V. 43, 44. It is probable that David had married Ahinoam, as soon as Michal was married to Phalti, and that he afterwards married Abigail also. (Note, 2 Sam. 3:13-16.) In this he was carried away with the custom of the times, and was connived at in having more than one wife. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-17. kept from avenging himself: and he considered cants to ungodly persons. On such occasions it is the death of Nabal, as a proof of the Lord's spe- proper to speak with modesty of themselves, and cial regard to him, in pleading his cause against with decent respect and hearty good will to those his enemies; as an earnest of further favors; and whose assistance they request, wishing them as far more suited to awe others from injuring the continuance, increase, or accession of every hin than any vengeance which he could himself blessing: but they should be careful, lest they have inflicted. (Notes, 26:8-12. Rom. 12:17-verge towards flattery, and pass such compli-21.)—The prudence, ingenuity, and piety of ments as do not consist with truth, and as tend to Abigail, as well as her beauty, made a deep im- confirm sinners in a favorable opinion of them pression on David; and therefore, according to selves.-Worldly men deem riches their own; but the custom of those times, he sent messengers God declares they are another's, and that they with proposals of marriage to her. On the other must shortly give an account of their stewardship. hand, Abigail firmly believed that David would (Luke 16:12.) When they are determined not to be king over Israel, and highly esteemed his pious relieve the necessitous, they often excuse themand excellent character: she therefore deemed selves by railing; by charging the vices of some his proposals very honorable and advantageous, poor persons upon all; and by representing almsnotwithstanding his present difficulties; and with giving as an encouragement to idleness, impertigreat humility acceded to them; being willing to nence, and extravagance: nor are the most exshare his trials, and to submit to any services for cellent characters any defence against such unhis sake. (Note, Gen. 24:58.) distinguishing invectives, which betray the pride, ignorance, malice, and avarice of the heart, from which they proceed.-In imitation of the Lord's example, we are commanded to do good to the evil and ungrateful; and wretched should we all be, if he dealt with us by those rules, which we are often disposed to adopt in our behavior to our poor brethren.-While we enjoy abundance, we should be liberal to the indigent: but many will lavish as much upon one unnecessary, proud, and The most honored servants of God have the luxurious feast, or upon the excessive indulgence measure and period of their usefulness appointed of their own appetites or vanity, as would be them: but those who persevere unto the end, deemed an exorbitant sum to expend in acts of walking with God, and living consistently with charity. (Note, Luke 14:12-14.)-Silence is gentheir profession, are happy, though rejected by erally our wisdom, when assaulted by provoking men, and driven into retired and obscure situa- language; otherwise we shall be betrayed into tions. Their unblemished characters, their good folly and sin: and when the messengers of the examples, and their testimony to the truth, will Son of David meet with abuse and railing for his produce salutary effects; and their unceasing sake, they must hold their peace, and report it to prayers will be answered in behalf of numbers, their Lord, who will surely and justly resent it.after they are removed by death. Indeed whole How changeable are the best of men! how con nations have cause to lament, when faithful in- trary their conduct in one instance, to what structers, holy men of God, and public interces- might have been expected from another! A small sors, are taken away. But Jesus, our Prophet, temptation frequently prevails over them, after a Priest, Intercessor, and Judge, ever lives to take greater has been resisted: for, when off their care of those who trust in him.-Riches make guard, they are driven away "as a rolling thing men look great in their own eyes, and in the eyes before the whirlwind!"-Passionate resolutions. of other worldly people: but they are often lavish- || formed without time for reflection or prayer, are ed on those, who have neither wisdom nor grace; the result of Satan's counsel; and under this inand who so pervert them, as to ruin themselves, fluence we are capable of imitating the worst acand to render very many wicked or wretched. tions of the worst of men, and of disregarding all To be descended from honorable ancestors forms consequences to our own character and peace, to another branch of man's foolish vanity (3); yet it the church of God, or to those who rejoice in frequently is a most severe reproach to the char- being thus emboldened in impiety!