an. 2 Gen. xxi. a Phil. rev. 1. Rom. xii. 19. Rev. xi. xii. a Chap. xxi. 5. a Phil. vii. 16. &ix. xii. Prov. v. xx. a Chap. xxi. an. 1 Sam. iv. 8. a Phil. rev. 1. &xiv. 1. Mat. vii. 5. Before Christ 1938. Wisdom's precedents from the wicked; as a man's heart is, so are his actions: had he harboured any ill design, it must then have undoubtedly appeared; therefore Saul might be assured of his innocence and loyalty. Note, (1.) As the saying is, conveys many a good admonition; the words of the wife deserve to be long schembred, and often quoted. (2.) The only safe conclusion of a man's temper is certainly from his ways. An evil tree beareth not good fruit. 4. He expolulates with him not only how unbecoming a good man it was to pursue the innocent, but how unbecoming a great king to persecute one to much his inferior, a Shepherd, an eagle, leaping as a sea from hill to hill for safety; and as worthless and unable to make resistance as a dead dog. Note, Yielding pacifies wrath: to humble ourselves before others, is the best way to keep them from trampling upon us, if they have any nobleness of spirit remaining. Lastly, he tells his cause in the hands of the great judge and avenger, and trusts he will plead for him now, and stand by him, if the king shall refuse to be convinced by such undeniable evidence of his innocence. Note, It is the comfort of the oppressed that they have a tribunal to appeal to, where justice shall be done them. The last day at least will be our vindication from every malignant accusation. 16. ¶ And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? and Saul lift up his voice and wept. 17. And he said to David, 'Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. 18. And thou hast shewed this day, how that thou hast dealt well with me: forethmuch as when the LORD had v delivered me into thine hand, thou killedeth me not. 19. For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good, for that thou hast done unto me this day. 20. And now behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. 21. Sweat now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house. 22. And David (wace unto Saul) and Saul went home: but David and his men get them up unto the hold. Such a conduct, and to pathetic an expolulation, quite disarmed Saul's malice; for what thou hast could but relent before such evidence? 1. He bursts into tears, of no feigned remords, overcome with the kindness of his persecuted and innocent son. Note, Many a sinner is brought to his tears, and hasty resolutions against his son, whose heart is unchanged, and who will notwithstanding were in eternal darkness. 2. He acknowledges David's uprightness, admires his uncommon behaviour to him, so unlike what he in such circumstances would have done, and prays that God would reward him for such unparalleled generosity. Note, (1.) There may be a real confession of sin, when there is no true repentance for it. (2.) Nothing so confounds a casual world, as the greatness of a christian's soul, in his love towards his enemies. (3.) The least we can do for those who are kind to us, is to pray for them. 3. He professes his conviction of the kingdom's descending to him. David's behaviour confirms the well-known anointing of Samuel: perhaps too, Samuel's skirt, which was rent in Saul's hand, might now be remembered by him, when his own skirt was cut off, and the threatening then pronounced be brought to his mind. Note, God's word will be fulfilled in its season, and even his enemies shall be forced to own him fastfall. 4. So convinced is Saul now, that opposition is vain; that he requires of David an oath, not to extirpate his family when he came to the throne; which David solemnly makes, and religiously observed, maintaining Mephibotheth, and revenging the murder of Etheotheth. The sons of Rispah, Sain at the request of the Gibeonites, seem to have been illegitimate; and as it was done by divine appointment, that exculpates David. 5. The solemn oath being given, they part in peace; Saul to his house, till his wonted enmity revived again, and David to his strong hold, little caring to trust his father on to precarious a foundation as Saul's momentary relenting. Note, (1.) It is prudent to guard against a known enemy. (2.) Fits of partial repentance never last long. We have here, 1. David refusing the city of Keilah out of the hands of the Philistines, ver. 1—6. 2. His danger from Saul's design is forgering him, and the people's treachery, which by Divine direction he escapes, ver. 7—13. 3. Jonathan's visit to him in a wond, ver. 14—18. 4. The information which the Zephites brought Saul of David's bounty, and Saul's purest after him, ver. 19—25. 5. David's narrow escape out of his hands, ver. 26—29. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all. 1. THEN they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing-doors. 2. Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and invite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and invite the Philistines, and save Keilah. 3. And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how which more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4. Then David enquired of the LORD ' yet again: and the LORD answered him, and said, Arise, go down to Keilah: for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 5. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and drove them with a great slaughter: so David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 6. And it came to pass ' when Abiathar, the son of Abiathar, fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with ' an ephod in his hand. Though David is driven from the country as a traitor, we find him discharging the part of a bold and loyal subject against his country's enemies. 1. Keilah, a city on the border of the Philistines being besieged, ridings are brought him of it, and he resolves, with God's permission, to attempt its relief. Dangerous as his situation was, he nobly prefers the public safety to his own. But felt he would enquire of the Lord, which he did, either by the prophet Gad, or by Abiathar, who about this time joined him, when he was near Keilah, say some, or after he had raised the siege as others. The answer was agreeable to his wishes, and God promises him victory. Note, (1.) We must not resist the injuries we have received, so as to withdraw our help, when the distress of our country calls for it. (2.) We shall speed well, when we take God's counsel and blessing along with us. 2. His men seem in no wise inclined to the expedition; they object they were scarcely secure where they were, and how much greater would be their danger if they expected themselves, where they had as much to fear from the sword of Saul, as the army of the Philistines. Note, The discouragement we meet with from our friends, is often more disheartening than the avowed opposition of our enemies. 3. Once more David enquires of God for the satisfaction of his little hand; and having received an express command to go, and promise of success, they are content to follow him, and accordingly they fall upon their enemy, give them a total overthrow, and not only relieve Keilah, but make an incursion into the country of the Philistines, and return laden with God. Note, They who go out under a Divine call, will return triumphant over all their enemies. We have here, 1. The malice of Saul in feeling David's life, and David's generosity in fearing his, when in his power, ver. 1—8. 