The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 601

accomplishment; the Divine wisdom and might with which it was imbued (vers. 16, 26). "The three elements which enter into the true conception of a prophet are revelation, inspiration, and utterance; for the prophet is the inspired medium of truth to other mind8, Revelation, the inner disclosure of the Divine thought and will to the human soul, is an essential element of genuine prophecy. Dut this revelation cannot become realized, c1mnot beoome a real disclosure of thought and purpose to the indi- vidual as a preparation for prophecy, without inspiration. The soul of the prophet mu~t be ethically quickened and elevated in order that the word of Jehovah may reach the people through him. Nor can the message remain concealed in the prophet's own soul; for it is a message, a Divine commission, to communicate a revealed truth to those for whom it is divinely intended" (Ladd, 'The Doctrine of Sacred Scripture,' i. 124). 2. Bis prophetic messags. More than what is recorded may have been spoken in his two interviews with the king; but his words contain: (1) An assertion of the sole sovereignty of Jehovah, which had been for a season practically ignored. "Thus saith Jehovah," etc. (ver. 12). The office of a prophet was that of "watchman to the theo- cracy" (Jer. vi. 27); he had to observe and denounce every departure from its principles on the part of the king or people, and give warning of coming danger. (2) An announcement of the approach of judgment. "I lay before thee three things," etc. Already, perchance, the king had a presentiment thereof; but now it was rendered plain and certain. Yet "mercy is mixed with judgment; the Lord is angry, yet shows great condescension and goodness." "His mercies are great" (ver. 14). (3) An appointment of the means of deliverance. "Go up, rear an altar unto Jehovah," etc; (ver. 18). (4) An injunction of those duties or conditions, in the fulfilment of which the favour of God would be enjoyed-submission, trust, and unreserved self-devotion. 3. Ht6 faithful obedience. •• And Gad came to David," etc., with: (1) Simplicity; uttering the word of God, just as it was revealed to him, adding nothing, and with- holding nothing. (2) Fearlessness. (3) Earnestness. "Now advise," etc. (4) Dili- gence and perseverance. 4. Hi.s salutary influence (in accordance with the purpose of his mission), not only in tbe removal of the pestilence, but also in (1) checking the spirit of presumption and of rebellion e.,,aainst Jehovah, (2) pacifying a troubled con- science, (3) restoring both king and people t.o their allegiance, (4) promoting the interest.I! of the kingdom of God.-D. Ver. 13 (1 Chron. xxL 12).-(JERUSALEM.) Preachers and hearers. "Now advise [know], and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me." The intercourse of the prophet with the king, especially his language at the close of the first interview, is SW!:"'estive of- 1~ Tm; VOCATION OF THE PREACHER of the gospel. 1. Every true preacher is sent forth by God. 2. He is put in trust with the Word of God, and is sent to proclaim it to others, as his messenger and ambassador (2 Cor. v. 20); not to tea.eh his own specu- lations. 3. The purpose of the proclamation is their spiritual welfare-their instruc- tion, edification, salvation. " They watch on behalf of your souls " (Heb. xiii. 11). But, too often, "The aim of all Is how to shine: e'en they whose office i1 To preach the gospel, let the gospel sleep, And pe.BI! their own inventions off instead. The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, retum From pasture, fed with wind: and what e.ve.ila For their excuse, they do not see their harm? Christ so.id not to his first conventicle, • Go forth and preach impostures to the world,' But gave them truth to build on." (Dante, 'Par.,' Dix.) 4:. The fulfilment or his calling demands the highest qualities-wisdom, sincerity, sympathy, disinterestedneBB, self-denial, :fidelity, courage, zeal, assiduity. 6. The mann~r of his reception varies (Acts xvii. 34), and tests the character of those to wh~m be 1s sent (Matt. x. 11-13; 2 Cor. ii. 16). 6. He must return to him ~ho s~nt him, and gi"le account, not only of hie own conduct, but_also of the manner in which they have on. XXIV, 1-25.] THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 617