12 16. David’s advancement<\/p>\n
12<\/strong>. In the Sept. (B) this verse follows immediately after the clause of 1Sa 18:8<\/em><\/span>, “to me they have ascribed but thousands,” and reads simply, “and Saul was afraid of David.”<\/p>\n 1Sa 18:12-30<\/span><\/p>\n And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Davids jeopardy<\/strong><\/p>\n Saul was afraid of David. This is most remarkable, for was not Saul the king, and David but the servant? There must be some explanation of this remarkable fear. What is it? It is the mystery of spiritual character, and that in very deed is the explanation of all the deadliest fear which paralyses the spirit of tyranny and oppression. It is in this direction that we should look for the greatest and best influences of society. What are weapons of war, or mere strength of arms, or largeness of wealth, or the whole pomp and circumstances of monarchy? When the wise man ceases out of the land the power of the land is dead; schools, churches, institutions devoted to the culture of knowledge and the promotion of wisdom, these are the strongest bulwarks and defences of any nation. Righteousness not only exalteth a nation in certain moral senses, but it throws upon the observing enemy all the force of a spiritual fear, because, in striking at such a nation he feels that he is striking at the supreme power and sensitiveness of the universe.<\/p>\n 1. <\/strong>A new idea appears to have occurred to Saul, and one which would seem to be inspired by magnanimity. Saul now takes the course up, according to David military promotion. The object was to get David out of the way by sending him to some distant part of the kingdom on any pretence that might arise. The method is a common one today. No matter what honour is given to an enemy if the honour only take him away from sight, and break up his immediate local influence. Men should look into the motives of their honours, for possibly in that, motive they may discover reason for humility rather than boasting. A humiliating sight it is to observe a man making an investment of his magnanimity and earning credit for being generous when in his heart he is inexpressibly mean.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>David continued in his undisturbed course of wise consideration and noble prudence. There was no stoop of servility in his attitude towards the king, yet; there was neither aspect nor tone of defiance. David simply took the task that was assigned to him, and wrought out its detail with wisdom and care. This is the way to treat every enemy. Instead of directly attacking hostility and so creating partisanship on its behalf, it is infinitely wiser to go about the daily task with simple faith and obvious wisdom, as if content to serve in the lowliest or highest capacity. Patience by long continuance constitutes itself into a solid argument.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>The religious explanation given in the case of David is marked by beautiful naturalness. Wherever there is true wisdom there is always the presence of the Lord to account for it. The Lord was with him, is not an expression limited to any one set of circumstances or one class of favoured men. The Lord will be with the least of us, and direct the way of the humblest of His creatures. Take nothing with your own hands as if by your own strength and skill you could accomplish your purpose: in all thy ways acknowledge God and He will direct thy path. When a mans ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>Saul being foiled in this direction betook himself to another course of conduct towards David. Saul proposed to further honour the young courtier by making him his son-in-law. In a tone of feigned cheerfulness the king said, Only be valiant for me, and fight the Lords battles. How the Divine name has been dragged into unworthy end unholy uses! What is this but the most corrupt of all hypocrisy? For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.<\/p>\n 5. <\/strong>See in Saul the true quality of malice: there is nothing too mean for it to do; there is no course too tortuous for it to adopt; lies, hypocrisy, cruelty, these are the weapons with which it will fight its way to its destiny. How Saul uncrowns himself in the twenty-second verse! When Saul made that speech he took off the crown and became a mean man. How deceitful is the action of iniquity in the heart when it will lead men to abase themselves thus in the estimation of their servants! It did not occur to Saul that when he trusted his servants with this commission he destroyed their confidence and respect in relation to himself. There might, be no outward show of such distinction, but it was not the less a fact in the heart of those who received the kings wicked instructions. But sin is self-blinding. Again and again we have seen that the sinner is not only a criminal but a fool. (J. Parker, D. D.