1our beards be grown, nnd then return" (ver. 6). It has been the endeavour of men in all ages to make the objects of their aversion appear contemptible and ridiculous. 1rew things ere more painful end humiliating than exposure to popular derision. The fear of it, no doubt, sometimes exerts a salutary influence in restraining from whet is unseemly end wrong; but it also frequently exercises en opposite influence in deterring from whet is becoming e.nd right. Of ridicule, together with the sense of dishonour (ver, 6, former part) which it naturally produces, observe that it is often- I. INCURRED BY FIDELITY, Like the servants of David, the servants of Christ are made the object of scornful raillery (a common and effective instrument of persecution): 1. In the faithful performance of duty, in obedience to the will of their Lord; convey- ing his message of kindness, acting as his representatives. "For righteousness' sake;" "For my sake" (Matt. v. 10, 11; x. 22). It is not the suffering, but the cause, that makes the martyr (1 Pet. ii. 20; iv. 15). 2. By those who hate and misrepresent them and him whom they serve, and whose hostility is due to their diverse character and principles. "If ye were of the world," etc. (John xv. 19). 3. After the example of the faithful in past time. "Others had trial of mockings" (Heb. xi. 36). " Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him," etc. (Luke xxiii. 11, 35, 36). II. MODERATED BY SYMPATHY. "And they told it unto David, and he sent to meet them," etc. Those who, in the way of duty, suffer the reproach of the bad, enjoy the sympathy of the good; and especially of the Master himself: 1. Whose sympathy is inexpressibly precious. 2. Who has suffered the same, and is therefore able tofe.el, with them and for them (eh. vi, 20). 3. Who also erxpresses it in the most appropriate and effectual manner, He regards what is done to them as done to himself, affords them wise and friendly counsel, takes them under his protection, and stands ready to defend and avenge them. "They departed, . . . rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the Name" (Acts v. 41; xvi, 25; 1 Thess. ii 2). III. REMEDIED BY PATIENCE. "Tarry," etc. They were probably disposed to go up at once to Jerusalem, and proclaim their wrongs; but David, out of consideration for their position in public estimation, bade them remain in obscurity, and" bide their time "~a piece of advice sometimes given (though not always in a like spirit) to persons who are about to. attempt something for which they are unfit, on account of thP.ir immaturity or want of due preparation; or in which they have already failed. 1. Those who would attain success and honour in any position or enterprise should consider well their ability to accomplish what is necessary for their purpose (Luke xiv. 28). 2. Inconsiderate and rash endeavours are likely to issue in a result which those who make .them neither expect nor desire. 3. The lapse of tima soothes many a smart; and the wise and patient employment of it qualifies for and ensures honour- able achievements. ,"Ye have need of patience" (Heb. x. 36). "Let us learn not to lay too much to heart unjust reproaches; after a. while they will wear off of them.selves, and turn only to the shame of their authors; while the injured reputation in a little time grows again, as these beards did" (Matthew Henry). .IV. SuoCEEDED BY BON0UB. "And then return" to the holy city, where they would be honoured (instead of being despised) with : I. 'l'he public commendation of the king, 2. The general admiration of the people. 3. All the more because of the indignity and ridicule which they had previously endured. "If ye are reproached for the Name of Christ, blessed are ye," etc. (1 Pet. iv. 14); "great is your reward in heaven" (Matt. v. 12).-D.
Vera. 6-11 (1 Chron. xix. 6-12).-(MEDEBA,) An agretTMnt of mutual help. "If the Syrians be too strong for me, theri thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too Htrong for thee, then I will come and help thee" (ver. 11). 1. On perceiving the effect of their treatment of David's ambassadors (ver. 6; "That they had made themselves odious," 1 Chron. xix. 6), the .Ammonites obtained, for "a thousand talents of silver," the aid of the Syrians or Beth-rehob and of Zobah (under Hadarezer, the most powerful or David's adversaries), the King of Meacah and the men of Tob; "who came and pitched before Medeba" (1 Chron. xi.x. 7), twenty miles south-west cf Rabbah, with their infantry, cavalry, end war-chariots. "And the children of Ammo!!. gathered themselves together from their cities" to the capital (Rabbah), end put themselves in b~ttle array beforo the gate. 2. Hearing cf their warlike preparations, 260 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [err. x. 1--19,