2. How pathically he resigned with Saul upon this, ver. 9—15. 3. The good impression that made upon Saul for the present, ver. 16—22. 1. AND it came to pass when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold David is in the wilderness of En-gedi. 2. Then Saul took three thousand chodes men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. 3. And he came to the sheep-cotes by the way, where out a cave, and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. 4. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayst do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. 5. And it came to pass afterwards, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. 6. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my matter the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. 7. So David they had his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul: but Saul arose up out of the cave, and went on his way. No sooner hath Saul checked the Philistines, than he becomes more solicitous to defray David, than improve his victory over the nation's enemies: he therefore returns to the purities, and as it would be inconvenient to take all his army in so rocky and mountainous a country; with three thousand picked men, he climbs the precipices of En-gedi. And here we have, 1. The danger into which Saul is brought. In the heat of the day, fatigued probably, with the toil of mounting these craggy sheep, he retires into a cave to sever his feet, wrapping himself up in his garments, for a little repuls. In this cave lay David and his men concealed; perhaps a party of them only: or if they were all there, it need not appear through, as caves by nature or art have been not uncommon, where a much greater number might be hid; and as it was all dark within, Saul discovered nothing of them. Now, When we lie down on our beds, we know not what dangers compels us about; how ought we then ever to commend our fools to God, ere we cloth our eyes in sleep, that if we never wake again, it may be well with us! 2. The deliverance he obtains through David's generosity, and pious regard to God. His men urge him to take the advantage which Divine Providence had given him, and plead the promise God had made him: but David better understood these than his servants, and therefore there bore them the proposal with abhorrence. His loyalty to his king, and his duty to God, forbid the deed: nor would he suffer them to do Saul the least hurt, but only himself thereby, during his deep, cut off the skirt of his robe; and even for this his heart smote him, heft it might form putting an infirmity upon his sovereign. Now, (1.) A tender conscience will start, not only at evident crimes, but at the appearance of evil. (2.) We may not take all the advantages, even against our enemies, God's providence gives us, but rather seek to overcome them with patience and kindness. (3.) Nothing can ever excute or justify enforcing our hands in the blood of our sovereign, though he were never so tyrannical, unjust, or bloody a persecutor. (4.) When temptation comes in never so pleasing a form, we must turn from it, as from the face of a serpent. 8. David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David booped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. 9. And David said to Saul, Wherefore heareth thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt! 10. Behold, this day thine eyes have seen, how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave, and some had me kill thee, but mine eyes spared thee, and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord, for he is the LORD's anointed. 11. Moreover, my father, see, yea, for the skirt of thy robe in mine hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not; know thou and see, that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou honneth my soul to take it. 12. The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. 13. As faith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. 14. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom doeth thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. 15. The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of the hand. Saul, when his nap was over, unsuspicious of what had passed, arises and departs; David quickly follows him, and ere he was gone for, even after him with the most honourable title, My lord the king; and bows before him with the deepest respect. Surprised, no doubt, greatly at the voice, he turns; more surprised at the person, and most with the discourse which was addressed to him by his pious son and loyal subject. 1. He wisely and politely lays the blame of Saul's conduct on his courtiers rather than himself; and many such as Doeg, no doubt there were, that envied David's preferment. The courts of princes abound with sycophants: it is difficult to see with their own eyes; and the best friends of their country, represented through this medium, are often made to appear, and are treated, as her sworn enemies. 2. He produces the strongest evidence of his innocence, in that day's occurrence: for he from seeking Saul's life, when urged to say him when lying at his mercy, the skirt he held up proclaimed how tender he was of his life; he reverenced him as God's anointed, he respected him as his king; and he adds the endearing name of father, as a reason both of rejecting so wicked a proposal, and to awaken the tenderness of a father's bowels towards a son so dutiful, and a servant so faithful. Now, No provocation can vindicate requisite. 3. He solemnly prowess it never was his intention, and never would be his desire to avenge himself: he referred the matter wholly to God, and observes, according to an ancient proverb, Wick Benedict 1915. a Phil. cl. 5. Prov. rev. all. &exile 5. a Prov. rev. 1. a Phil. rev. 1. Prov. 1. 11. John vs. 15. 1 Var. 2. Though Saul gives him a breathing time, David's troubles continue. 1. In Samuel's death, ver. 1. 2. In Nabal's churlishness, ver. 2. 3. 3. David's request to him, ver. 4—9. 4. His churlish 1. AND Samuel died, and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and burned him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. The best of men are dying worms. Samuel departs in peace: he had lived highly respected, and does universally lamented. His last days he had spent far from a bully world, in the plodging employment of presiding in the school of the prophets at Naloth, where he was at leisure to look forward to that rest, to which he was going, and wait his joyful distinction. He was buried in Ramah, in his own house of garden, and all Israel mourned his loss; a loss the more sensibly felt in the present disturbed condition of their country, under Saul's outrageous government. David hereupon returns to Paran, that he might be more out of the way of Saul. Note, (1.) In age it becomes so particularly to look forward, and as we grow ninety our journey's end, to prepare for our great change. (2.) The death of a great and faithful minister will draw forth tears of real grief from all who know the invaluable blessing they have left, and who sensibly feel the want of his admonition, preaching, and prayers. 2. And there was a man in Mann, whose possessions were in Carmel, and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was fleeting his sheep in Carmel. 3. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife. A bigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish, and evil in his doings, and he rose of the house of Caleb. 