aaaaCzęsto usiłujemy ukryć nasze uczucia przed tymi, którzy powinni je poznać.aaaa [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
//-->.pos {position:absolute; z-index: 0; left: 0px; top: 0px;}Matthew Henry’s Commentary (Condensed)on 1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 241 Samuel 16Samuel sent to Bethlehem to Jesse. (1-5) David is anointed. (6-13) Saul troubled with an evilspirit, is quieted by David. (14-23)1 Samuel 16:1-5It appears that Saul was grown very wicked. Of what would he not beguilty, who durst think to kill Samuel? The elders of Bethlehem trembled at Samuel’scoming. It becomes us to stand in awe of God’s messengers, and to tremble at his word.His answer was, I come peaceably, for I come to sacrifice. When our Lord Jesus cameinto the world, though men had reason to fear that his errand was to condemn the world,yet he gave full assurance that he came peaceably, for he came to sacrifice, and hebrought his offering with him; A body hast thou prepared me. Let us sanctify ourselves,and depend upon His sacrifice.1 Samuel 16:6-13It was strange that Samuel, who had been so disappointed in Saul,whose countenance and stature recommended him, should judge of another man by thatrule. We can tell how men look, but God can tell what they are. He judges of men by theheart. We often form a mistaken judgment of characters; but the Lord values only thefaith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment. AndGod does not favour our children according to our fond partiality, but often mosthonours and blesses those who have been least regarded. David at length was pitchedupon. He was the youngest of the sons of Jesse; his name signifies Beloved; he was a typeof God’s beloved Son. It should seem, David was least set by of all the sons of Jesse. Butthe Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. His anointing was not anempty ceremony, a Divine power went with that instituted sign; he found himselfadvanced in wisdom and courage, with all the qualifications of a prince, though notadvanced in his outward circumstances. This would satisfy him that his election was ofGod. The best evidence of our being predestinated to the kingdom of glory, is, our beingsealed with the Spirit of promise, and experience of a work of grace in our hearts.1 Samuel 16:14-23Saul is made a terror to himself. The Spirit of the Lord departedfrom him. If God and his grace do not rule us, sin and Satan will have possession of us.The devil, by the Divine permission, troubled and terrified Saul, by the corrupt humoursof his body, and passions of his mind. He grew fretful, peevish, and discontented, and attimes a madman. It is a pity that music, which may be serviceable to the good temper ofthe mind, should ever be abused, to support vanity and luxury, and made an occasion ofdrawing the heart from God and serious things. That is driving away the good Spirit, notthe evil spirit. Music, diversions, company, or business, have for a time often beenemployed to quiet the wounded conscience; but nothing can effect a real cure but theblood of Christ, applied in faith, and the sanctifying Spirit sealing the pardon, by his holycomforts. All other plans to dispel religious melancholy are sure to add to distress, eitherin this world or the next.1 Samuel 17Goliath’s challenge. (1-11) David comes to the camp. (12-30) David undertakes to fightGoliath. (31-39) and goes to meet him. (40-47) He kills Goliath. (48-58)1 Samuel 17:1-11Men so entirely depend upon God in all things, that when hewithdraws his help, the most valiant and resolute cannot find their hearts or hands, asdaily experience shows.1 Samuel 17:12-30Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army at that criticaljuncture; but the wise God orders actions and affairs, so as to serve his designs. In times ofgeneral formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal which implies readiness to gofurther, or to venture more in the cause of God than others, will be blamed as pride andambition, and by none more than by near relations, like Eliab, or negligent superiors. Itwas a trial of David’s meekness, patience, and constancy. He had right and reason on hisside, and did not render railing for railing; with a soft answer he turned away his brother’swrath. This conquest of his own passion was more honourable than that of Goliath.Those who undertake great and public services, must not think it strange if they arespoken ill of, and opposed by those from whom they expect support and assistance. Theymust humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of enemies’ threats, but offriends’ slights and suspicions.1 Samuel 17:31-39A shepherd lad, come the same morning from keeping sheep, hadmore courage than all the mighty men of Israel. Thus God often sends good words to hisIsrael, and does great things for them, by the weak and foolish things of the world. As hehad answered his brother’s passion with meekness, so David answered Saul’s fear withfaith. When David kept sheep, he proved himself very careful and tender of his flock. Thisreminds us of Christ, the good Shepherd, who not only ventured, but laid down his lifefor the sheep. Our experience ought to encourage us to trust in God, and be bold in theway of duty. He that has