David had 11ent forth II all the host, the mighty men," under JO<ib (eh. iii. 22-30), who now found himself between the two hostile forces; and, selecting a portion of the anny, placed him&elf opposite to the Syrians, whilst he left the rest, under Abisbai, to cover his rear and hold the Ammonites in check. He doubtleSB hoped to defeo.t the enemy in 11ucceBBive engagements. 3. But feo.ring a simultaneous atto.ck, he made an agreement with hie brother, that if either of them were wol'5ted, the other should hasten to his relief. Such an agreement is prudent, needful, and beneficio.l o.mong those also who are engaged in spirituo.l wo.rfare against the enemies of the kingdom of God. It- I. CoNFIRIIB AN osv1ous DUTY. For it is plainly the duty of brethren: 1. To considei· each other's condition, to sympathize with each other's weakness and distress, and not to be concerned about themselves alone. 11 Not looking ea.eh of you to his own things," etc. (Phil. ii. 4; 1 Cor. x. 24). 2. To make use of their power, to •• strengthen their brethren," especially when taking pa.rt in the same conflict as them- selves. The strong should help the weak. 3. 'l'o afford them help, opportunely, promptly, with all their might, and even at much sacrifice and hazard to themselves. If the ungodly "helped every one bis neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage" (Isa. xii. 6), much more ought the godly to do the same. " But if ye will not do so, behold ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numb. mii. 23). And the agreement to render mutual help in time of need makes the obligation to do so more distinct, impressive, and effective. II. Coi.'TEIIPLA'l'EB A POSSIBLE REVERSE. "If the Syrians be too strong for me," etc.; indicating a conviction of: 1. The great power of the enemy and the serious nature of the struggle (1 Sam. xiiL 1-7). It would be madness to despise them. 2. The possibility of fa,ilure in the wisest plans and disappointment in the most sanguine- expectations. "We do not hinder our successes by preparing for .disappointment." Although those who "contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the B&ints" cannot be generally and permanently defeated, yet particular organizations, methods, and hopes may he overthrown. None, however strong, can be certain of never needing help; whilst the promise of help furnishes the weak with a special claim to it. 3, The necessity of taking every precaution for repairing defect in the weakest pa.rt, lest it should issue in disaster to the whole. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ" (Gal. vi. 2). IIL CoNDtrCEB TO SIGNAL StrOCESS. By: 1. Giving them to. feel their mutual dependence, and bringing them into closer union in the spirit of a common enterprise. 2. A1fording assurance of the advantages a.rising from co-operation toward a common. end. These advantages are inestimable. " Two a.re better than one . . . And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him ; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Eccles. iv. 9-12). 3, Inspiring them with increased confidence arising. therefrom; and inciting them to greater individual effort than they might otherwise have put forth on behalf of each other and their common safety, welfare, and honour. Both the Syrians and Ammonites were routed (vers. 13, 14). "It was, perhaps, the first time in his life that Hada.rezer suffered defeat" (Ewald); and this defeat was followed ere long by another (by David at Helam) still more overwhelming; so that "a.II the kings that were servants to Ha.darezer made peace with Israel, and served them," etc. (vers. 15-19; eh. viii. 3, 4).-D.
Ver. 12 (1 Chron. xix. 13).-(MimEBA.) Martwl wurage. "De of good courage," elc. Human life is a warfare, unavoidable, arduous, enduring; and spiritual life, more especially, is a warfare of a similar kind. In this conflict nothing is more needful than m&Dly or martial courage ("virtue," 1 Pet. i. 6). It is that quality of mind which meets difficulty, danger, pa.in, or death, calmly and fearlessly. It ha.a been reckoned by moralists emong the four cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice), and, in its highest form, it is often enjoined in the Scriptures. "As it is necessarily requisite to the susception of all other virtues, so it is their main support, guardian, and ata.blishment. Without this, every other virtue is precarious, and lies at the mercy of every cross accident" (J. Norris). "All the noble deeds that have beat their marches through 11ucceeding ages have proceeded from men of courage" (0. Felltham). This brief and significant warlike exhortation of Joa.b was pitched in a higher key ;han we might have expected; but the devout feeling which it expresslld, though cm. x. 1-19.J THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 261