUST REIGN. "And David executed judgment and justice unto all the people" (1 Sam. vii. 15-17; x. 24). It was as important a part of his office to judge them as to lead them forth to battle (eh. xv. 2-4); and, in its fulfilment, he acted: 1. Accord- ing to the laws of Jeliovah, the suprtime King and Judge, whose servant he was. 2. With proper discernment, strict equity and impartiality, and great diligence. 3. So that, either by his own decisions or those of judges appointed and superintended by him, right was done to all his subjects, wronsra redressed, and wrong-doers punished. He was a king who " "In the royal palace gave Example to the meanest of tile fear Of God and all integrity of life And manners ; who, august yet lowly; who, Severe yet gracious ; in his very heart Detesting all oppression, all intent Of private aggrandizement; e.nd, the first In every publio duty, held the scales Of justice, and, as the law which reigued in him Commanded, gave rewards; or with the edge Vindictive smote now light, now heavily, Acoording to the statme of the orime." (Pollok, ' TL.e Course of Time.')  236 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [oR, VIII, 1-18,