<\/em>)<\/p>\n Saul was afraid of David, <\/B>lest as he had gotten the favour of God and of all the people, he should also take away his kingdom. <\/P> <\/p>\n And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him<\/strong>,…. Protecting and preserving him, prospering and succeeding him, giving him victory over his enemies, and favour among the people; the Targum is,<\/p>\n “the Word of the Lord was for his help.”<\/p>\n Procopius Gazaeus interprets it of the Holy Ghost, whose grace was vouchsafed unto him: he might be afraid in his melancholy fits, that as he had attempted to take away the life of David, that David would contrive and seek an opportunity, and take away his life, and seize the kingdom which God had given him, and his being with him strengthened these fears:<\/p>\n and was departed from Saul<\/strong>; so that he was destitute of courage, and greatness of mind, and of wisdom and prudence, and became mean and abject, and exposed himself to the contempt of his subjects.<\/p>\n David Marries Saul’s Daughter; Saul’s Jealousy of David.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/I><\/span><\/P> <\/TD> B. C.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/SPAN> 1059.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/FONT><\/P> <\/TD> <\/TR> <\/TABLE> 12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD<\/B> was with him, and was departed from Saul. 13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD<\/B> was<\/I> with him. 15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. 17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD<\/B>‘s battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. 18 And David said unto Saul, Who am<\/I> I? and what is<\/I> my life, or<\/I> my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? 19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul’s daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife. 20 And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of<\/I> the twain. 22 And Saul commanded his servants, saying,<\/I> Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son in law. 23 And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a<\/I> light thing<\/I> to be a king’s son in law, seeing that I am<\/I> a poor man, and lightly esteemed? 24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. 25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired. 27 Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD<\/B> was<\/I> with David, and that<\/I> Michal Saul’s daughter loved him. 29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually. 30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that<\/I> David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.<\/P> Saul had now, in effect, proclaimed war with David. He began in open hostility when he threw the javelin at him. Now we are here told how his enmity proceeded, and how David received the attacks of it.<\/P> I. See how Saul expressed his malice against David. 1. He was afraid of him,<\/I> v.<\/span> 12<\/span><\/U><\/I><\/span>. Perhaps he pretended to be afraid that David would do himself mischief, to force his way to the crown. Those that design ill against others are commonly willing to have it thought that others design ill against them. But David’s withdrawal (v.<\/I><\/span> 11<\/span>) was a plain evidence that he was far from such a thought. However, he really stood in awe of him, as Herod feared John, Mark vi. 20<\/span>. Saul was sensible that he had lost the favourable presence of God himself, and that David had it, and for this reason he feared him. Note, Those are truly great and to be reverenced that have God with them. The more wisely David behaved himself<\/I> the more Saul feared him,<\/I> v.<\/span> 15<\/span><\/U><\/I><\/span>, and again v.<\/I><\/span> 29<\/span>. Men think the way to be feared is to hector and threaten, which makes them feared by fools only, but despised by the wise and good; whereas the way to be both feared and loved, feared by those to whom we would wish to be a terror and loved by those to whom we would wish to be a delight, is to behave ourselves wisely.<\/I> Wisdom makes the face to shine and commands respect. 2. He removed him from court, and gave him a regiment in the country, v.<\/I><\/span> 13<\/span>. He made him captain over 1000, that he might be from under his eye, because he hated the sight of him; and that he might not secure the interest of the courtiers. Yet herein he did impolitely; for it gave David an opportunity of ingratiating himself with the people, who therefore loved him<\/I> (v.<\/I><\/span> 16<\/span>) because he went out and came in before them,<\/I> that is, he presided in the business of his country, civil as well as military, and have universal satisfaction. 3. He stirred him up to take all occasions of quarrelling with the Philistines and engaging them (v.<\/I><\/span> 17<\/span>), insinuating to him that hereby he would do good service to his prince (be thou valiant for me<\/I>), and good service to his God (fight the Lord’s battles<\/I>), and a kindness to himself too, for hereby he would qualify himself for the honour he designed him, which was to marry his eldest daughter to him. This he had merited by killing Goliath, for it was promised by proclamation to him that should do that exploit (ch.<\/I><\/span> xvii. 25<\/span>); but David was so modest as not to demand it, and now, when Saul proposed it, it was with design of mischief to him, to make him venture upon hazardous attempts, saying in his heart, Let the hand of the Philistines be upon him,<\/I> hoping that he would some time or other be the death of him; yet how could he expect this when he saw that God was with him? 4. He did what he could to provoke him to discontent and mutiny, by breaking his promise with him, and giving his daughter to another when the time came that she should have been given to him, v.<\/I><\/span> 19<\/span>. This was as great an affront as he could possibly put upon him, and touched him both in his honour and in his love. He therefore thought David’s resentment of it would break out in some indecency or other, in word or deed, which might give him an advantage against him to take him off by the course of law. Thus evil men seek mischief. 5. When he was disappointed in his, he proffered him his other daughter (who it seems had a secret kindness for David, v.<\/I><\/span> 20<\/span>), but with this design, that she might be a snare to him,<\/I> v.<\/span> 21<\/span><\/U><\/I><\/span>. (1.) Perhaps he hoped that she would, even after her marriage to David, take part with her father against her husband, and give him an opportunity of doing David an unkindness. However, (2.) The conditions of the marriage, he hoped, would be his destruction; for (so zealous will Saul seem against the Philistines) the conditions of the marriage must be that he killed 100 Philistines, and, as proofs that those he had slain were uncircumcised, he must bring in their foreskins cut off; this would be a just reproach upon the Philistines, who hated circumcision as it was an ordinance of God; and perhaps David, in doing this, would the more exasperate them against him, and make them seek to be revenged on him, which was the thing that Saul desired and designed, much more than to be avenged on the Philistines: For Saul thought to make David fall by the Philistines,<\/I> v.<\/span> 25<\/span><\/U><\/I><\/span>. See here, [1.] What cheats bad men put upon themselves. Saul’s conscience would not suffer him, except when the evil spirit was actually upon him, to aim at David’s life himself, for even he could not but conceive a horror at the thought of murdering such an innocent and excellent person; but he thought that to expose him designedly to the Philistines had nothing bad in it (Let not my hand be upon him, but the hand of the Philistines<\/I>), whereas that malicious design against him was as truly murder before God as if he had slain him with his own hands. [2.] What cheats they put upon the world. Saul pretended extraordinary kindness for David even when he aimed at his ruin, and was actually plotting it: Thou shalt be my son-in-law,<\/I> says he (v.<\/I><\/span> 21<\/span>), notwithstanding he hated him implacably. Perhaps David refers to this when (Ps. lv. 21<\/span>) he speaks of his enemy as one whose words were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart.<\/I> It is probable that Saul’s employing his servants to persuade David to enter into a treaty of a match with his daughter Michal (v.<\/I><\/span> 22<\/span>) arose from an apprehension that either his having cheated him about his elder daughter (v.<\/I><\/span> 19<\/span>) or the hardness of the terms he intended now to propose would make him decline it.<\/P> II. See how David conducted himself when the tide of Saul’s displeasure ran thus high against him.<\/P> 1. He behaved himself wisely in all his ways.<\/I> He perceived Saul’s jealousy of him, which made him very cautious and circumspect in every thing he said and did, and careful to give no offence. He did not complain of hard measure more make himself the head of a party, but managed all the affairs he was entrusted with as one that made it his business to do real service to his king and country, looking upon that to be the end of his preferment. And then the Lord was with him<\/I> to give him success in all his undertakings. Though he procured Saul’s ill-will by it, yet he obtained God’s favour. Compare this with Ps. ci. 2<\/span>, where it is David’s promise, I will behave myself wisely;<\/I> and that promise he here performed; and it is his prayer, O, when wilt thou come unto me?<\/I> And that prayer God here answered: The Lord was with him.<\/I> However blind fortune may seem to favour fools, God will own and bless those that behave themselves wisely.<\/P> 2. When it was proposed to him to be son-in-law to the king he once and again received the proposal with all possible modesty and humility. When Saul proposed his elder daughter to him (v.<\/I><\/span> 18<\/span>) he said, Who am I, and what is my life?<\/I> When the courtier proposed the younger, he took no notice of the affront Saul had put upon him in disposing of the elder from him, but continued in the same mind (v.