The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 242

(Gnl. Iii. 20 • 2 Cor. I. 20). The no.ture, grounds, nnd extent of his medi:ition cannot he fully expialned; but the fact is certain, tht\t it is "for ChdRt's sake" (Eph. iv. 32), "in Christ" (Revised Version), and "for his Name's sake" (l John il.12), we are forgiven, have nccess_to the Fnther, and are" blessed with every spiritual blessing" (Eph. i. 3). "He comprises in his own Person all nnd everything that is most desirable" (Gregory Nnzinnzen). III. SuoGEST A GROUND OF DEVOUT CONFIDENCE. When Mephibosheth appeared befnro the king, "he doubtless wae in fear for his life (vers. 6. 7). Such generosity to a fallen rival as Do.vid showed in restoring him to his paternal property, seemed to him scarcely credible" (' Speaker's Commentary'). But the assurance that it was "for Jonathan's s4ke" must have inspired him with confidence. And similarly, "for Jesus' sake" affords 11 (1) needful, (2) effectual, and (3) abiding ground of hope, and "Proviclee for those who come to God An all-prevailing plea." "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in :diy Name, he will give it you" (John xvi. 23; xiv. 13). IV. INDICATE A MOTIVE TO PRACTICAL DENEVOLENCE, after the example of David and from love to our Divine Friend (eh. i. 26); in: 1. Forgiving each other (Eph. iv. 32). 2. Kind and comforting speech. "Fear not" (ver. 7). 3. Generous gifts. 4. Self-denial. 5. Suffering (Matt. v. 11; Phil. i. 29). 6. Prayers (Rom. xv. 30). 7. Personol, diligent, and cons,ant service on behalf of "the Church which is his body," and of all" for whom Christ died" (2 Cor. iv. 5; 3 John 7). "For his Name's sake;" •• For my sake." This is the Christian's peculiar, highest, and mightiest motive ; implying not only supreme affection toward him who" alone is worthy," but also sin- cere sympathy with his spirit and purposes; and producing most beneficent effects.-D . . Ver. 3.-(JERUSALEM.) Showing the kindness of God. David remembered the request of Jonathan to ehow .him "the kindness of Jehovah" (I Sam. xx. 14, 15); felt the obligation of his former promises and covenants (1 Sam. xxiv. 21, 22; xxiii. 18); and now purposed, in accordance therewith, to ". show the kindness of God," i.e. •• love from religious motives, or as God shows it" (Thenius); "in God and for his sake" (Keil) ; " in the Lord's sight, and according to the Lord's example, pure, perpetual love, o.nd not such love as arises from mere human respects and is shown in the eye of man" (Wordsworth); and not simply" great and eminent kindness" (Poole, Patrick). There are benevolent affect.ions in our nature; but they must be imbued with religious motives and priuciples in order that their exercise may be of the highest kind. "The kindness of God" is such as is shown: 1, Out of reverence for his Name. Holy, just, and true; merciful and gl'acfous; delighting in loving-kindness. "God is love;" and the eternal Fountain of love in his creatures. 2. In obedience to Ms will, as expressed in numerous injunctions to the faithful performance of what has been promised; in "the royal law" (Jas. ii. 8); and in manifol,l exhortations to compassionate love. 3.. From gratitude for his benefits, These had been bestowed on David in abundant measure (eh, vii. 18; viii. 6). The acts of kindness which God performs toward men both enable and incite them to perform acts of kindness toward their fellow-men. "What goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee" (Numb. x. 32). "Freoly ye have received, freely give." 4. In imitation of his example; of faithrulness, goodness, un~ought, abounding, unfailing, and everlastin~ love. David was specially called, as king, to exhibit in hi~ character and conduct an image of the moral excellences of tho Divine King of Israel; and to this Christians are likewise called. "Be ye therefore perfect," etc. (Matt. v. 43-48), "merciful" (Luke vi. 36), "imitators of God as beloved children," etc. (Eph. v. 1). 5. Under the inspiration of liis grace, his love, his Spirit; and, indeed, "it is the merciful love of God himself that dwells in the heart of the truly pious, and works therefrom; for he that lives in fellow- ship witl\ God receives into his heart, through the Holy Ghost, the love that is in God, and lives and moves in thaf love" (Erdmann). "He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God. in him" (1 John iv. 16). He not only reflects the Divine love on others, hut is also the medium of its communication to them. 6. With the desire of his aypr(ll)al, of pleasing him rather than men, nnd of partaking more fully cf liis  THE SEOOND BOOK OF SAMUEL,