4. ¶ And David heard in the wilderness, that Nabal did shear his sheep. 5. And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, for you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and a great man in my name: 6. And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. 7. And now I have heard that thou hast hearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, 'we hurt them not,' neither was there ought missing unto them all the whole they were in Carmel. 8. Atk thy young men, and they will shew thee: wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: (for we come in a good day, give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. 9. And when David's young men came, they speak to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased. 10. ¶ And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, 'Who is David? and who is the son of Judah? There be many servants now adays,' that break away every man from his matter. 11. Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men whom I know not whence they be? We have here, 1. An account of Nabal, his family, and circumstance. His name signifies a fool, and his conduct too much verified in propriety: he was sprung from a noble flock, the distinguished Caleb; but like many an gather, became the reproach of his ancestors. A man indeed of vast wealth, which made him great in the eyes of men, but of a mean and little spirit; and, in mean spirits usually are, insolent, churlish, and overbearing. His wife was of a character the reverse of his; her name Abigail, her father's joy, a woman of excellent understanding, generous in her temper, and as much adorated with the accomplishments of her person, as the beauties of her mind. Also, (1.) The greatest gifts of this world, are often possessed by those who have neither wisdom nor grace to improve them. (2.) Many a wife, like Abigail, for the great estate, is doomed, by inhuman parents, to bear the yoke of such a Nabal. But how little happiness can be expected from such an union? 2. David being in distress, makes application to Nabal for relief. Hearing when he kept his shearing feuds, he tends a very humble and respectful message to him, wishing him all peace and prosperity, begs the favour of him to give him ought that came to hand, if of the superfluities of the baronet, and intimates the care he and his men had taken of Nabal's servants in the wilderness, where not only no violence was offered them, but as the Shepherds acknowledged, they were a protection and guard to them from danger day and night. Note, (1.) It becomes the poor to use entreaties. It is better to beg than steal. (2.) Whall we shall, we should remember those who family, and break our bread to the hungry. (3.) One good turn deserves another: though we cannot claim it as our right, yet we may expect it as the debt of gratitude. 3. Nabal's answer is as rude and unmannerly, as David's message was respectful and submissive. Not content with a fully refusal, he adds infolent abide; as many a covetous man, like him, still drives the poor beggar from his door, and by calling him veyant, forks to excuse himself from relieving him. He speaks with disdain of the son of Jelle, whose praise the daughters of the land had so loudly proclaimed, as a poor inconsiderable fellow, whom nobody of credit knew; treats him and his companions as rungავდა and vagabonds, and refutes them a draught of water, or a morbid of bread: they were his own, and he should not spare a crumb. Note, (1.) A foul tongue is always a sign of a wicked heart. (2.) The best of men have been treated with the most scurrilous invectives, and diliberal reproach: let us not count it strange, if we meet with the favor. (3.) It is greatly to be feared, that they who appear to very tenacious of their own, have used the same hand hand in getting as loving. 12. So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. 13. And David said unto his men, 'Girl you on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword, and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men, and two hundred abode by the stuff. 14. But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent mefengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he 'railed on them. 15. But the men were very good unto us, and 'we were not hurt, neither misled we any thing as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields. 16. They were 'a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them, keeping the sheep. 17. Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do: for evil is determined against our matter, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. 9. 12—17. David's servants saw it in vain to expellulate, and were too well taught to return railing for railing, but returned, and let David know the ill usage and affront put upon him; whereupon, 1. David in great wrath girds on his sword, assembles his troops, and swears rashly, and too passionately, &c. 21, 22, to leave no man of Nabal's family alive by morning light. They march four hundred strong immediately, and now death and ruin hang over Nabal's head. Note, (1.) When we meet with unkindness from those, of whom we had reason to expect other treatment, it is apt to exasperate us more, than the greatest injures we receive from others. (2.) Violent passions are deadly dangerous, and deeply sinful. (3.) The best of men, when taken off their guard, have given sad proofs of the power of remaining corruption in them. Let it teach us to watch and pray, that we fall not into temptation. 2. One of Nabal's servants, justly apprehensive of the consequences, steps aside to acquaint his malleys; informs her of the message sent by David, and the railings of his master; the obligations they were under to David and his men, and the care they took of them in the wilderness; and begs her to consider what to do; for from something which might have dropped from the messengers as they retired, or the greatness of the provocation, he concludes David would revenge such infolent abide; and he applied to her, for the knew, as well as himself, Nabal's temper, that to speak to him would be useless, and but provoke him more. Note, He is a bad master indeed, of whom his servants give such a character. 18. Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raifters, and two hundred calves of figs, and laid them on ashes. 19. And she said unto her servants, 'Go on before me, behold, I come after you: but she said not her husband Nabal. 20. And it was so, as she rode on the sea, that she came down by the covers of the hill, and behold, David and his men came down against her, and she met them. 21. (Now David had said, 'Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was misled of all. Vol. I. that pertained unto him: and 'he hath requited me evil for good. 22. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him, by the morning light,' any that pisseth against the wall. 23. And when Abigail saw David, she hastened, and 'lighted off the sea, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground. 24. And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be, and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. 