<\/I><\/span> 23<\/span>): Seemeth it a light thing to you to be a king’s son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man and lightly esteemed?<\/I> He knew Michal loved him, and yet did not offer to improve his interest in her affections for the gaining of her without her father’s consent, but waited till it was proposed to him. And then see, (1.) How highly he speaks of the honour offered him: To be son-in-law to the king.<\/I> Though his king was but an upstart, in his original as mean as himself, in his management no better than he should be, yet, being a crowned head, he speaks of him and the royal family with all due respect. Note, Religion is so far from teaching us to be rude and unmannerly that it does not allow us to be so. We must render honour to whom honour is due.<\/I> (2.) How humbly he speaks of himself: Who am I?<\/I> This did not proceed from a mean, abject, sneaking spirit, for when there was occasion he made it appear that he had as high a sense of honour as most men; nor was it from his jealousy of Saul (though he had reason enough to fear a snake under the green grass), but from him true and deep humility: Who am I, a poor man, and lightly esteemed?<\/I> David had as much reason as any man to value himself. He was of an ancient and honourable family of Judah, a comely person, a great statesman and soldier; his achievements were great, for he had won Goliath’s head and Michal’s heart. He knew himself destined by the divine counsels to the throne of Israel, and yet, Whom am I, and what is my life?<\/I> Note, It well becomes us, however God has advanced us, always to have low thoughts of ourselves. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.<\/I> And, if David thus magnified the honour of being son-in-law to the king, how should we magnify the honour of being sons (not in law, but in gospel) to the King of kings! Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us!<\/I> Who are we that we should be thus dignified?<\/P> 3. When the slaying of 100 Philistines was made the condition of David’s marrying Saul’s daughter he readily closed with it (v.<\/I><\/span> 26<\/span>): It pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law<\/I> upon those terms; and, before the time given him for the action had expired, he doubled the demand, and slew 200, v.<\/I><\/span> 27<\/span>. He would not seem to suspect that Saul designed his hurt by it (though he had reason enough), but would rather act as if Saul had meant to consult his honour, and therefore cheerfully undertook it, as became a brave soldier and a true lover, though we may suppose it uneasy to Michal. David hereby discovered likewise, (1.) A great confidence in the divine protection. He knew God was with him, and therefore, whatever Saul hoped, David did not fear falling by the Philistines, though he must needs expose himself much by such an undertaking as this. (2.) A great zeal for the good of his country, which he would not decline any occasion of doing service to, though with the hazard of his life. (3.) A right notion of honour, which consists not so much in being preferred as in deserving to be so. David was then pleased with the thoughts of being the king’s son-in-law when he found the honour set at this high price, being more solicitous how to merit it than how to obtain it; nor could he wear it with satisfaction till he had won it.<\/P> 4. Even after he was married he continued his good services to Israel. When the princes of the Philistines began to move towards another war David was ready to oppose them, and behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul,<\/I> v.<\/span> 30<\/span><\/U><\/I><\/span>. The law dispensed with men from going to war the first year after they were married (Deut. xxiv. 5<\/span>), but David loved his country too well to make use of that dispensation. Many that have shown themselves forward to serve the public when they have been in pursuit of preferment have declined it when they have gained their point; but David acted from more generous principles.<\/P> III. Observe how God brought good to David out of Saul’s project against him. 1. Saul gave him his daughter to be a snare to him, but in this respect that marriage was a kindness to him, that his being Saul’s son-in-law made his succeeding him much the less invidious, especially when so many of his sons were slain with him, ch.<\/I><\/span> xxxi. 2<\/span>. 2. Saul thought, by putting him upon dangerous services, to have him taken off, but that very thing confirmed his interest in the people; for the more he did against the Philistines the better they loved him, so that his name was much set by<\/I> (v.<\/I><\/span> 30<\/span>), which would make his coming to the crown the more easy. Thus God makes even the wrath of man to praise him and serves his designs of kindness to his own people by it.<\/P><\/p>\n (12) And Saul was afraid of David.