The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 415

accredited guides end advisers. If it is permitted to learn from an enemy, it is certainly allowable for the good to extract wisdom from the actions of the bad. The "children of light" nre advised to learn lessons from the coaduct of the" children of this world" (Luke xvi. 8). We may, like Absalom, though not with his evil intent, eater on positions by our free choice, for meeting the difficulties of w h , ', we are personally ill prepared; or we may, like Joseph, Moses, and Paul, be forced into positions of Jelicacy and peril. In either case we shall require more then our own sagacity; a.nd no mere pride should deter us from seeking help of others. Possibly ours ma.y be a. case in which no human adviser is available. Be it so; Joseph, Moses, and Paul sought counsel of God, and they found, 88 we shall, that he directeth the way of those who acknowledge him (Prov. iii. 6). There are many advisers, many professing to know what is best. Let us ponder the path of onr feet, that all our ways may be established. The good may adopt the policy of Absalom, while shunning his principles. , II. GREAT POWERS BRING CORRESPONDING DISGBAOE WHEN EMPLOYED IN DIRECT ANTAGONISM TO Goo's GRACIOUS DESIGNS FOB MANKIND. Abithophel was unquestion- ably a man of great ability. There is in human nature a profound respect for power of intellect. Men feel instinctively that it is a gift of God, and carries with it the key to unlock many of the mysteries that lie hidden in nature. It rests with the moral dis- position as to the application of these powers. The true order is for them to run in the line of God's great purpose of mercy to mankind, as a co-operating force to bring about the redemption of the world from the evils incident to the existence of sin. Thus it is that the highest honours are won. But Ahithophel brought on him.self everlasting disgrace in that he laid all his native talents, all his acquired experience, all bis personal influence, at the service of one who sought to set aside the Lord's anointed. He must have known all David's antecedents. He had taken "sweet counsel" with him (Ps. Iv. 14). His deliberate counsel now, to select choice men who should fall on the weary king in the dead of night, and, in the panic, slay him alone so as to secure ultimately the allegiance of those not slain, was crafty, bold, and cruel in the extreme. Humanly speaking, it meant success to the vices of Absalom, and ruin to the holy cause embodied in the Lord's anointed. 'l'he treachery to a former friend counts for much; the inhumanity counts for more; but the 'crowning crime is war upon God's revealed method for bringing on that glorious time when righteousness shall be established in the earth, and all men shall be blessed (Ps. lxxii.). The same plain issue is involved in the antagonism of men now to the appointed order of providence and grace. God has e. kingdom, ruled by the Anointed One, and designed to bring peace and joy and holiness to all mankind. Gigantic intellectual powers are now running along a line in direct antagonism to it. The practical issue of their success would be moral and spiritual ruin to man. The more their strength and enrichment by learning, culture, and experience, command respect, the deeper the disgrace and the more dreadful their doom tor daring to seek to destroy the authority of Christ's blessed yoke (Matt. :ri. 28-30; cf. Ps. ii.). The daring deeds of the Hebrew secular plane are being repeatea. in the deeds of the modern spiritual plane. III. THERE ARE EMjIBGENCIES IN THE HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF Goo ON E,lRTH DEMANDING UNUSUAL EFFORTS ON THE PART OF THE F.UTHFUL. To ordinary human view the kingdom of God, as represented by the ea.use of David, was now in great peril. The most sagacious counsel of the age had been given; an eager young prince, proud of the wisdom of the counsellor, was intent on action, and a hesitant people were waiting for the turn of the balance. Hushai had, with remarkable foresight and courage, though doubtless under unconscious direction from above, placed himself in a position to meet the emergency ; and now came the call for him to put forth his strength. Absalon. little knew what he was doing when he called on Hushai to speak on the question at issue. The venerable man, strong as he was in his own secret and in the help of God, could not but realize the immense responsibility now devolving upon him. A false step, hesitancy, inappropriate suggestions, and feeble arguments, would be disastrous to the dearest of interests. In that critical hour it was as though the fate of Israel anu Israel's banished king, and of the blessed world-wide purpose they were working ou't, rested entirely on his judgment and skill. Angels could not but hearken with intense interest to his words, and watch their gradual effect on the mind of the rebel son. Corresponding occasions, varying in circumstance and magnitude, though virtually one  422 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. xvn. 1-29.