25. Let not my lord, I pray thee, I regard this man of Belial, now Nabal: for as his name is, to is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou diddish send. 26. Now therefore, my lord, 'at the LORD liveth, and at thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholdem thee from coming to shed blood, and from 'avenging thyself with thine own hand: now let thine enemies, and they that look evil to my lord,' be at Nabal. 27. And now this blissething which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that 'follow my lord. 28. I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house: because my lord 'fighteth the hantle of the LORD, and 'evil hath not been found in thee all thy days. 29. Yet a man is risen to purdue thee, and to seek thy soul: but 'the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall 'be rising out, as out of the middle of a rising. 30. And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; 31. That this shall be no I grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. 6. 18—31. Abigail no sooner hears the story, than she hashes, unknown to her husband, to prevent the danger she foresaw. 1. She took a good supply of provisions, much more than David had desired, and sent them before, to pave the way for her apology; for a gift pacifieth anger. 2. She followed herself, and by a behaviour so admirably submissive, and a speech so exquisitely ordered to disarm his resentment, flays him on his march, and rescuits her family. No sooner does he appear, than she alights, hears to the dust before him, addresses him with the greatest respect and reverence, calls him My Lord, and begs permission to speak in his audience. She desires to take the fault of her husband's ill conduct on herself; excuses him, by saying it to the weakness of his understanding, rather than the wickedness of his heart; expresses her concern that she saw not the messengers, who would then have met with a better reception; imputes it to God's mercy, that he had been withheld from shedding blood, and avenging himself, which she expresses her confidence himself would rejoice in; wishes all his enemies as unable to hurt him, as her weak and foolish husband; begs his servants acceptance of her pretext, as if she esteemed it not worthy his own; honourably mentions his gallant conduct under the Lord's guidance, and his innocence under the persecutions he had suffered; expresses her confidence, that his life would be ever precious to God, his malicious enemy disappointed and destroyed, and his kingdom confirmed and established according to the divine promise: begs him to forgive the trouble she had given him; is confident he will never hereafter repent his lenity in granting her request; and concludes with a humble desire of his remembrance, when he comes to sit on the throne of Israel. Such rhetoric, and such a speaker, could not fail of success. Note, (1.) A wife who regards her husband, would gladly remove any blame from him, by transferring it to herself. (2.) Every faithful soul is bound up in the bundle of life with the Lord; and therefore, even in death, he cannot die; but because his Lord lives, he liveth also. (3.) What we do in a passion, will afterwards be a grief to us. When we recollect, and stay our anger, we consult our own peace. (4.) It is always a greater satisfaction to forgive an offence, than to revenge it. 32. And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: 33. And 'blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. 34. For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hastest and come to meet me, surely, there had not been left unto Nabal, by the morning light, any that pilsteth against the wall. 35. So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person. David's anger quickly subsides before to powerful an apology. He blesses God for finding her to they him from the vengeance he meditated, and thanks her heartily for her kind interposition; sensible that he was on the break of a grievous sin, and should, unless restrained, have accomplished his rash and bloody vow. He receives her present, dismisses her in peace, and professes his gracious acceptance of her coming, and her apology. Note, (1.) Those deserve our warmest thanks, who keep us from sin. (2.) That sin on rebellious blocks on which in the heat of passion was overlooked. (3.) The nearer we are to sin, and the more heinous the crime; the greater is the mercy of God in rescuing us from it. (4.) A rash and sinful oath is better broken than kept. (5.) They who come trembling to the offended, find often greater favour from them than they could expect. The literal translation of the Hebrew phrase for every male, v. 33, hath here a very peculiar invigorate and indulgent; and it were well, if in other places, as well as here, this phrase were more agreeably expressed. 36. ¶ And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he held a fealt in his house, 'like the fealt of a king, and Nabal's heart was more within him, for he was' very drunken: 'wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. 37. But it came to pals in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart 'died within him, and he became as a stone. 38. And it came to pals about ten days after, that the LORD since Nabal, that he died. 39. ¶ And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, 'Bleifed be the LORD that hath pleaded the castle of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for 'the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, 'to take her to him to wife. 40. And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. 41. And the arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, 'let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. 42. And Abigail hastest, and arose, and rode upon an ass, and five damsels of hers that went 'after her: and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife. 43. David also took Ahinoam of Jezebel, and 'they were also both of them his wives. 44. ¶ But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laifh, which was of Gallim. 1. Abigail at her return finds Nabal carousing with his men, and dead drunk; therefore she prudently says nothing; for to speak to a drunken man, is to call death before swine. But in the morning, when he had slept out the fumes of wine, she let him know the danger his churlish behaviour had brought upon him. Note, (1.) Many a foolish sinner, like Nabal, is lost in feasting and jollity, insensible to the wrath of God which hangs over his head. (2.) A drunken man makes himself not only a fool, but a beall, incapable either of profiting by advice or correction. 2. The effect of the news on Nabal. His heart sunk like a stone, terrified at the thoughts of the danger he had escaped, and dying with the fright. The shock forced his spirits, he dropped about ten days, when God smote him with his death-stroke, and unlamented he went to his grave. Note, The sinner's rivetism pray will soon be turned into the bottom of eternal death. 3. David on hearing it thanks God, not that Nabal was dead, but that he was kept from avenging himself on him, and that God had vindicated his justice upon such a sinner. Note, (1.) God will avenge his servants, and that speedily. (2.) It is matter of unspeakable thankfulness, to be kept from avenging ourselves. 