<\/strong>Even after the scenes in the royal chamber just related, David remained at Court. He looked on such manifestations of bitter hatred as simple outbursts of a temporary insanity. His loyal nature would not believe in the enduring hate of one so great and noble as Saul; but we read here that even when the king recovered from the paroxysm, he feared <\/em>David. Saul was conscious that his old vigour and ability were deserting him, and in David he recognised the presence of a power he knew had once been his. Not being able, even in his sane hours, to endure the presence of one whom he too surely felt would sooner or later take his place, the king dismissed him honourably from the Court, and invested him with an important military charge. Perhaps already the dark thought which some time later (see 1Sa. 18:17<\/span>; 1Sa. 18:25<\/span>) influenced the king had entered into his unhappy mind.<\/p>\n 12<\/strong>. <\/strong> Saul was afraid of David <\/strong> He became sensible that he was fighting against God, and this feeling bred terror, and continued to disturb him more and more. Compare 1Sa 18:15<\/span>; 1Sa 18:29<\/span>.<\/p>\n (12) And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. (13) Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. (14) And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. (15) Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. (16) But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n It is worthy the Reader’s remark, what is here said twice within a few verses of each other, of Saul’s fear of David. Yes! there is a servile, pitiful, cowardly fear of the righteous, in the minds of the ungodly. And though the wicked hate the godly, and seek every occasion to slay them; yet in the midst of all, their minds are overawed at their presence. How did the Governor Felix tremble at the poor prisoner Paul’s preaching; Act 24:25<\/span> . And though it be in an infinitely higher instance, yet it ought not to be forgotten, how did the band of men and officers, who went to apprehend Christ, fall to the ground before him overawed, and trembling at his presence! Joh 18:3-6<\/span> .<\/p>\n 1Sa 18:12-30<\/p>\n SAUL was afraid of David. This is most remarkable, for was not Saul the king, and David but the servant? Why then should a king be afraid of a harper? The king had the resources of the nation at his command. In a moment he could have surrounded David by an overpowering force; yet, notwithstanding these advantages, Saul was afraid of the young musician. There must be some explanation of this remarkable fear. What is it? It is the mystery of spiritual character, and that in very deed is the explanation of all the deadliest fear which paralyses the spirit of tyranny and oppression. There was something about David which Saul could not comprehend. Not his physical power, not his social descent, not his musical genius, there was again and again a look in the young face which haunted the king like a ghostly revelation. That face beamed with wisdom, darkened with unexplained apprehensions, and was lifted into dignity as if by a spirit of judgment. That young face haunted the king, followed him into his slumbers, reproved him in the midst of his vices, set up before him the image and aspect of an immeasurable kingdom. It is in this direction that we should look for the greatest and best influences of society. What are weapons of war, or mere strength of arms, or largeness of wealth, or the whole pomp and circumstance of monarchy? When the wise man ceases out of the land the power of the land is dead; schools, churches, institutions devoted to the culture of knowledge and the promotion of wisdom, these are the strongest bulwarks and defences of any nation. Hence the peculiar dignity and authority of the highest moral teaching. Righteousness not only exalteth a nation in certain moral senses, but it throws upon the observing enemy all the force of a spiritual fear, because, in striking at such a nation he feels that he is striking at the supreme power and sensitiveness of the universe. As Judas was afraid of Christ in the garden, and fell back to the ground when he saw the embodied holiness of the Son of God, so every king evilly disposed like Saul, or every ruffian band, or murderer like Iscariot, will fall back in fear from the truly righteous and noble character. David exerted no conscious influence; it was no purpose of his to affright King Saul; he attended to his daily business, cultivated communion with God, walked in the ways of goodness, and his quietly and simply doing these things invested him with that weird power before which the kingly heart quailed.<\/p>\n “Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him. Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him” (<\/em> 1Sa 18:13-15 ).