delivered, does and will continue to do so. David gained leave tofight the Philistine. Not being used to such armour as Saul put upon him, he was notsatisfied to go in that manner; this was from the Lord, that it might more plainly appearhe fought and conquered in faith, and that the victory was from Him who works by thefeeblest and most despised means and instruments. It is not to be inquired how excellentany thing is, but how proper. Let Saul’s coat be ever so rich, and his armour ever sostrong, what is David the better if they fit him not? But faith, prayer, truth, andrighteousness; the whole armour of God, and the mind that was in Christ; are equallyneedful for all the servants of the Lord, whatever may be their work.1 Samuel 17:40-47The security and presumption of fools destroy them. Nothing canexcel the humility, faith, and piety which appear in David’s words. He expressed hisassured expectation of success; he gloried in his mean appearance and arms, that thevictory might be ascribed to the Lord alone.1 Samuel 17:48-58See how frail and uncertain life is, even when a man thinks himselfbest fortified; how quickly, how easily, and by how small a matter, the passage may beopened for life to go out, and death to enter! Let not the strong man glory in his strength,nor the armed man in his armour. God resists the proud, and pours contempt on thosewho defy him and his people. No one ever hardened his heart against God andprospered. The history is recorded, that all may exert themselves for the honour of God,and the support of his cause, with bold and unshaken reliance on him. There is oneconflict in which all the followers of the Lamb are, and must be engaged; one enemy,more formidable than Goliath, still challenges the armies of Israel. But “resist the devil,and he will flee from you.” Go forth to battle with the faith of David, and the powers ofdarkness shall not stand against you. But how often is the Christian foiled through an evilheart of unbelief!1 Samuel 18Jonathan’s friendship for David. (1-5) Saul seeks to kill David. (6-11) Saul’s fear of David.(12-30)1 Samuel 18:1-5The friendship of David and Jonathan was the effect of Divine grace,which produces in true believers one heart and one soul, and causes them to love eachother. This union of souls is from partaking in the Spirit of Christ. Where God uniteshearts, carnal matters are too weak to separate them. Those who love Christ as their ownsouls, will be willing to join themselves to him in an everlasting covenant. It was certainlya great proof of the power of God’s grace in David, that he was able to bear all thisrespect and honour, without being lifted up above measure.1 Samuel 18:6-11David’s troubles not only immediately follow his triumphs, but arisefrom them; such is the vanity of that which seems greatest in this world. It is a sign thatthe Spirit of God is departed from men, if, like Saul, they are peevish, envious, suspicious,and ill-natured. Compare David, with his harp in his hand, aiming to serve Saul, andSaul, with his javelin in his hand, aiming to slay David; and observe the sweetness andusefulness of God’s persecuted people, and the barbarity of their persecutors. But David’ssafety must be ascribed to God’s providence.1 Samuel 18:12-30For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of fallingby the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behaviour towards hispersecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults andprovocations! Let us inquire if we imitate this part of the exemplary character before us.Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Is there no sinful omission, no rashness of spirit,nothing wrong in our conduct? Opposition and perverseness in others, will not excusewrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to the duties of ourstation. Consider Him that endured contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye beweary and faint in your minds, Hebrews 12:3. If David magnified the honour of beingson-in-law to king Saul, how should we magnify the honour of being sons to the King ofkings!1 Samuel 19Jonathan reconciles his father to David, Saul again tries to slay him. (1-10) David flees toSamuel. (11-24)1 Samuel 19:1-10How forcible are right words! Saul was, for a time, convinced of theunreasonableness of his enmity to David; but he continued his malice against David. Soincurable is the hatred of the seed of the serpent against that of the woman; so deceitfuland desperately wicked is the heart of man without the grace of God, Jeremiah 17:9.1 Samuel 19:11-24Michal’s stratagem to gain time till David got to a distance wasallowable, but her falsehood had not even the plea of necessity to excuse it, and manifeststhat she was not influenced by the same spirit of piety which had dictated Jonathan’slanguage to Saul. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet,was best able to advise him what to do in this day of distress. He met with little rest orsatisfaction in Saul’s court, therefore went to seek it in Samuel’s church. What littlepleasure is to be had in this world, those have who live a life of communion with God; tothat David returned in the time of trouble. So impatient was Saul after David’s blood, sorestless against him, that although baffled by one providence after another, he could notsee that David was under the special protection of God. And when God will take this wayto protect David, even Saul prophesies. Many have great gifts, yet no grace; they mayprophesy in Christ’s name, yet are disowned by him. Let us daily seek for renewing grace,which shall be in us as a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Let us cleave totruth and holiness with full purpose of heart. In every danger and trouble, let us seekprotection, comfort, and direction in God’s ordinances.1 Samuel 20David consults Jonathan. (1-10) Jonathan’s covenant with David. (11-23) Saul, missingDavid, seeks to kill Jonathan. (24-34) Jonathan takes leave of David. (35-42)1 Samuel 20:1-10The trials David met with, prepared him for future advancement.Thus the Lord deals with those whom he prepares unto glory. He does not put them intoimmediate possession of the kingdom, but leads them to it through much tribulation,which he makes the means of fitting them for it. Let them not murmur at his graciousappointment, nor distrust his care; but let them look forward with joyful expectation tothe crown which is laid up for them. Sometimes it appears to us that there is but a stepbetween us and death; at all times it may be so, and we should prepare for the event. Butthough dangers appear most threatening, we cannot die till the purpose of Godconcerning us is accomplished; nor till we have served our generation according to hiswill, if we are believers. Jonathan generously offers David his services. This is truefriendship. Thus Christ testifies his love to us, Ask, and it shall be done for you; and wemust testify our love to him, by keeping his commandments.1 Samuel 20:11-23Jonathan faithfully promises that he would let David know how hefound his father affected towards him. It will be kindness to ourselves and to ours, tosecure an interest in those whom God favours, and to make his friends ours. Truefriendship rests on a firm basis, and is able to silence ambition, self-love, and undueregard for others. But who can fully understand the love of Jesus, who gave himself as asacrifice for rebellious, polluted sinners! how great then ought to be the force and effectsof our love to him, to his cause, and his people!1 Samuel 20:24-34None were more constant than David in attending holy duties; norhad he been absent, but self-preservation obliged him to withdraw. In great peril presentopportunities for Divine ordinances may be waved. But it is bad for us, except in case ofnecessity, to omit any opportunity of statedly attending on them. Jonathan did wisely andwell for himself and family, to secure an interest in David, yet for this he is blamed. It isgood to take God’s people for our people. It will prove to our advantage at last, howeverit may now be thought against our interest. Saul was outrageous. What savage beasts, andworse, does anger make men!1 Samuel 20:35-42The separation of two such faithful friends was grievous to both, butDavid’s case was the more deplorable, for David was leaving all his comforts, even thoseof God’s sanctuary. Christians need not sorrow, as men without hope; but being one withChrist, they are one with each other, and will meet in his presence ere long, to part nomore; to meet where all tears shall be wiped from their eyes.1 Samuel 21David with Ahimelech. (1-9) David at Gath feigns himself mad. (10-15)1 Samuel 21:1-9David, in distress, fled to the tabernacle of God. It is great comfort in aday of trouble, that we have a God to go to, to whom we may open our cases, and fromwhom we may ask and expect direction. David told Ahimelech a gross untruth. Whatshall we say to this? The Scripture does not conceal it, and we dare not justify it; it was illdone, and proved of bad consequence; for it occasioned the death of the priests of theLord. David thought upon it afterward with regret. David had great faith and courage,yet both failed him; he fell thus foully through fear and cowardice, and owing to theweakness of his faith. Had he trusted God aright, he would not have used such a sorry,sinful shift for his own preservation. It is written, not for us to do the like, no, not in thegreatest straits, but for our warning. David asked of Ahimelech bread and a sword.Ahimelech supposed they might eat the shew-bread. The Son of David taught from it,that mercy is to be preferred to sacrifice; that ritual observances must give way to moralduties. Doeg set his foot as far within the tabernacle as David did. We little know withwhat hearts people come to the house of God, nor what use they will make of pretendeddevotion. If many come in simplicity of heart to serve their God, others come to observetheir teachers and to prove accusers. Only God and the event can distinguish between aDavid and a Doeg, when both are in the tabernacle.1 Samuel 21:10-15God’s persecuted people have often found better usage fromPhilistines than from Israelites. David had reason to put confidence in Achish, yet hebegan to be afraid. His conduct was degrading, and discovered wavering in his faith andcourage. The more simply we depend on God, and obey him, the more comfortably andsurely we shall walk through this troublesome world.1 Samuel 22[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]