The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 549

Ver. 36.-Greatness from Goil's condescension. "Thy gentleness bath made me great." David had been raised from a humble position to one of greatness. He had become great in arms, in royal dignity, in the extent of his dominion. In these words he ascribes a.II his greatness to the condescending goodness of God. The word translated "gentleness" is elsewhere used only of men, and signifies " humility " (Prov. xv. 33 • xviii. 12; xxii. 4). But in speaking of God, we use the word "condescension" rathe: than "humility." Yet it is said of him (Ps. cxiii. 6) that "he humbleth himself to behold the things that a.re in heaven and in the earth ; n i.e. he stoops to regard them• it is condescension in him to notice them. The words of the text may be Used by all Christians; especially by some of them. 1 THE GREATKESS TO WHICH CHRISTIANS ARE EXALTED. 1. ..dU of them are made great. For they are made: (1) Sons and daughters of the great God, brothers and sisters of Jesus the Son of God, having a nature corresponding with the names. They a.re "partakers of the Divine nature" (2 Pet. i. 4), and therefore God-like, in holiness; righteousness, and love. (2) Wise with heavenly wisdom. A nobler wisdoni than that of philosophers. "Taught of God" (John vi. 45), who reveals to them what he hides from the worldly wise (Matt. xi. 25). (3) Powerful with the noblest power, that which is moral and spiritual, by which they" overcome the world" (1 John v. 4), rule their own spirits (Prov. xvi. 32), and subdue others to the obedience of faith. (4) Friends and associates of the best of God's creatures-holy angels and redeemed men; with whom they form one family (Eph. iii. 15). (5) Heirs, and at length possessors, of a grand and enduring estate (1 Pet. i. 4). These things are not mere names or fancies; they arc solid and enduring realities, to have the lowest place and the humblest share in which is, in the nature of things, to be greater than the greatest of earthly dignitaries who have no part in them. 2. Some of them are made specially great. 'l'hey realize, in a larger measure than others, the various elements of greatness mentioned above. They have more of God in them; and hence are richer in spiritual wisdom and good- ness, exercise a wider and stronger influence, do a greater work, attain to greater honour and renown in this world and the next. Apostles, martyrs; eminent teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and reformers; monarchs, too, and statesmen, poets, etc., who a.re also devoted Christians. Such special greatness a.rises sometimes and in part from : (1) Greater natural endowments. More of physical energy, or intellectual power, or emotional force, to begin with. (2) Or greater opportu~ities, which may be such as rank and fortune give, or the state of things around them, or such as poverty, affliction, and persecution afford. (3) Special earnestness, faithfulness, and diligence in the cultivation and employ- ment of powers and opportunities (Luke xix, 16-26). (4) Special prayerfulness. Hence abundant irnpa,rtation of the Holy Spirit, the Source and Sustainer of all spiritual excellence. (5) Deeper humility. Without this all seeming greatness is not greatness at o.11 "in the kingdom of heaven," and will shrivel into nothingness (Matt. xviii. 1--4; Luke ix. 48; xiv. 11). IL To WHAT SUCH GREATNESS IS TO BE ASCRmED, A1''D IS ASCBmED BY THOSE WHO ATTAIN TO IT. To the condescension of God. David recognized that all his greatness was owin"0 to the goodness and JJOwer of God, and in th.eir exercise on hie behalf he discerned unspeakable condesceusion. Similar should and will be the feeling of all who are raised to spiritual greatness. 1. The work of God in their exaltation is a work of condescension. Thu appears as we consider: (I) Hie greatness and holiness, and their littleness and sinfulnese (Ps. viii.; Isa. !vii. 15). God must stoop to reach and raise such creatures. (2) His various operations upon and for them. When we OH, XXII. 1-51.] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 565