The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 380

1. The prospect of difficulties, privations, and perils in hie service. These are all known to the Lord, for he has himself endured them; and he forewarns his disciples of them (Luko ix. 67, 58; xiv. 25-33). He would not have them follow him from mere impulse. 2. The promise of ease, safety,and advantage in other service; worldly pleasure, treasure, power, honour, in devotion to the prince and " :i;orl of this world." 8. The exannple and influence of many persons ; bound by 8tronger ties to serve their rightful king; but forsaking their allegiance to him, joining in revolt against his authority, seeking his life, and heaping reproaches on his head (eh. xvi. 11). "From that time many of his disciples went back," etc. (John vi. 66; Mark xiv. 50; 2 Tim. iv. 10; 2 Pet. iii. 17). 4. The peculiar circumstances in which he is placed, the special inducements suggested thereby, and the favourable opportunities afforded for the exercise of his freedom. There are times in which the Lord (however much he values and desires his aid) does not lll'ge him to continue, but seems to do the opposite, and give him liberty, if he be disposed, to depart. So he tests his disciples, sifts the falso from the true, and, though it cause the f'Ormer to fall away, it makes the latter cling to him more closely than ever. The decision between Christ and antichrist has to be made, not only at first, but also often afterwards. II. WoRTHILY DISPLAYED, as it should be by every follower of "the Son of David," in: 1. The deliberate preference of his service to any other. "Just as in the ~eat French Revolution, the famous Swiss Guard showed a brave, though mercenary fidelity, so Ittai, having eaten of the king's salt, determines that where his lord the king is, in life or death, he will be." 2. The disinterested motives by which he is actuated (Ruth i. 16). Ittai was not a mere mercenary, serving David for advantage (Job i. 9). He was influenced possibly by gratitude for the kind reception be met with on coming from Gath as " a stranger and an exile," by a sense of obligation imposed by friend- ship and previous engagements, by a conviction of the rectitude of the king's cause; certainly by admiration and affection for his person. Hence he wished to be with him, to share bis sufferings and to aid in his defence. He was ready " to lay down his life for his sake." An intelligent, sincere, passionate love to the Person of Christ is essential to his service. " Lovest thou me? " 3. The open and solemn pledge of loyalty and fidelity. "As Jehovah liveth," etc. (1 Sam. :xxix. 6; eh. iv. 9). lttai was doubtless a convert to the faith of Israel. "Whosoever shall confess me before men," etc. (Matt. x. 32 ; Rom. x. 10). 4. The practical, unconditional, whole-hearted conse- cration of himself and all he possessed to the king's service. " And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him." "Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day unto the Lord?" (1 Chron. ::uix. 5). III. GRACIOUSLY APPROVED. "And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over" (ver. 22), "with me" (LXX.). If he said no more, his look and manner would give peculiar si.,17Ilifi- cance to his words. The Lord testifies his reception and approval of every devoted servant by: 1. Giving him the assurance thereof in his heart. 2. Fulfilling his desire to be with him. "If any man serve me," etc. (John xii. 26). 3. Appointing him to his post of duty, and making his way plain (John xi. 9, 10). 4. Exalting him to a position of responsibility and honour (eh. xviii. 2), in which he a.ids the king in gaining a great victory, and shares the joy of a great triumph. The latter, like the former life of this Philistine, is wrapped in obsclll'ity. But his devotion to " the Lord's anointed" shines like a star among the heathen, and condemns the lukewarmness, sel.6.shnese, and unfaithfulness of many "who profess and call themselves Christians." "Lo I of those Who call, 'Obrist I Christ I' there shall be many fonnd, In judgment, further off from him by far Than such to whom his Name was never known. Christians like these the Ethiop shall condemn; When that the two assemblages shall part-· One rich eternally, the other poor." (Dante, 'Purg.,' ili.) D. Vera. 23-29.-(Acaoss THE KIDRON.) The ark restored to its place. "Carry back the ark of God to the city" (ver. 26). Having crossed the Kidron ravine amidst the 11. SAMUEL, 2 C  386 TRE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [err. xv. 1-97,