The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 447

many lives. In personal worth he may not be equal to many " single soldier or sub- ject; but he represents the etnte; in his life may be involved the welfare of a nation, to protect which it is worth while for many to die. Such thoughts might well console the private soldier dying in obscurity on the field or in hospital. Hie king, hie country, is worth a multitude of such as he. His life is worthily sacrificed for them. The same sentiment is applic11ble to the commanders of an army in contrast with common soldiers; to great statesmen and other leaders of men in contrast with the multitude. It ie no disparagement of these to say that it would require many of them to equal in value to society one of those; and that, if necessary, it would be better that the many should die rather than the one. W 1a may use the words emphatically in refer- ence to our great King and Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ. True, he is no lonc,er in 0 persona.I peril from his enemies. "He lives beyond their utmost rage" (Watts). But his ea.use, influence, hold of mankind, place in their esteem and affection, in a word, his kingdom, may be endangered; and his true disciples will be ready to die in thousands rather than he should in these respects perish or even suffer loss. And the justification of their feeling is that he, personally and in his cause, "is worth ten thousand of them." I. THE SURPASSING WORTH OF CHRIST. 1. In personal excellence. It is well when the monarch of a country is distinguished for mental and moral endowments. Even when the personality of the ruler is of less account in the actual government, it adds much to the welfare of the state that he is noble in the qualities of his mind and heart. This has been made manifest in the long reign of our beloved and honoured queen. Where the power of government is very largely trusted to the will of the sovereign, it is of incalculable importance that he should be both wise and good. David's kingdom sprang very mainly from, and was maintained by, his personal qualities. And this is more emphatically true of his great Son Jesus. He is "chiefest among ten thousand,'' chiefest among and above all crt:ation. The perfections of God and the perfections of man are combined in this one glorious Person. In himself he is worthy of the utmost love and self-devotion. 2. ln positim and dignity. As "King of kings and Lord of lords; " "Lord of all; n King of souls; "Head of the Church; n "Head over all things." These are not empty titles; but represent facts, actual glory and power. To serve such a King may well be esteemed the highest possible honour; to die for him, a great glory. 3. In relation to the good of men. Who shall say how much Obrist is " worth" in this view? of how much value his work for and amongst men ? how essentially their welfare in time and in eternity is bound up with his unchanging existence and power, and the manifestation of himself in the world throngh his Church'? Every believer experiences his preciousness (1 Pet. ii. 7), and desires that all should have a-like experience, through a" like precious faith" (2 Pet. i. 1); and to keep him living in the memory of men, and secure the wider exercise of his saving power, would cheerfully sacrifice himself. We are insignificant, and if we die it matters little; but for him to perish from the life of men, or become feeble in his influence among them, would be disastrous indeed. 4. In poWl!IT' to succour and aid his servants. David was requested to remain in the city with the reserves, that, if it were required, he might send them to the succour of those fighting in the field. Our Lord can, " out of the city" in which he dwells, aid his servants in more effectual manner. Not only has he numberless reserves eager to do his bidding, but he is able to gather around him, from the very ranks of his foes, fresh hosts to fight his battles. And, beyond all this, he can himself be-yea, he is-with his people everywhere and evermore, to inspirit them by his presence, and render them victorious. Who of them, what "tea thousand" of them, could fill his place? 6. In power to reward those who die in his service. Earthly rulers are powerless to recompense the soldiers who are slain in fighting their battles. Not so our great King. He is able to promise eternal life and glory to his faithful followers; and what he promises he performs (see Mark viii. 35; John xii. 25). I!. 'l'HE EFFECT WIIIOH CONTEMPLATION OF THE SURPASSING WORTH OF CHRIST SHOULD HAVE UPON us. 1. Satisfaction that he lives safe above all the hostility of hi11 enemies. Lives, not in heaven only, but on earth in spirit and power, working in and with his people and confirmi □ g his Word (John xiv. 19; Mark xvi. 20). Human leaders and teachers die, but" Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever" (Heb. xiii. 8), '!'hat One of so much worth to men, and so needful to thew, 468 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL, [en. xvm. 1-33,