4. David now remembering the excellencies of Abigail, offers to make her his wife. She receives the meditated with great humility, and acknowledges herself unworthy the honour; yet, glad to be in his family, though employed in the meanest offices in it, she lets out with her retinue, and David is happy in so valuable a woman, who to a chast behaved so kindly, and would much more to a man who knew how to value her worth. David had also another wife, according to the evil customs of those days, Ahinoam, a Jezebelists. His former wife, Michal, Saul had wickedly robbed him of, and married to Phalti the son of Laifh, which is given as the reason of his marriage again. Note, (1.) Every believer counts himself happy to take Chuff with his arose, knowing, that though now for a while he must suffer with him, yet shortly he shall reign with him. (2.) Poligamy, though countenanced by good men, is yet a bad thing, and contrary to our Savior's express precept, and the original indignation of marriage. David's troubles from Saul here begin again; his repentance failed not long. 1. The Ziphites inform him where David was, ver. 1. and thereupon he may be out in quest of him, ver. 2, 3. 2. David gains intelligence of his motions, ver. 4. and takes a view of his camp, ver. 5. 3. He and one of his men venture into it in the night, and find him and all his guards often, ver. 6, 7. 4. David shares his life, but carries off his spear and cruce of water, ver. 8—12. 5. He produces them to Saul, as a further witness that he did not design him any ill, and reasons with him upon it, ver. 13—20. 6. Saul hereby continued of his creed, once more gives over the persecution, ver. 21—25. 1. A ND the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jefsimon? 2. Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3. And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jefsimon by the way: but David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. 4. David therefore sent out Spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed. 5. ¶ And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay 'in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. Good impressions are quickly worn out, where the heart is not truly turned to God. 1. Saul returns to the pursuit of David, still retaining the old rancour, and perhaps instigated by the Ziphites, who, from their former ill behaviour to David, might be apprehensive of suffering for it, should he ever come to the throne. Note, (1.) One sin usually involves the soul in another, so connected is the chain of evil. (2.) A little instigation will revive the old grudge, where the reconciliation is not fortere. 2. David gets information of Saul's motions, and, as before, trusts not to his sword, but to concealment, for his safety. So unwilling was he, under every provocation, to appear in arms against his sovereign. Being apprized by his spies where Saul had pitched his camp, he went out unobserved to reconnoive the situation. Note, A good general will, as often as possible, trust to no information, but make use of his own eyes to observe the enemy's sedition. 6. Then answered David, and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of 'Zeruiah, brother to a Cinnah, Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee. 7. 'So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. 8. Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smote him, I pray thee, with the spear, even to the earth at once, and I will not smote him the second time. 9. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's assented, and be guilty? 10. David said furthermore, as the LORD liveth, 'the LORD shall smote 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 assented: but I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruise of water, and let us go. 12. So David took the spear and the cruise of water from Saul's bolster, and they sat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither avaked: The word is marked: for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. David having observed the camp, resolves on a dangerous enterprise; though, it is to be presumed, he had some divine admonition for this step, which would otherwise appear safe and unwarrantable. 1. He goes down to Saul's camp in the night with Abishai, who offered to be his companion, Ahimelech declining the danger, or Abishai being most forward to go. A deep sleep from God had found the hell: Saul lay in the midst of the camp, which was compelled with an entrenchment; or in his chariot, as the word also signifies, with his spear ready at his boilers, and a cruce of water, and his army asleep around him, to the very centinels. So soon can God disarm the mighty, and leave them a prey to the feeble. 2. Abishai is eager to improve the advantage for remarkable a providence gave them, concludes that God designed Saul's destruction, and offers at a stroke to dispatch him. 3. David refuses the offer, and withholds his hands. He uses the same argument as before, the sacred office with which he was invited, and the allegiance therefore due to him. He doubted not but God would avenge his quarrel by some hidden judgment, or he would fall in battle, or die a natural death; and he is content to wait the Lord's leisure, rather preferring suffering in the flesh for a while, than by such a blow to bring guilt on his conscience. Note, They who know the evil of sin, think a crown too clearly purchased by the lead crucifixion. 4. Though he will not hurt him, he takes away the evidences of his power to have done so, his spear and cruce, and thus in safety they retire. Note, They are secure in the midst of danger, from whom God gives a charge to the angel of death to withhold his hand. 13. ¶ Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off, (a great space long between them:) 14. And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answered thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who are thou that cried to the king? 15. And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore thou hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord. 16. This thing is not good that thou hast done: at the LORD liveth, ye are g 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 cruce of water that was at his boilers. 17. And Saul knew David's voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, Is it 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, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant: 'If the LORD have thirsted thee up against me, let him g accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, 'curled as they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from j abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, 'Go serve other gods. 20. Now therefore let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. When David had got out of danger, on the opposite hill, from whence he could be heard, though not hurt, 1. He resides Abner from sleep with a loud call, and rallies him for his negligence, in not being more watchful over his sovereign's safety. Producing the spear and cruce, he declares him, and all the guards, by martial law observing death, for suffering the king to be thus exposed, leaving them to judge who was most the king's friend, they who slept and left him in danger, or he who watched over his safety, and restrained the arm of one of the people, which was ready to destroy him. Note, They whom we treat as our greatest enemies, sometimes prove themselves our best friends. 