<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n A new idea appears to have occurred to Saul, and one which would seem to be inspired by magnanimity. Saul now takes the course up, according to David military promotion. The object was to get David out of the way by sending him to some distant part of the kingdom on any pretence that might arise. The method is a common one today. No matter what honour is given to an enemy if the honour only take him away from sight, and break up his immediate local influence. Men should look into the motives of their honours, for possibly in that motive they may discover reason for humility rather than boasting. A humiliating sight it is to observe a man making an investment of his magnanimity and earning credit for being generous, when in his heart he is inexpressibly mean. As with honours so with gifts, for not seldom are they also oblations to self rather than tributes to the receiver. Study the object of Saul, and then see how his acts fell into relation to it: if we miss the object we cannot but misunderstand the policy; Saul’s object was to get rid of David by any means; attempted murder having failed, flattery and promotion were dragged into service. To what extremes are men driven by corrupt motives! The first effort of malice leads in a murderous direction; that is the natural and proper course for malice to take if consistent with itself; but even malice can suspend its fury to play the tricks of generosity. Can a man be really malicious when he offers his supposed enemy a captaincy in his army? This would seem to be impossible, yet it is the plainest prose of every-day life. People who do not search into reason and motive would instantly be led away by the kingly nobleness of conferring honour upon David. Knowing this to be the case it should be our solemn business to interrogate ourselves as to the motives by which our conduct is actuated. Is there a single action in life which will bear analysis as to its moral elements in the sight of God? At this period of the world’s history it is more and worse than ignorance to pretend that an action has to be judged by its social aspects. Life is profoundly metaphysical. To shrink from inquiring into motive is to trifle with life; yet, to inquire truly into motive is often to shatter the fairest appearances. “How should man be just with God?” “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?” These inquiries may seem to enshroud life in distressing melancholy, yet they are not the less the inquiries which will bring life into a tone of reality and establish it in a position of complete responsibility.<\/p>\n David continued in his undisturbed course of wise consideration and noble prudence. There was no stoop of servility in his attitude towards the king, yet there was neither aspect nor tone of defiance. David simply took the task that was assigned to him, and wrought out its detail with wisdom and care. This is the way to treat every enemy. Instead of directly attacking hostility and so creating partisanship on its behalf, it is infinitely wiser to go about the daily task with simple faith and obvious wisdom, as if content to serve in the lowliest or highest capacity. Patience by long continuance constitutes itself into a solid argument. David shows us how possible it is for a man to be justified by his deeds rather than to be vindicated by the eloquence of mere words. No hint is given that David ever replied to Saul, charging him with injustice or any form of evil-mindedness. The silence of David is not the least remarkable characteristic of this whole incident. What defence can really be made in words? It is possible to all men, men of the slowest speech and least aptitude in controversy, to answer malignant criticism by a useful life. Nor did David commit himself with any of the courtiers around him. He saw much, but said nothing. He observed men with quiet penetration, and bore himself in relation to them with frankness and dignity. Even our enemies must sooner or later discover our wisdom and earnestness. They who are most keenly alive to the necessity of finding faults in our spirit and conduct must in the long run take knowledge of the general wisdom and rectitude of a well intended life. Let no man suppose that because he is not placed in the romantic circumstances which surrounded David, that therefore he is unobserved and unpursued by criticism or ill-will. The criticism comes up in various ways, and is applied according to the capacity and conditions of the individual life, and the one thing to be remembered is that the profound and unanswerable reply to criticism is a simple, true, faithful, and beneficent course of action. In the long run, this is always crowned with honour. When the enemy has nothing to quote but deeds, and when those deeds are all of a useful kind, the quotation must finally tell in favour of the man who in silence has erected a fabric of useful service.<\/p>\n The religious explanation given in the case of David is marked by beautiful naturalness. Wherever there is true wisdom there is always the presence of the Lord to account for it. “The Lord was with him,” is not an expression limited to any one set of circumstances or one class of favoured men. The Lord will be with the least of us, and direct the way of the humblest of his creatures. Take nothing with your own hands as if by your own strength and skill you could accomplish your purpose: in all thy ways acknowledge God and he will direct thy path. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Observe that Saul’s eye was still upon David, and that when he saw that David behaved himself wisely he was afraid of him. Could Saul have seen one mistake! Had David but committed himself in one rash utterance! We know what consequences would have followed from the least error on David’s part; the sword would have fallen upon him in a moment, and no cry of his could have touched the heart of Saul’s revenge. But David gave Saul no such opportunity. Mark here, the dignity and the utility of self-control. It is hard, no doubt, to live under the eye of malignant criticism, but there is no help for it in this world. The Christian life is lived under daily criticism, and when the enemy can discover any lapse or flaw in Christian conduct, how triumphant is the cry of malevolence! Hard, no doubt, awfully hard, and harder for some men than for others, and indeed utterly impossible but for the daily ministry of grace. Yet what is all this but an aspect of necessary discipline? We follow One who was subjected to the same cruel observation, yet who was without sin. That gracious and mighty Christ will be our defence in the day of danger, and help us to pass through every criticism without the smell of fire being found upon us. “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” “Still all my cry shall be, Nearer, my God, to thee.” Let all young men in critical circumstances, all older men in higher positions, all men clothed with supreme responsibilities take heed that the eye of society see nothing in them by the grace of God, but wisdom of purpose and action. But are we always to be considering that the eye of society is upon us, and is life to be a daily reply to social criticism? Certainly not, in any sense that involves selfish calculation. The great thing to be remembered is, “Thou God seest me,” and under that solemn conviction all the rest will follow in constant and happy sequence.<\/p>\n Saul being foiled in this direction betook himself to another course of conduct towards David. Saul proposed to further honour the young courtier by making him his son-in-law. In a tone of feigned cheerfulness the king said, “Only be valiant for me, and fight the Lord’s battles.” How the divine name has been dragged into unworthy and unholy uses! What is this but the most corrupt of all hypocrisy? For Saul said, “Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.” So far, therefore, David’s good conduct has gone for almost nothing in the way of appeasing the king’s ill-feeling. We are told that if men will be wise and good and useful they are sure to be popular in society. It would not be difficult to establish the contrary proposition upon a strong historical basis. When the worst human passions are aroused holy character and lofty purpose go for nothing. Let the life of Jesus Christ be the one complete answer to the discouraging suggestion that if we ourselves were good, society would adopt a just policy towards us. See in Saul the true quality of malice: there is nothing too mean for it to do; there is no course too tortuous for it to adopt; lies, hypocrisy, cruelty, these are the weapons with which it will fight its way to its destiny.<\/p>\n How Saul uncrowns himself in the twenty-second verse!<\/p>\n “And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now, therefore, be the king’s son-in-law.” (<\/em> 1Sa 18:22 )<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n The course of fear still continued, Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually; but David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was much set by. An awful education truly, and only some great end could justify a process so bitter and exasperating. Judged at intermediate points the course of Providence towards David might well be pronounced severe and almost cruel, but not until we come to the end may we permit ourselves to form a compact and final judgment upon the divine action. No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous, nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby. It is to the “afterward” we must look. Great surprises of delight are in store for those who lovingly resign themselves to the divine will, and patiently persevere in the course which is divinely appointed. Hope on, hope ever. The seedtime may be rough and bleak, but the harvest will make the heart glad with unutterable joy. Paul was able to say that he gloried in tribulation, and that he was exceedingly glad in all his sorrow. Jesus Christ himself endured the cross, despising the shame, as he looked onward to the joy that was set before him. Let us learn from history the solemn and inspiring lesson that God will never leave nor forsake those who diligently serve in his cause and whose one motive is to know his holy will and do it all. This is the confidence of the good man, and in it he must spend his days, not working for a measurable reward, but for the joy of serving him whose law is life and whose life is immortal blessedness.