The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 572

of the power even of e. klnj!; to m11ke use of it according to his own pleasure or for a selfish end. 3. A solemn recognition or the sovereii.,'llty of God over "life and breath and all things." 4. An unreserved submission, surrender, and sacrifice of every gift to him who alone is worthy. David's offering must he.ve deepened the atto.chment of his three heroes, e.nd exerted no small moral and spiritual influence on all his followers. How much greater is the" offering" of the Son of David (Eph. v. 2; Heh, ix. 14), and his claim on our affection, gratitude, and self-consecration I Constra.ined by his love, we should live in the spirit of his life (Rom. xii. 1; 2 Cor. v. 15; Phil. ii. 17, "poured out 1 118 11 libation; '::: Tim. iv. 6). REFLEOTIONB, 1 . .An impulse or a lower kind is most effectually overcome by one of a higher order. 2. A wish in itself blameless may, in certain circumstances, be siuful and injudous. 3. .An action which is mista)i:en and imprudent some- times affords occasion for the display of the noblest principles. 4. The self-denial of some silently reproves the self-indulgence of others, and incites in them a similar spirit. 6. The highest return that can be mnde of gifts received from men is to consecrate them to God. 6. .A gift n;iade to God is not "wasted," but is a means o_f conferring manifold benefite on men. 7. The sacrifice of self enriches the soul by enabling it to partake more fully of the life and love of him for whose sake it is made.-D. Vera. 18-23 (1 Chron. xi. 22-26).-The heroism of Benaiah. He was eon of Jehoiada, chief. priest and leader of the Aaronites who came to David at Hebron (1 Cbron. xii. 27); one of (a second) three "mighties" (with .A.bisbai and, perhaps, Asahel), arid.above the thirty (1 Chron. xxvii. 6, 6); captain of the host for the third month; and commander of the body-guard ( eh. viii. 18; xx. 23). He remained faithful to Solomon in, the conspiracy of .A.donijah, wns commissioned to execute Joab, and appointed commander-in-chief in his stead (1 Kings i. 26, 36; ii. 29, 35). He was "a valiant man, of many illustrious deeds." His name (equivalent to" built by Jnh ") is suggestive of the Divine source of his strength, valour, and successful conflicts with the enemies of the people of God. He slew (1) two Moabitish champions, or princes, "lions of God" (eh. viii. 2); (2) a ferocious lion, which had beeu. driven by a heavy fall of snow into the neighbourhood of human habitations, to the terror of the inhabitants, anq. bad taken refuge in a pit or (empty) cistern; and (3) an Egyptian giant (fighting on the side, of the Philistines). "His valour and virtues are recorded, not only for com- memoration and remembrance, but likewise for example and imitation of his virtues, and to show how great works the Lord wrought by weak means" (Guild). 1. We ought 11ever to contend, except in a good cause; for truth, justice, and liberty, the honour of God, the kingdom of Christ, and the welfare of men. "If it be possible," etc. (Rom. xii. 18). , :;:. •We cannot avoid conflict altogether without sin, captivity, dishonour, aud destruction. In a world like this there is often no choice but to fight or be slain. "Curse ye Meroz," etc. (Judg. v. 23). "Contend earnestly for the faith," etc. (Jade 3). "Now we must fight if we would reign." 3. We must not be dismayed by the power of the enemy; "in nothing affrighted by the adversaries" (Phil. i. 28); their strength, their number (two to one, ver. 20), their formidable appearance, their varied character, natural or spiritual; lion like men, real lions, or" your adversary the devil,'' who, "as a roaring lion, wa\keth about," etc. (1 Pet. v. 8). Be strong and fear not. 4. We should not be unduly concerned about ouT own safety; but seek, above all things, to do our duty faithfully, and use our best endeavours to secure the ends for which we strive.· Having traced the footprints of the lion in the snow, "he went down" (volun- tarily placing hiR own life in imminent peril to secure the safety of others) "and slew the lion in the pit" (knowjng that he must succeed or perish) "in a time of snow" (which is apt to benumb rn1m's strength and to cool their courage, e.nd when beasts of prey are most fierce and, ravenous from hunger). "Noue of these things move me," etc. (Acts XX'. 24; xxi. 13; 2 Tim. iv. 16, 17). 6. We must make the best of ou1· resources, however inadequate they may appear; and not shrink from the conflict until we nre as fu,lly armed as our opponents. "He went down to him with [only] a staff" (ver. 22); skilfully and adroitly deprived him of his spear (" like a weaver's beam"), renderlld him defenceless, and turned his weapon against himself. \Ve must fight with such mPa.ns as we have. 6. We should never forget the example of ou.T greai  THE S1llOONn BOOlt OF' SAMtrtL. [on. xxtit. 1-89,