-Many seracter and conduct of those who value themselves vants have more wisdom and grace than their upon it. Women of virtue, good sense, and ami- masters, and could suggest to them useful hints: able qualifications, are often married, for the but those who are such sons of Belial, that a man sake of wealth, to persons so entirely unsuitable cannot speak to them, will lose this advantage, for them, that it renders their whole lives wretch- and will not permit any one to extricate them ed and exposed to manifold temptations. It is from the dangers, to which they are exposed by therefore incumbent on parents, in respect of their own imprudence. (Note, 2 Kings 5-13,14.) their children, and on young persons in their own-General rules of submission to superior rela case, to resist all temptations to a conduct, which is likely to be so fatal in its consequences. But prudent and pious relations are an invaluable treasure, and often retard the ruin of those, who have not sense to know their worth:-and especially, "a prudent wife is from the Lord." (Note, Prov. 19:14.) Those, whom the Lord most honors, are frequently very destitute for a season; and, as they will not have recourse to fraud or violence, like others in similar circumstances, In urgent cases, despatch is as requisite as pruthey are sometimes constrained to become suppli-dence: inferior interests should always be sacri tions must be interpreted according to circumstances. In great emergencies the form may be dispensed with; and the preservation of a man's life or fortune will justify a failure in exterior indications of respect.-It is honorable when others commend us for those services, of which we say nothing: and when it appears, that we had a right to demand more than we petitioned for. V. 18-44. 1 more awfully than they could have desired: yet when his purpose is known, they will adore his justice, and bless him for his kindness to them.Whilst divine vengeance hovers over the head of sinners, they are often given up to foolish mirth and mad intoxication.-If the danger of a violent in dismay and anguish, how should sinners tremble at the thoughts of eternal damnation, and flee without delay from the wrath to come!-Worldly sorrow, mortified pride, and an affrighted conscience, sometimes suffice to end the sensualist's joys, and separate the covetous man from all his wealth: but whatever be the weapon, the Lord smites men with death whenever it pleases him. -Modesty, prudence, and humility, are prepara tions to advancement: and a wise man will al ways know the value of a pious and virtuous wife. (Notes, Prov. 18:22. 19:14.) But some deviations from the divine law, and some alloy to our comforts, must be expected in every character, and every situation, on this side of heaven. NOTES. ficed to preserve the greater; our property to preserve our lives; our very lives for the salvation of our souls.-Respect and liberal kindness are proper means of averting wrath: but, with wise and godly men, right words are most forcible. When, in mild language, matters are fairly stated, and proper topics adduced, their judg-death be so terrifying as to overwhelm the spirits ments, affections, and consciences are appealed to; and they cannot but be overcome, if they can be prevailed upon to listen.-It is beneath a wise man to resent the affronts of those, who are notoriously foolish and abusive.-Every servant of God should duly estimate his own situation; what his obligations, professions, and prospects are; what his station in the church; what his former conduct and present character; that he may with great circumspection avoid every inconsistent word and action: for according to these things, will be men's expectations from him and censures of him. (Notes, Ec. 10:1. Matt. 5:14-16.)-Patience and forgiveness of injuries will never occasion uneasy reflections; but revenge must in every case be recollected with grief of heart: and if we could but listen to our prudent and faithful counsellors at present, with the same CHAP. XXVI. V. 1, 2. It is probable, that Saul candor that we shall reflect upon their advice in had desisted from the pursuit of David, till excitfuture, we might avoid much sorrow and many ed again by the officious information of the Ziphoffences: we should indeed always earnestly en-ites, who perhaps despaired of David's pardon for deavor to realize, under temptation, all the consequences of compliance, as they will afterwards appear to us. Happy is the true believer! "his soul is bound up in the bundle of life with the LORD his God." In the midst of dangers and enemies, his natural life is perfectly safe till the appointed hour: the life of his soul "is hid with Christ in God;" (Note, Col. 3:1-4.) and because the Savior liveth, he shall live also; whilst all his foes shall be driven to destruction.