<\/p>\n Prayer<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n The tabernacle of God is with men upon the earth. It makes our houses homes; it consecrates all space; it is the gate of heaven. We long for the opening of the gates of thy house that we might come in with many hymns and loud psalms and cheerful praises. We have said we would make the whole day resound with psalms of adoration and anthems of triumph. The day is too short for our music. Behold, our hearts are alive with thankfulness, and our spirits lift themselves up as upon the wings of eagles. Thou hast given a plentiful rain to thine inheritance. Thou hast crowned princes in thy church, and thou hast gathered up the little ones in thine arms and given them the honour of a shepherd’s embrace. There is not one without some token of thy care. In every house there is a lamp of thy lighting; in every life thy signature can be found. Thy mercy endureth for ever. He that built all things is God. Thou art building our temple-life a wondrous structure! Thou didst lay the foundation; every stone is of thine own laying; the topstone shall be brought on with shouting of “Grace, grace unto it;” and when the whole is finished, thy glory will rise upon it and within it, and it shall be God’s own sweet home. We bless thee for every life which shows us that the hills do not girdle us in, but beyond the hills are all the summer gardens and largest spaces and liberties celestial. Sometimes we hear, as it were, a voice of singing and banqueting and great joy one glad thunder of gratitude and delight and consecration. It is the angel bands that sing, the heaven-garnered souls that vent their energy in praise; and we, too, are moving onward, upward, heavenward, to blend our contribution with theirs, to swell the thunder of the fame of him who once despised the shame and submitted to the death of the cross. We thank thee for this religious joy, this Sabbath in the soul, this summer in the life. It makes us glad, it makes us free. This is the Lord’s miracle, this is the triumph of the cross. Bind us all to that sacred Tree with closer bonds. May we feel its nearness, answer its pathos, be subdued by its mystery, and be inspired by its sacrifice. Amen.<\/p>\n 1Sa 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.<\/p>\n Ver. 12. And Saul was afraid of David.<\/strong> ] His heart ached and quaked within him, when he saw how God preserved and prospered David, whom he attempted to destroy, but could not effect it; himself forsaken of God, was as a man wildered in a dark night.<\/p>\n afraid. Hebrew Greek’ apprehensive. Compare 1Sa 18:15. <\/p>\n the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4. <\/p>\n and was departed. Ch. 1Sa 16:14-23 comes in here, chronologically. It is placed after 1Sa 16:1-13 by Figure of speech Hysterologia (App-6) in order to lay bare to us the secret workings underneath the history. See notes on 1Sa 16:14; 1Sa 17:1. <\/p>\n afraid: 1Sa 18:15, 1Sa 18:20, 1Sa 18:29, 1Sa 16:4, Psa 48:3-6, Psa 53:5, Mar 6:20, Luk 8:37, Act 24:25 <\/p>\n the Lord: 1Sa 16:13, 1Sa 16:18, 1Sa 22:13, Act 7:9 <\/p>\n departed: 1Sa 16:14, 1Sa 28:15, Psa 51:11, Hos 9:12, Mat 25:41 <\/p>\n Reciprocal: Deu 28:10 – and they shall Jdg 16:20 – the Lord Act 5:17 – indignation<\/p>\n 1Sa 18:12-13. Saul was afraid of David Lest, as he had gained the favour of God, and of all the people, he should also take away his kingdom. Saul removed him from him From his presence and court; which he did because he feared lest David should find an opportunity to kill him, as he had designed to kill David; because his presence now made him more sad than ever his music had made him cheerful; and principally, that hereby he might expose him to the greatest hazards. And made him his captain over a thousand Instead of captain of his guard, which required his attendance at court, he gave him a command abroad; but where, or at what distance, we are not informed. This he did, hoping he might be killed in some expedition, or that an opportunity might occur for taking away his life privately. And he went out and came in, &c. As the leader of those thousand men.<\/p>\n And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. 12 16. David’s advancement 12. In the Sept. (B) this verse follows immediately after the clause of 1Sa 18:8, “to me they have ascribed but thousands,” and reads simply, “and Saul was afraid of David.” Fuente: The Cambridge … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 18:12”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7700","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7700"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7700\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The People’s Bible by Joseph Parker<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"