678. 1SA 18:2-16. DAVID’S POPULARITY AND PERIL
1Sa_18:2-16. David’s Popularity and Peril
"And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house," &c.’971Sa_18:2-16.
David, after his victory over Goliath, was introduced to Saul, the king; and high and distinguished honors were heaped upon him.
The flock upon the mountains, and the shepherd’s crook, must now be abandoned; and a long and illustrious public course is before him. But, just in proportion to his public honors, will be his enemies and his perils.
The extended passage we have read, will give us ample evidence of both.
Observe, then,
I. The happy and prosperous scenes which opened upon David.
Now among these, is to be noticed,
1. The patronage of Saul.
Saul took him from the sheepfold to the palace. Did not allow him to remain in obscurity any longer.
Now this was one of the essential steps to the future elevation of David. He found favor in the eyes of Saul, the king; 1Sa_18:2.
Then observe,
2. The friendship and affection of Jonathan.
1Sa_18:1.
Now, this friendship is one of the most beautiful instances on record. It was most intense’97constant’97faithful’97devoted’97lasted till his death. Never cooled, nor relaxed; yet he might have looked on David with coldness, and even suspicion. But generous love filled his whole soul; 1Sa_18:3 and 1Sa_18:4. Then observe,
3. The popular acclamations of the people. Sec ver. 5, middle clause.
The people were delighted with him. He was the subject of their plaudits; and the air resounded with the songs of which he was the hero: 1Sa_18:6, 1Sa_18:7.
Now such were David’s early prosperous scenes. To many they would have been ruinous, would have produced arrogance or ostentation; but not so in the case of David. But now we must look for a reverse of fortune. He has been lifted up to the top of the mount of earthly popularity. He is basking in the sunshine of prosperity; but behold, the heavens lower’97the clouds gather’97a storm is at hand!
Notice, then,
II. The perils to which he was exposed.
And here notice, singularly enough, that his perils began,
1. With his patron, the king. 1Sa_18:8.
Not with some rival courtier. Not one of the king’s family’97but with the king himself. He was wroth, at the laudings of the people. David had been exalted higher than himself, and he could not bear it.
Notice,
2. The tide of David’s prosperity, were the elements of his danger.
The song that wafted David’s renown, contained the very blighting poison, which was to be the sorrow and danger of his spirit, for years to come. How we should watch even the gale of prosperity, and the beams of popular favor. Even these may be the occasion of our greatest distresses.
3. The great element of David’s peril, was the envy of Saul.
1Sa_18:9.
How expressive is that verse. He fixed an evil eye on David. He could not look on. him with pleasure. His heart malignant to overflowing, gave his eye the expression of hate and envy. Who can number the evils which have arisen from jealousy and envy? They have been the main ingredients of our world’s disasters and crimes’97they are the seeds of wrath and bloodshed,’97the leading elements in the character of Satan, and fallen spirits of perdition.
Observe,
4. The manifestation of the peril itself. 1Sa_18:10.
God’s good spirit had forsaken Saul. God had given him up to the evil spirit of his own depraved nature. See chap. 1Sa_16:14. Under this spirit he affected to prophesy, or to sing holy strains as aforetime. David was to aid him with his harp. While doing so, the deadly weapon was thrown at him; 1Sa_16:11.
Here then, the life of David was exposed to the greatest danger; but God, in his preserving providence, delivered him.
Notice,
III. The spirit which David displayed under the circumstances narrated.
And here there is much to delight us throughout.
1. He was not over-elated by the prosperity he had enjoyed.
1Sa_16:5.
Amidst the breezes of popular favor, he acted, "wisely," that is, prudently, discreetly. Popularity is a dangerous atmosphere to breathe. It often intoxicates. Makes men vain, &c.
But David had good sense, and grace enough to ballast his spirit; and with modest wisdom, he bore the honors which were thrust upon him.
2. He was preserved from an evil spirit, in his perils.
See how he acts now the scene is reversed. Does he resent the evil? Does he return evil for evil? Does he reflect the evil spirit of Saul in any degree? No: he still behaved himself "wisely;" 1Sa_16:14. He did so in every step he took,’97in all his ways. And the secret of this prudence is at once revealed’97"The Lord was with him:" The Spirit of God was in him, and influenced him; and regulated his heart and steps;’97and thus, both in prosperity and adversity, his soul was preserved.
Learn,’97
1. How mutable are all earthly things. This is a world of change’97nothing abiding, &c. Learn,
2. Not to make earthly things your chief good.
In the day of prosperity you may rejoice; but let it be with trembling. Rejoice as though you rejoiced not, &c.
6. To trust in the Lord, in the days of evil.
How inadequate we are for our defence’97God alone can shield us, &c. "Who can harm you?" &c.
4. To seek aid from God’s gracious Spirit, at all times.
We cannot serve God, and preserve our souls, without divine help. It is only by the Spirit of God within us, that we can walk uprightly, and glorify God. God’s Spirit must guide, influence, and sustain us.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS