The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 360

vised Version), 'l'he "wise woman," in closing her address to David anrl takin;:?; leave, ns sho thought, of him, pronounces thid blessing upon him. It was a mual form of salutation amongst the Jsrae!ites; and, like our similar forms(" Adieu" equi- valont to "to God [I commend thee);" "Good-bye," equivalent, perhaps, to,: God be with thee"), was doubtleos often employed without thought or feeling as to its sianifi- cance. But in its full meaning it is the best blessing we ca.n pronounce on our fri;nds the most comprehensive prayer we can offer for them. '' The Lord Jesus be with thy spirit " (2 'l'im. iv. 22) is a similar benediction. I. IT IS A PRAYER OF TRUE FRIENDSEIP. We can desire nothing more or better for our friends than what these words express. For consider: 1. What is included in God being" with" men. Not simply nis nearness, but: (1) His favour. His presence as a Friend with friends. Not merely as he is near to all men, the Upholder or their being and the Source of whatever they enjoy; but as he is near to those who are reconciled to him, whom he has forgiven and received into his spiritual family, who love him and delight in his love. (2) His constant help. To defend, uphold, guide, supply with all needed and real good, temporal and spiritual; to impart to them wisdom, holiness, strength, and happiness. (3) His converse with them. The manifestation of his presence and loving-kindness ; so that they discern his nearness, a.re conscious of his love and care and co-operation. 2. Whose friendship is thus invoked. That of" Jehovah thy God." The living God, the Eternal, the Almighty, the All-wise, the AU-good, etc. Better to have him with us than all the world, all the universe. In fact, if God is with us, all things are really with us (see Rom. viii. 28, 31-39; 1 Pet. iii. 13). II. IT IS A PRAYER NATURAL TO A PIOUS MAN. Springing from his personal experience of the blessedness of those who have God with them, and his desire that all, and especially those in whom he feels the deepest interest, should be partakers of the same blessedness. IJI. IT IS A PRAYER ESPECIALLY SUITABLE TO BE OFFERED ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS. To express feelings of friendship, gratitude, benevolence, affection: (1) To benefactors, whose kindness we feel we cannot requite. "I cannot repay you, but God can. May he be with you I" (2) To needy persons, whose necessities we feel we cannot meet. Whether the need be temporal or spiritual. The poor, the sick, the perplexed; friends engaged in difficult enterprises or going into perilous circumstances; such as are leaving home or country; friends from whom we are parting, not knowing what may befall them or us. (3) To dying friends, or those near us when we die. "I die, but God shall be with you" (Gen. xlviii. 21). It is a prayer that gives comfort and peace to him who presents it, quieting the tumult excited by the combination of strong desire with conscious helplessness. IV. IT 18 A PRAYER WHIOH WILL BE FULFILLED TO THE RIGHTEOUS. The unrighteous can only secure the blessing for themselves by becoming righteous (see 2 Chron. xv. 2), through repentance and faith in Immanuel (equivalent to" God with us ").-G. W. Ver. 25.-.Absalom's beauty. This remark, thrown in by the way, has more to do with the main course of the narrative than at first appears. The personal beauty of Absalom accounts in part for the excessive fondness of David for him, for his vanity and ambition, and for his powerful iafluence over others; and, so far as it consisted iu abundance or fine hair, appears to have been the immediate occasion of his miserable end. It may serve us as the starting-point of some remarks on beauty of person. I. 1Tt1 WORTH, 1. It is in itself good as a fair work and gift of God. A sober divine (Manton) calls it "a beam or the majesty of God." 2. it is pleasant to look upon. Beautiful people are so many pictUl'es moviug about in society for the innocent gratification of beholders, with this superiority to other pictures, that they are alive and present continual variety. 3. It may be of great advantage to its possessor. It attracts others; mabs it easier to secure friends. A comely face and form are au introduction to notice and favour. 4. It may be a power for good to others. In a ruler, a preacher, any leader in society, it fa an element of influence. Is not, therefore, to be despised either by its possessor or by others. II. ITS PERU.a. 1. It is apt to excite vanity and pride-themselves the parents of many sins. 2. When ovei-valued, it leads to the neglect of higher things-the culture  THE SECOND nooK OF SAMUEL. [oR, XV, 1-37,