2. Saul knowing the voice, and observing the danger he had escaped, is again overcome with his son's generosity; and David takes occasion once more, with these evidences of innocence in his hands, to repudiate with him on the injustice of his perfectionism, and on the miseries which he suffered by it. He was a faithful servant, and it was Saul's last thus to force him from him. He was a true worshipper of God; but by his necessities driven for refuge among idolaters, was in great danger, without especial support from God, of apostatizing from his worship; he could appeal to Saul himself for incontestible proofs of his innocence. It was below the dignity of the king of Israel to hunt a poor fugitive, that, like a frightened partridge, fought on. Before Christ by his safety by flight, and was no more to be feared than the most contemptible animal, even a fine he begs therefore the king would desist from thirling after his blood, which, if shed, the Lord would avenge. If he had offended God in ought, and by him Saul was dived up to chaffle him, he would freak, by offering and sacrifice, reconciliation: or if an evil spirit moved him, let them join in prayer and sacrifice for its removal: but if wicked and malicious enemies were the instigators, he imprecates the just vengeance of God upon their guilty heads. Note, (1.) They are our woeful enemies, that expose us to the temptation of falling from God, by driving us from his worship and people. (2.) Innocent blood shall never be shed without a severe reckoning. (3.) Reconciliation with God deserves our first concern; that obtained, other troubles will abate. (4.) Though the curie canifels shall not fall, yet woe to those against whom God's people bring their just complaints. 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 mine 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 render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to-day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed. 24. And behold, as the 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, Bleffed 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. We have here, 1. Saul melted down under David's remonstrance. He sees now how precious his life was in David's fight, and therefore how sinful against God to persecute the innocent, as well as foolish to drive for faithful a servant from him. He owns the aggravation of his sin, that he hath erred exceedingly; invites him to return to court, and solemnly promises never more to attempt his harm. Note, Sin is the greatest folly, and will appear so at last. 2. David enforces the conviction of his innocence; desires the king to send for his spear and cruce; prays to God to deal with him according to his uprightness before him; assures Saul his hand would never be against him, as that day's experience would testify; the anointing of would be his second guard, and refers himself to God for the same protection, persecution, and deliverance, as that day he had fit on to Saul. Note, (1.) God is a righteous judge, and his dispensations all prove him to be so. (2.) They who shew mercy, may hope to find mercy. 3. Saul is quite overcome, bleffes his son, acknowledges, before his army, his righteous dealing, and predicts his greatness and prevalence over all his enemies. Note, God will at last make his enemies bow at the feet of his persecuted people, and know that he hath loved them. Rev. iii. 9. 4. Saul and David part to meet no more: Saul returns to Gibeah, David to his faithfulness, unwilling, to trust promises which had been so often broken. Note, It is folly to trust those who have once deceived us. David here, 1. Provides for the safety of himself and family in Gath, ver. 1—7. 2. Fights Israel's battles against the Canadians, ver. 8, 9. 3. Imposes upon Abish concerning his expeditions, ver. 10—12. 1. AND David said in his heart, 'I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines, and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. 2. And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him, unto Achish, the son of Maceh, king of Gath. 3. And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David, with his two wives, Abraham the亵acesthesis, and Abigail the Carmelites, Nabal's wife. 4. And it was told Saul, that David was fled to Gath: and he fought 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 Before Chall 1. 1—7. The number of dears 1. 1—8. The number of dears 1. 1—9. The number of dears 1. 1—10. The number of dears 1. 1—11. The number of dears 1. 1—12. The number of dears 1. 1—13. The number of dears 1. 1—14. The number of dears 1. 1—15. The number of dears 1. 1—16. The number of dears 1. 1—17. The number of dears 1. 1—18. The number of dears 1. 1—19. The number of dears 1. 1—20. The number of dears 1. 1—21. The number of dears 1. 1—22. The number of dears 1. 1—23. The number of dears 1. 1—24. The number of dears 1. 1—25. The number of dears 1. 1—26. The number of dears 1. 1—27. The number of dears 1. 1—28. The number of dears 1. 1—29. The number of dears 1. 1—30. The number of dears 1. 1—31. The number of dears 1. 1—32. The number of dears 1. 1—33. The number of dears 1. 1—34. The number of dears 1. 1—35. The number of dears 1. 1—36. The number of dears 1. 1—37. The number of dears 1. 1—38. The number of dears 1. 1—39. The number of dears 1. 1—40. The number of dears 1. 1—41. The number of dears 1. 1—42. The number of dears 1. 1—43. The number of dears 1. 1—44. The number of dears 1. 1—45. The number of dears 1. 1—46. The number of dears 1. 1—47. The number of dears 1. 1—48. The number of dears 1. 1—49. The number of dears 1. 1—50. The number of dears 1. 1—51. The number of dears 1. 1—52. The number of dears 1. 1—53. The number of dears 1. 1—54. The number of dears 1. 1—55. The number of dears 1. 1—56. The number of dears 1. 1—57. The number of dears 1. 1—58. The number of dears 1. 1—59. The number of dears 1. 1—60. The number of dears 1. 1—61. The number of dears 1. 1—62. The number of dears 1. 1—63. The number of dears 1. 1—64. The number of dears 1. 1—65. The number of dears 1. 1—66. The number of dears 1. 1—67. The number of dears 1. 1—68. The number of dears 1. 1—69. The number of dears 1. 1—70. The number of dears 1. 1—71. The number of dears 1. 1—72. The number of dears 1. 1—73. The number of dears 1. 1—74. The number of dears 1. 1—75. The number of dears 1. 1—76. The number of dears 1. 1—77. The number of dears 1. 1—78. The number of dears 1. 1—79. The number of dears 1. 1—80. The number of dears 1. 1—81. The number of dears 1. 1—82. The number of dears 1. 1—83. The number of dears 1. 1—84. The number of dears 1. 1—85. The number of dears 1. 1—86. The number of dears 1. 1—87. The number of dears 1. 1—88. The number of dears 1. 1—89. The number of dears 1. 1—90. The number of dears 1. 1—91. The number of dears 1. 1—92. The number of dears 1. 1—93. The number of dears 1. 1—94. The number of dears 1. 1—95. The number of dears 1. 1—96. The number of dears 1. 1—97. The number of dears 1. 1—98. The number of dears 1. 1—99. The number of dears 1. 1—100. Heb. The number of dears. Heb. Deir. I.e. a year of dears, or days ever been months. Though there was an apparent reconciliation now wrought between them, David knew too well Saul's temper, to hope it would be of long continuance. We have here, 1. His fearfulness and unbelief. God's promises, and his own past experience, cannot prevent melancholy apprehensions of his danger, and he is ready to despair, after all his deliverances, and fears he shall yet fall by the hand of Saul. Note, Many a poor trembling heart is exercised like David, and, from the sense of his numerous corruptions, is ready to give up all hope, and dishonour God's faithfulness. 