The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 368

rights of the people may be so utterly trodden npon that it is the rluty of self-preser- vation to rebel. Even parental authority must be resisted when it comes into direct collision with conscience and with Christ (Matt. x. 33-38). But rebellion is wicke,l when, as in this cai!e, it springs from a blending of conceit, dislike of constituted authority, and lust for power. '!'his may characterize rebellion originatin"' in an indi- vidual or in e. restless people, 'fe.lk of oppression, justice, kindness and ionsidera.tion for the oppressed, may be but a cloak for e. selfish aversion to restraint and a love of self-will. Even where there is justification for resistance to an evil rule, it is wicked to have recourse to flattery, deceit, hypocrisy, and low cunning to accomplish the end in view, In times of turbulence and agitation it is important that men scrutinize the secret motives of their a.ctions. As a rule, injustice in rulers can be best resisted by the calm, sober protest e.nd passive resistance of conscientious men. Faith in G,,d, e.nd in the force of true principles, with patient persistence, will in the end accomplish more than can be secured by violence; and where injustice exists only in the imagina- tion of the restless, and the evils of life spring from their own habits and practices, then rebellion is one of the greatest crimes of which man is capable. II. INCIDENTAL REVELATIONS OF CHARACTER, The character of a man lies primarily in the main principles and passions that are deep down in his nature, and which in course of years shape his outward conduct, Absalom's real character was in existence long before it came out to the eye of the public in the form of rebellion against his fathe1's authority. Probably David discerned its incipient form, and hence his extreme slowness in recalling him to a position of prominence, The setting up by Absalom of a large princely establishment, with chariots and horses and runners, was really a.n incidental revelation in palpable form of a character internally maturing. It was a. sign to such men a.s David and Ne.than of what they had believed to exist--a vain, proud, ostentatious spirit. So in course of time men generally do something in their domestic arrangements or business developments which, if the world will only read aright, brings into public view tendencies and tastes which hitherto have been kept under restraint. Our visible acts and creations are the succcesslve revelations of our condition, A man's dress, his handwriting, his domestic establishment, his bearing before the public, his mode of transacting business, is a manifestation of the hidden man -the indicator of the elements entering into the permanent character. The outward aspects of a man's life may be studied with a view to a knowledge of the habits and tastes of his mind. III. EVIL TENDENCIES IN CONGENIAL ENVIROmrENT. The evil tendencies of .A.bsalom were somewhat pronounced when he set up his pretentious establishment, but by his own act those tendencies were placed in the midst of circumstances eminently calculated to strengthen and develop them further. The heart of man can devise things out of its own tastes and propensities which become at once food on which those tastes and propensities grow to further power. A man of pleasure out of his own desires creates occupations and pursuits which become the nourishers of the passion for pleasure. The SiLme holds of dreadful vices e.nd blessed virtues. There is a self-promotive power in the forces that dwell within our moral nature. Intellectual and physical forces are not so recuperative of themselves by means of what they create as are the moral. ·we are to ponder the path of our feet, for every step increases the momentum in the road, be it good or bad. IV. LusT OF POWER MINUS FITNESS FOR ITS EXERCISE. Absalom set bis heart on being King of Israel. 'l.'he vision of a throne and a submissive people had great attrac- tions for him. 'rhe princely establishment, with chariots and horsemen, was only the first instalment of a splendour soon to be won. Like all such men, he had unlimited confidence in himself. He could administer justice I He could win the people e.ud hold them in subjection I And yet this vanity, this low cunning, this love of outward show, and mean lying flattery of the people, disqualified him for ruling as a king. Morally speaking, he was e. handsome fool, and knew it not. The lust for power is common, and often very strong iu men. As manifested in bau men, it is an abuormal development of a love of mastery over what is not self. The possession of power over man is safe and good only wheu there coexist with it justice, generosity, consi,\erate- ness, and honesty. V. ALIENATlON FROM A FATllEI\'s HEART TIIE CLDIAX 01•' EVIL, Absalom was llO  TTTF, RF,('()NI) TIO()K OP 8AMm:r,. [en, :;:v. l--3i.