--Our gratitude to God should precede, but not exclude, our gratitude to the instruments of his goodness. We have peculiar cause to be thankful, when we have|| been restrained from those sins which we were|| ready to commit: and real penitents will not be V. 5-7. It is probable, that David was directbackward to take shame to themselves, and to re-ed to this measure by the prophetical Spirit, in tract their rash expressions; for they will tremble order that all Israel might be convinced how into reflect, what the consequences would have juriously he was slandered by his enemies. Havbeen, had they been left to themselves.-The ing, therefore, in the day-time made every requipeople of God need not avenge their own cause, site observation, he proposed the matter to two of for he will surely do it for them; and sometimes his attendants: but Ahimelech, who was a prose their former malice and perfidy. (Noles, 23:1928.) Upon this, Saul's malice and envy revived; like Pharaoh, he again hardened his heart; and he determined to make another effort to destroy his rival. (Note, Ex. 14:5—9.) V. 3, 4. David neither fled, nor went out to meet Saul, when he was fully certified that he was actually come forth to destroy him! Had a much greater army of uncircumcised Philistines marched against him, he would doubtless have faced them with his small company, and trusted in God for the event: but he would not fight against the "LORD's anointed." (Notes, 24:8-15. 28:1,2.) 8 Then said Abishai to David, Godswered and said, Who art thou that criest hath delivered thine enemy into thine to the king? hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear, even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless? 10 David said furthermore, As a the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should. stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. 12 So. David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. 15 And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for y there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord. 16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. 17 And Saul knew David's voice, and said, a Is this thy voice, my son David' And David said, It is my voice, my lord O king. 18 And he said, "Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? 19 Now therefore, I pray thee, d let my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD have stirred thee 13 Then David went over to the up against me, let him accept an offerother side, and stood on the top of aning: but if they be the children of men, hill afar off; a great space being between them: X 14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner an cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods. V. 13-16. David, by retiring to a place of safety before he called to Abner, seems to have manifested more entire distrust of Saul, than he had done on a former occasion. (Note, 24:8–15.) Yet he desired that Saul and all Israel should be informed of his conduct at this time.-Abner and his soldiers, by neglecting to guard Saul when he slept, had exposed his life, and merited to be treated as his enemies, though he confided in them as friends: for though their sound sleep was supernatural (12); yet there might be a neglect of placing sentinels, arising from contempt of David's small company.-Saul also deemed David his enemy; and yet David had spared and protected his life in the most friendly manner! V. 8-12. Perhaps Abishai thought, that David, though he scrupled to kill Saul with his own hands, would allow one of his officers to terminate the dangers and difficulties of him and his adherents, by cutting off at one blow their inveterate persecutor, whom Providence had now put in their power, apparently for this very purpose: but David would by no means admit of this evasive distinction.-It has been suggested, that David spared Saul, the LORD's anointed, out of policy, that he might not teach the people a bad V. 17-19. (Marg. Ref.) David had not offendlesson against himself; but it is evident, that he ed Saul; yet he acknowledged that he was a sinacted from higher motives. The Lord forbad him ner against the Lord: and if convinced that his to do it; (Note, 1 Kings 21:3.) and "no man could sufferings were a divine rebuke for any particustretch forth his hand against the LORD's anoint-lar offence, he would offer a sacrifice, that his sin ed, and be guiltless." (Note, 24:4-7.) Satisfied being pardoned, his trials might cease: or, if Saul that God would avenge his cause, and fulfil his was instigated to this persecution by the evil spirpromises, in his own time and manner; and rec-it, whom God judicially permitted to trouble him, ollecting how he had just before smitten Nabal; (Noles, 25:35-42.) he would do nothing against his prince: but he took an effectual way of convincing him, that he could have slain him.