2. His refolution hereupon, to fly into the land of the Philistines, hoping, that then Saul would desist from any further pursuit. A dangerous course; but in dangerous circumstances something must be hazarded. 3. He met with a kind reception from Achish. Probably David had first acquainted him with his distress, and obtained his protection; and he can sooner rely on the word of a Philistine, than the oath of Saul. His fee hundred men accompanied him with their houstholds, and dwelt at first with Achish at Gath; but finding many inconveniences there, he desires, and Achish consents to give him Ziklag for his abode. Being in the royal city exposed him to envy, and the courtiers of Achish probably disheard the friendship their king shewed him. Besides, here the public exercise of his religion was more offensive, and his men in greater danger of being corrupted. On every account therefore the motion was prudent, and the issue proved it so; for bither his friends could more easily resort to him, and by the present grant, the city became ever after annexed to the crown of Judah, as it had been in their lot before, though not occupied by that tribe. Here he abode, not a year and four months, but day, even four months, Saul being within that time Sain, and David succeeding to the throne. Note, (1.) It is our duty to withdraw from temptation. (2.) We shall never lose by what we give up for the sake of God and our souls. 4. Saul desisted now from any farther pursuit, which it seems he again intended, if he had not been gone out of his reach. Note, It is not for want of will, but power, that the evil of many a wicked man is kept within bounds. 8. ¶ And David and his men went up and invaded the Gethurites, and the Geerites, 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 away the sheep, and the oxen, and the afles, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish. 10. And Achish said, 'Whither have ye made a road to-day? And David said, 'Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites. 11. And David saved neither man or woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, left they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner, all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines. 12. And Achish believed David, saying, he hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever. Deut. vii. Afls. xxii. 6. Heb. Himself thinking to think to his, &c. Preparations are here making for that war, which will put on and to the life and reign of Saul, and to make way for David in the throne. 1. The Philistines are the aggressors, and which show king makes Daniel his confident, ver. 1, 2. 2. Saul appears as despair, ver. 3—6. 3. His application to a wish, to bring up Samuel, ver. 7—14. 3. His discharge took the apparition, ver. 15—19. 4. The damp is struck upon him, ver. 21—25. 1. AND it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel: and Achish said unto David, 'Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men. 2. And David said unto Achish, 'Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever. 3. Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Karnah, even in his own city: and 'Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. 4. ¶ And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. 5. And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, 'he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. 6. And when Saul 'enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. laying. Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul, 13. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what favors thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw goats defending out of the earth. 14. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up, and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he thopped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. Left to all feuds of God and goodness, Saul determines, from he is refused direction from heaven, to ask it from hell. Picture 3 import, hypers, deterrent mania. 1. He requires out a woman that hath a familiar Spirit, and being directed to one at Endor, he disguises himself, allumed to be known employed on such an errand, and, with two servants only, by night goes to establish her; flowing therein his own folly, as well as contempt of God, to have recourse to that which is lately he had condemned as abominable. Nate, (1.) Weeks of degrees have the light; but what darkness can hide from the piercing eye of God? (2.) Many who have cast off the fear of God, are yet ashamed to appear to had as they are before men. 2. Saul being arrived, acquaints her with his business; and when she expected her fear of Saul, from his former adult, unmoved with the cutting memorial, he daringly with an oath promises her impunity, and bids her proceed, and bring up Samuel from the dead. Nate, (1.) The fear of human have in on most minds a much stronger tie, than the apprehension of the wrath of God. (2.) They who swear, will lie. Saul's oath could little secure her from the punishment of her sin. (3.) The murderer of God, who when alive were neglected or despised, never death are many times fought for, and wished again to return; but they who hear them not now, can expect no message of peace from them hereafter. 3. Samuel, or his resemblance rather, appears. We hear nothing of her dreams or incantations: these depths of Satan are better concealed, lest wicked men in other times, as no doubt they would, should practise the same disobelical arts. There have been many disputes, whether Samuel really appeared, or whether it were a mere juggle of the woman, and Saul in his condition was unable to detect the cheat; or whether the devil performed the prophet. The more generally received opinion, that which stands most free from objection, and is most agreeable to the duty, is the left. It is incredible, that the devil should have any power over the fouls of the righteous; nor can we conceive God would, to countenance such an abomination, suffer the holy prophet to appear. The foul which was in heaven, could not come up out of the earth; nor the glorified Spirit be troubled, as this apparition complains: much less could Samuel say, Saul should be with him to-morrow, whose imposition and gives no hopes of his happiness. That it was not a mere juggle, the whole circumstances of the fiery form to shew, and must be supposed in the very notion of a person's having a familiar Spirit, and the consciousness of her being liable to death for such disobelical communion. But that Satan should be suffered to ask thus as a Spirit of delusion, as hurry Saul to his ruin, is very credible, and a most just judgment of God upon him. 4. The woman now discovers Saul, though disguised, informed, it should seem, by her familiar, and appears terrified. He bids her fear not, but proceed, and let him know what the law, which she describes as gods, or a Spirit, rising from the earth. When he requires his form and men, she tells him it was an old man, covered with a mantle, such as poisons and judges were. Concluding from the woman's description that it was really Samuel, (for he himself does not appear to have seen any thing, whether the incantations were in another room, or that he dared not look Samuel in the face,) he bowed to the earth, either as a token of reverence to the supposed prophet, or to hear the whisper which familiar Spirits are said to give out of the flesh. Nate, It is just in God to give those up to strong delusions, to believe a lie, who have no pleasure in the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 15. ¶ And Samuel said to Saul, 'Why hast thou disquieted me to bring me up? And Saul answered, 'I am now disturbed, for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. 