The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 578

pe.ssive endure.nee or quiet influence. Some e.re powerful through their e.bility to attre.ct e.nd lead numbers; others, acting alone. The special sphere of some is the home; of others, the Church ; of others, the exchange, the factory, the workshop, or the public meeting. Some are mighty in argument; others, in e.ppeal • some in instructing; others, in consoling, etc. ' ' IV. THEIR REWARD. 1. Promotion. David promoted those of his men who distin- guished themselves by their bravery to posts of honour (ver. 23). Similarly, our Lord tee.ohes us that those who are fe.ithfal to him shall be advanced to higher positions of trust e.nd power (Luke iix. 17, 19; Rev. ii. 26-28; iii. 12, 21). The display and exercise of noble qualities increases their vigour, and thus prepares for and ensures higher and wider service. 2. Honowrable record. As here, "These be the names," etc., Christ's heroes also have their names, characters, and deeds recorded. (1) Some on earth. In the Divine book; in ordinary biographies; in the memories of men. (2) All in heaven (comp. Phil. iv. 3). Not all who are mentioned in the earthly lists are in the heavenly; for some obtain a reputation here to which they are not justly entitled. Not all in the heavenly list are in the earthly; for good men are not omniscient, nor can they always discern superior worth, though it be before their eyes. The chief desire of us all should be to have a place in the heavenly records-to be "accepted of him" (2 Cor. v. 9), whoever may reject or overlook us. In conclusion: 1. We should not be C()'ll,tent just to e:i;ist as Christians, but should aim to be "mighty." This is possible to all, through union with the "stron~ Son of God," maintained and increased by vigorous exercises of faith, meditation, and prayer; and through faithful use of such power as they possess. 2. Whatever our might or achievements, we should ascribe all, and be sincerely concerned that others should ascribe all, to God. (Vers. 10, 12.)-G. W. Vers. 15-17.-Love, coura.ge, and self-sacrifice. This narrative is highly creditable to both David and these three brave men. It shows the power he had of awakening in his soldiers passionate attachment and devotedness to himself, his high appreciation of such qualities, and at the same time his unwillingness that they should be displayed in enterprises which hazarded precious lives for no corresponding advantage. In the pouring of the water out as an offering unto the Lord, because it was too costly and sacred for ordinary use, "pure chivalry and pure religion found an absolute union" (Dean Stanley). On the other hand, the heroism of these men, stirred by their love and loyalty to their chief, although displayed in a rash enterprise, is worthy of great admiration. We are reminded of similar qualities found amongst the servants of the Son of David, our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice- 1. THE DEVOTED LOVE OF CHRIST'S FAITHFUL SERVANTS TO HIMSELF. 1. They show sincere and practical regard to his every wish. They do not need explicit commands in detail, still less accompanying threatenings. Enough if they can ascertain what he desires; and their love for him and converse with him enable them to know his wishes without definite verbal revelations or laws. A large portion of the life of many modem Christians, especially in the departments of Christian zeal and benevolence, is founded on no express command, but springs from love and sympathy-from that participation of the Spirit of Christ which produces intuitive discernment of his will, and that devoted attachment which prompts to the gratification of his every wish. 2. Tliey are ready to encounter danger in his service. The work of Christ makes at times great demands on love, zeal, and courage. It cannot be done without hazard; but his true-hearted friends are prepared to endure the toil and brave the peril. Not a few in our own day may be described as "men that have hazarded their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts xv. 26). This spirit of Christian heroism is not confined to the more hardy races, but among the softer tribes of Polynesia and India., the knowledge of Christ has produced a similar courage. Converted natives offer themselves for service in the most dangerous fields of missionary enterprise; and when some fall at the hand of savages, or through attacks of deadly diseases, others eagerly press forward to take the vacant places. The language of St. Paul is still the lan)!uage of faithful Christians, "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself," etc.; "I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die . . . for the Name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts xx. 24; xxi. 13). 3, They qre somelimes moved to extraordinary mamfestations II. SAMUEL, 2Q  594 THE SEOOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. XXIV, 1-26,