-A deep sleep. (12) (Marg. Ref. v. Notes, Ps. 76:5, 5. Acts 12:5 11.) he intimated to him that he ought to seek forgive ness and deliverance in the appointed way. (Notes, 16:14-23.) But if wicked men instigated him to it, they might expect severe vengeance, for thus banishing David from the worship of JE|HOVAH, and tempting him to turn idolater The 20 Now therefore, let not my blood || his righteousness and his faithfulness: for fall to the earth before the face of the the LORD delivered thee into my hand toLORD: for the king of Israel is come out day, but PI would not stretch forth mine to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a hand against the LORD's anointed. partridge in the mountains. n 21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. 22 And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear; and let one of the young men come over and fetch it. 23 The LORD (2:9, 25:29. k 24:14. Matt. 26:47,55. ! 15:24,30, 24:17. Ex. 9:27. Num. 22:34. Matt. 27:4. render to every man m 27:4. n 24. Ps. 49:8. 116:15. o 1 Kings 8:32. Neb. 13:14. Ps. 7:8,9. 18:20-26. clause might be rendered, "they are accursed.". David carefully avoided mentioning Saul's envy and malice, which were the real causes of his conduct: for he did not mean to irritate, but to mollify him. V. 20. Though David was so very inconsiderable a person, according to his modest representation of himself; (Notes, 18:23-27. 24:8-15.) yet he intimated that, if his blood were shed, the LORD would certainly require it. (Note, Jer. 26: 12-15.) The word (sp) rendered a partridge, is supposed to mean a kind of bird which was very difficult to be caught, and of very little value. It is used only in this place, and once by Jeremiah. (Note, Jer. 17:11.) V. 21-25. This second instance of David's fidelity seems to have affected Saul more than the former. He confessed his guilt and folly in much stronger terms, and even invited David to return to court, and promised that he would not hurt him: he repeated his good words and wishes, and his persuasion that he would prevail and be very eminent. (Note, 24:16-22.) But no evidences appeared of true repentance towards God: and David plainly intimated that he could not trust his promises, and that he expected no recompense from him; but he referred his cause to the Lord, who would protect and deliver him, and do him justice. (Notes, Ps. 7:3-7. 17:1-3. 141:6,7. 2 Thes. 1:5-10.) Thus Saul and David parted to meet no more in this life. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. One crime generally proves an inducement to another, and seems to render it necessary for self-preservation: and this again makes way for further, and still more atrocious vices.-If sin be not dethroned and mortified, it will surely recover its strength when a suitable temptation is presented; and Satan and his agents will suggest such thoughts, as tend to re-kindle the smothered flame: thus after deep convictions and temporary reforinations, men return to their sins, and become worse than ever.-The servants of God ought to persevere in a blameless conduct, however injured. Thus it will appear that they act from a settled purpose of doing good for the Lord's sake: and in some cases, they will need the boldness of a lion, as well as the wisdom of the serpent, and the harmlessness of the dove, that they may avoid evil and the appearance of evil, and yet use proper means of escaping the malice of their enemies.-Confidence in God fortifies the soul against temptations to seek relief by sin: and it often requires as inuch resolution VOL. II. 13 q 24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. 25 Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both. do great things, and also shalt still prevail. " So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place. to restrain the excesses of misjudging zealous friends, as to stand firm against the rage of incensed enemies.-If we would have outward blessings with comfort and reputation, we must patiently and quietly wait for them in the path of duty: and when wicked men obstruct the purposes of God and the performance of his promises, he can easily remove them without our help. -We are exposed to so many dangers, whenever we close our eyes, that we should previously examine our state, whether we be ready for death; and then commit ourselves to the keeping of that almighty Protector, who "neither slumbereth nor sleepeth:" otherwise our necessary repose may confine us, as in a prison, till some awful calamity comes upon us with unexpected destruction. (Note, 1 Thes. 5:1-3.)-The sup posed friends of ungodly men are either incapable of serving them, or they treacherously neglect and expose them: and the pious people, whom they hate and revile, are their most valuable friends, as they persevere in prayers for them and kindness to them.-Good works give energy to persuasive words: and whether we plead our own cause, or the cause of God, evident integrity and consistency of conduct go further in producing conviction, than all the powers of eloquence without them: and for want of this confirmation, much sound reasoning and pathetic exhortation pass for unmeaning declamation. Men's transgressions against God are the cause of their enmities against each other; and no reconciliation has an immoveable basis, which is not founded on peace with God through Jesus Christ.