16. Then I said Samuel, Wherefore thou dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? 17. And the LORD hath done to him, 'as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, rose to David. 18. Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, 'nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek,' there- fore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day, 19. Moreover, the LORD will also deliver Israel, with thee, into the hand of the Philistines: and to-morrow shall thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines. Before Christ may be 20. David, having encouraged himself in God, adverbs himself to him for direction. 1. He saiths Ablactae to bring the ephod, and enquire whether he should go down after these898, and who, thus he should overtake them, and receives a command to go, and an assistance of success. Had he consulted God before his expedition with the Philistines, perhaps all his trouble might have been prevented. It is good to be made wise by just over-fights. 2. Encouraged by this answer from God, he immediately purifies with his fix hundred men, who, though fatigued with their march, and more with their trouble, follow hard after the track of these898. Two hundred at the brook Befor were quite faint and disabled; these therefore he is compelled to leave them to recover themselves, whilst he continues the pursuit with the remainder, trusting not on the arm of Seth, but on the promise of God. Nor, (1.) Discouraging providences will but exalt the faith of the determined God. (2.) They who kill peck forward, will jealably seize the prize. (3.) The Son of David considers our infirmities, and pains our weakness. 3. God brings him a guide: a wretched Egyptian lies in their way, forth under the complicated positions of sickness and mass, spambles, and ready to expire. The men bring him to David, and compaction moves him to relieve so miserable an object. The refreshment they gave him from brought him to his fences, and enabled him to give an account of himself, and who he belonged to. He was an Egyptian, servant to an Amalekite, as indeed his treatment thereof. Being overtaken with sickness, got in his hard service, his inhuman matter had deferred him, and left him barbarously to perish for want. He gives him an account of their expedition, their ravages on the South of Judah, and their capture of Elking; and, at David's request, giving by an oath bound him not to deliver him up to his shrouded matter, offers to bring him down to the place where their pleasurers were. Nor, (1.) Great events often depend on very unexpected incidents. (2.) No man to mean and despicable, as to be beneath our notice: we know not how much good or evil the weakest instruments may do us. (3.) He is a crued out on Amalekite matter, that, when his poor servants are sick, identifies them hailily, and leaves them to shift for themselves; when they are so disabled and helpless. (4.) Nothing is ever left by compaction: charity usually brings its own reward. 4. The Amalekites are surprised in the midst of their fault. Triumphing in their forceful, and concluding themselves safe from all fear of being purified, military order was neglected; all were holy in eating, drinking, and dancing, spending the evening in mirth and jostly, when David and his men suddenly fall upon them, and without assistance put them to the David. The pursuit continued till the evening of the next day, and not a man escaped, but four hundred young men, who owed their perseveration to the twiftness of the camels, or dromedaries, on which they rode. All the spoil of their camp fell into the victors hands: they recovered not only all they had left, particularly David's wives are mentioned, as the dearest and nearest to his heart, but also the flocks and herds of the Amalekites, which in triumph were driven home before them, as David's spoil. Nor, (1.) Security is the destruction of the sinners. (2.) Death ensues in hovering over many a fool, that to duress and keep devour the day, and little thanks, in the midst of pleasurers' throng, how near he stands on the brink of never-ending pain. (3.) In prosperity they will be carried and honoured, who in distress, like David, were inflicted. (4.) The Son of David hath recovered and all the hands of sin and Satan all that poor sinners had left, and enriched his faithful people with better-people than those flocks and herds, even with strathous which robbers can never steal, and mansions of glory that are incorhythmic, unbelied, and never fade away. 21. 9. And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Befor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he blamed them. 22. Then answered all the wicked men, and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, "Because they went not with us, we will not give them again of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. 23. Then said David, if shall not do so, any brethren, with that name: the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us, thus our lands. 24. For who will heathen unto you in this matter?" but as his part is that goeth down to the centre, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall partake. 25. And it was so from that day forward that he made it a fustile and an ordinance for him to take this day. 26. 9. And when David came to Sinking, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, were to his Herads, (laying, Behold: a 9-problem for the articles of the enemies of the LORD). 27. To them which were in Bethel and to them which were in South-Kenneth, and to them which were in Jastar, 28. And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphthooth, and to them which were in Eshlemon, 29. And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Keniers, 30. And to them which were in Hebreth, and to them which were in Chor-athan, and to them which were in Athach, 31. And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to insure. Wherever David is, he cannot long be inactive. 1. He meditates and executes an inroad on the Gethurites and Geerites, some of the remainder of the Amorites, and the Amalekites, who probably were incorporated among them, when they fled from Saul. As these were devoted nations, he leaves none alive: and beside, there was another reason, that they might not carry tidings to Achish, from whom he intended to conceal what he had done, left it should alarm the jealously of the Philistines. 2. Achish, on his return, enquires of his expedition, and David very desully, to conceal the truth, perspicutes; pretending to have made an inroad on the south of Judah, which was in a sense true, as these people lay southward; but David, it is to be feared, intended to be otherwise understood, as if he had fallen on his own countrymen, in which sense Achish apprehended him, and concluded from thence his fidelity to him, and that his countrymen would be so exasperated against him, that now David would be his servant for ever. Note, (1.) Equivalences to be found in a direct line. (2.) Let the loss of great and good men be looked upon not as an exculpation for our limitation of them, but as an admonition to avoid them.