The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 545

mentlll vigour, physical strength, reputation (by permitting them to fall into some di&gI11.ceful sin, or otherwise), power over others. He may bring revel'Bes upon them in the full caroor of tbeir prosperity or enterprises; :snatch from them the coveted prize just as they are about to grasp it; rescue the humble victims of their oppressions. While reducing them to a lower level, ho may exalt above them some whom they have despised. In the height of their glory he may strike them suddenly down. Pharaoh Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Haman, Herod, are illustrations of the humbling which God may administer to the haughty. In every case of impenitent pride terrible humiliation comes at death Bild judgment. 2. He sometimes bring, the proud down in thefr own esteem-humbles their spirit. This may be by such methods as have just been referred to; and the spirit may be humbled without being really chabged. But the happiest humiliation is that which is wrought in the heart by the Word and Spirit of God, aided by such methods or apart frem them. The man thus affected comes to eee his true position as a creatnre and a sinner. He discerns and recognizes his entire dependence on God; that whatever be bas be has received (1 Cor. iv. 7). He perceives and acknowledges the sin and folly of his pride, humbles himself before God on account of it, casts himself on his mercy, gladly accepts pardon and salvation as a free gift of God's grace in Christ Jesus; and thus receives a better exaltation than ever he had known or imagined before. Happy those haughty ones whom God thus brings down! Then, eschew pride; and "be clothed with humility" (1 Pet. v. 5, 6). 'l'his grace may best be learned at the cross of Christ. There we see OUT condition of evil and peril as sinners, our entire dependence for salvation on the mercy of God and the merits of his Son, our equality in respect to sin and salvation with the meanest of those we are tempted to despise. There also we have presented to our contemplation the noblest model of humility and self-humiliation (Phil. ii. 5-8).-G. W. ' Ver. 29.-God the Lamp of his peop'le. The image of a lamp seems at first too humble to be employed of God. "'l'he Lord God is a Sun" (l's. lxxxiv. 11) appears more suitable for One so great, who is the Light of the universe. Still, the humbler and homelier image is expressive. A lamp is of service where the sun is of none-in mines, dark cellars and dungeons, etc. Its light is more readily commanded and appro- priated. We can say," My lamp," we cannot so well say," My sun." And so this image may convey to us more readily how God is a Light in the darkest places and obscurest recesses; available to each for hill own particular needs and for the humblest uses of daily life. But the distinction need not and should not be pressed. The word is an image of light. • I. A FACT STATED. "Thou art my Lamp, 0 Lord." 1. He shines as a bright lamp. (1) He is Light without darkness (1 John i. 5); essential, independent, unchangeable; and eternal Light. Not needing to be or capable of being replenished, as all other lamps, literal or :figurative. (2) He shines pre-eminently in his Son Jesus Christ.. (3) In and by his Word-its declarations, precepts, promises, threatenings. "The com- mandment is a lamp, and the Law is light" (Prov. vi. 23). (4) By hie Spirit, in the reason, conscience, and heart of man. Thus" the spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord" (Prov. x:x. 27, Revised. Version). (5) In and by his ·people. He so shines on them as to make them lights. 2. He thus fulfils the various purposes of a lamp. (1) Revealinu. Himself, and in hie light all other persons and things in their true nature and relations to him and each other (comp. Epb. v. 13). Bringing into view what had been hidden in the heart, etc., by the darkness. (2) Guiding. In the way that is Tight and safe, and leads to sa_lvation (Ps. cxix. 1~5). He thus give~-~• the light of li_fe" (John viii 12). (3) Cheenng (Ps.1v. 6, 7; xcvn. 11; comp. Esth. vm.16). 3. He is a Lamp to each believer. "My Lamp." Similarly," 'fhe Lord is my Light" (Ps. xxvii. 1). The godly man accepts the Divine light, uses it in practical IUe, enjoys the comfort of it. Others reject it, and wander and stumble on in darkness. II. AJ; ASSURANCE CHERISHED. "The Lord will lighten my darkness." From his knowledge of God and bis pr6mises, and his past experience, the psalmist felt assured that, whatever darkness might come upon him, God would be bis light in and through it, yea would turn the darkness into light. Such an assurance may be cherished by all tb; people or God. He will lighten the darkness which may arise from : 1. Per- p'lezity. ~ to Divine truth and e.11 to the path of duty. 2. Bin. The wemory of sins Oil, XXII, 1-51,] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 51il