-Those who drive us from our duty, or tempt us to sin, are our worst enemies: and persecutors, besides murdering men's bodies, must give a dreadful account, as chargeable with murdering the souls of all whom they have driven to apostacy, or to do violence to their own consciences, by the terrors of exile, imprisonment, or death.-In sinning against God men "play the fool exceedingly:" this the believer perceives; he therefore repents, receives a pardon, and acts more wisely for the time to come: but many others obtain a transient view of the mortifying truth, and close their eyes against it. (Note, Jam. 1:22-25.) Yet eternity will fully discover their exceeding foolishness, and they will never cease to reflect upon their own madness, in silencing their convictions as much as possible, and in every way they could devise, and by holding fast their iniquities. -No good words or fair professions, entitle those to our confidence, who have long sinned against the light: yet the con [97 2 And David arose, and he passed over, with the six hundred men that were with him, unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. e 3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife. 4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him. 5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee? 6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day. e 21:10. 1 Kings 2:40. a 16:1,13. 23:17. 25:30. Ps. 116: | d 25:13. 30:8. b 22:5. Ex. 14:12. Num. 14:3. e 10,11. 21:10-15. 28:1,2. 29: 2-11. 30:1-3, f 25:3,18-35,42,43. 30:5. h Gen. 46:34. 2 Cor. 6:17. i 30:1,14. Josh. 15:31. 19:5. 2 fessions of obstinate sinners may be useful, in satisfying us that we are in the right way, and shall prevail; and in encouraging us to persevere, expecting our recompense from God alone. NOTES. 7 And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months. 8 ¶ And David and his men went up and invaded the Geshurites, and 'the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land," as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt. 9 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took asses, and the camels, and the apparel, away the sheep, and the oxen, and the and returned and came to Achish. 10 And Achish said, "Whither have said, Against the south of Judah, and ye made a road to-day? P And David against the south of the ites, and against the south of the Ken ites. Jerahmeel V. 4. It does not appear that Saul's malice was permanently abated; but the object of it was out of his reach. (Note, 26:21—25.) V. 5, 6. It may be supposed that David desired to avoid ostentation, and to escape the effects of envy; and perhaps to be out of the way of tempCHAP. XXVII. V. 1, 2. David, while reflect- tation, more at leisure for the exercises of reliing on the inveterate malice of Saul, and the neg-gion, and more unembarrassed in his whole conlect, cowardice, and treachery of his country- duct, than he could be near the court and among men, lost sight of his having been anointed to be the nobles of Achish. (Note, Gen. 46:32-34.) king of Israel, with the annexed promises of God, Ziklag was first allotted to Judah. (Josh. 15:31.) and the manifold deliverances which he had ex- Afterwards it was given to Simeon: (Josh. 19:5.) perienced: so that, being weak in faith, he de- but the Philistines had got possession of it; and it spaired of safety in the land of Judah; and he went was regarded as one of their cities, till on this octo Gath, perhaps invited by Achish, but evident-casion it came again into the possession of Judah. ly without inquiring of the Lord. (Note, 21:10- (Marg. Ref. i.) 15.) This measure was calculated to alienate the affections of the Israelites, and to give credit to the slanders of his accusers; he thus ran himself and his men into temptations to idolatry; and he laid himself under obligations to those, whom he could never favor, without betraying the cause of God. (26:19. Notes, 28:1,2. 29:2,8-11. Ps. 141:1-5.) V. 3. (Note, 25:43,44.) Achish probably hoped that he should be able to fix David in his interests, and employ him against the Israelites; or, that he should thus secure an advantageous alliance with him, if ever he came to be king of Israel. V. 8-12. Probably the Geshurites and Gezrites were tribes of the Amalekites, or of Canaanites who were in alliance with them. (Marg. Ref. k, l.) We may therefore commend David for at tempting to complete the work which Saul had begun, and should not censure the severity with which he conducted the war. (Notes, 15:1-9.)These nations lived to the south of Judah: and David used such equivocal terms in speaking to Achish, as induced him to conclude, that he had been fighting against his own countrymen. In telligence was not then readily conveyed, and no one undeceived Achish: he therefore concluded. |