rounded and hardly pressed by his enemies. Alas! does he cry unto God? Does he confess his sins? Does he ask for mercy? Nothing of the kind can you discover in this narration. Not one penitential feeling, nor one breathing for mercy, is here recorded. Instead of this, he invited his armour-bearer to put an end to his sorrows; and, when he refused to do so, he took a sword and killed himself! Who does not shudder at this fatal deed? Hath not that God, who forbids you to kill another, forbidden you to kill yourself? Is not self-murder as great a crime as the murder of another? Is not this an awful thought? What must be the state and end of that man whose last act is an open violation of God's holy law?

But what led to this fatal deed? Despair: hardened, maddened despair, He feared

falling into the hands of the uncircumcised Philistines; but he felt no fear at falling into the hands of the living God! No gleam of mercy beamed on his mind. Like Judas, he saw his state, without perceiving the remedy. He saw his sin, without the Saviour. He saw what he had done, without seeing the love, mercy, and grace, by which he could be delivered. He was, therefore, cut off in his sins; and went to his own place. So perished Saul, the man whose heart was not sound before God.

Will you not pause over his latter end? Will you not pray that such may never be your doom? Will you not beseech the Lord to put his fear into your heart that you may never depart from him; and that he will never turn away from you to do you good? May such be the fruit of this awful death!

CHAPTER I.

1 The Amalekite, who brought tidings of the overthrow, and accused himself of Saul's death, is slain. 17 David lamenteth Saul and Jonathan with a song.

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OW it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

4 And David said unto him, 'How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, 2 Here am I.

8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.

11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:

12 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

13 ¶ And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?

15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.

16 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his

19 The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

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21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.

22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.

23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.

26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

THIS portion of God's Word opens with the intelligence of Saul's overthrow brought to David by an Amalekite; what he said when he told David of the event; what David did on hearing this news; and how greatly he lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan. Here are many things to teach us wisdom.

How little do we know what is going on around us; and how much we may be concerned in events actually transpiring, but of which, as yet, we are quite ignorant! David knew nothing of this battle, till the news was brought of its having taken place. He was at a distance from the spot; though it was mainly for his sake all came to pass. So is it, frequently, with ourselves and others. Many things are going on, deeply affecting our temporal and spiritual welfare, of which we may be quite ignorant; the effect of which may not be known till some time after. Devils may be plotting our destruction; foes may be aiming at our hurt; friends may be consulting for our good; angels may be watching over our path; Christ may be interceding for us above; and we may be quite unconscious both of the peril we are in, and the mercy that is coming, till the Lord, in due time, be pleased to bring it to light. How safely may you commit your cause to the Lord; and leave it with him to uphold your steps, and preserve your soul even to the end!

How much nearer may some of our greatest blessings be, than we are apt to imagine! It was while David was at Ziklag all these things came to pass. It was when he feared he should certainly perish by the hand of Saul his final deliverance from his persecuting fury was near at hand. It was when he had lost all his substance at Ziklag, was reduced to beggary, and his soldiers spake of stoning him to death, that he was on the point of ascending the throne to which he had been anointed. Only two days after the recovery of his substance from the hand of the Amalekites had passed away, before the messenger came to

tell him that Saul was dead. Does not this prove, that mercies may be much nearer than you suppose? You fear you may never find the pardon of your sins? You fear you may never be able to overcome your temptations. You fear there may be no end to your sorrows; or, that you shall certainly sink under them at last. But why do you fear? Will not the Lord give you a happy issue out of all your troubles? May not that deliverance be much nearer than you imagine? May not the Lord be about to speak peace to your soul, at the very time you may be doubtful and desponding? Look at David; and take courage. Look to the Lord; and hope, and pray, and wait for his promised salvation.

How greatly do most persons misunderstand the principles and motives of the people of God! When the Amalekite brought David the intelligence of Saul's death, he expected a reward. To ingratiate himself with David and secure the prize, he forged even a lie, and represented himself as the man who had slain him, to make matters sure. But he justly met with his own death. People, in general, would have supposed that David would feel glad when his enemy was dead: but he deeply and sorely lamented him. How do you account for these things? Some people are actuated by worldly policy; others, by the fear of God. The latter was David's case. How touching are these strains of sorrow! (v. 17—27.) How affecting are these lamentations! But if such were the love of these friends, Jonathan and David, how tender, faithful, and abiding, is the love of Jesus! May you dwell upon this delightful thought, and realise his love for evermore!

2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.

3 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

5 ¶ And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.

6 And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

7 Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and 'be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.

8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

9 And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

10 Ish-bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.

11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

12 ¶ And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met 'together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.

14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

15 Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called 'Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

17 And there was a very sore battle that

19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left 'from following Abner.

20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.

21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his 10 armour. But Asahel would

not turn aside from following of him.

22 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?

23 Howbeit he refused to turn aside : wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

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24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

25¶ And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.

26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

27 And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then "in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.

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28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.

29 And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.

30 And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.

31 But the servants of David had smitten

THIS chapter tells us of David's first public step, after he was informed of the death of Saul; his being anointed king over the house of Judah; and the conflict which took place between him and Saul's successor. Some other things are also narrated. The whole must be regarded as designed for personal improvement, as well as affording historic detail.

David inquired of the Lord. Here is a right mind; and a right action springing from such right mind. To inquire of the Lord, is the first duty in all the transactions of life; in regard both to the body and soul. The plain direction of God's word, coupled with his gracious promise, is, "In all thy ways acknowledge him; and he shall direct thy path." (Prov. iii. 6.) Thus, David would not move a step, in seeking possession of the kingdom to which he was anointed, without, first of all, inquiring of the Lord. Mind this in all your temporal matters. Ask the Lord to shew you the way in which you ought to Ask the Lord to guide and keep you in go. it; and to bring you safe to the end. Never forget this duty, also, in all your spiritual concerns. It is the Lord who must teach you the truth; he must lead you in the way of life; he must bless all the appointed means of grace for your good. He must guide you by his counsel, till you come to his glory. Always be sure to inquire of the Lord. (Ps. lxxiii. 24.)

David's prayer was answered. The Lord told him what to do; and where to go, and how to act. He was not left in uncertainty; nor was his prayer unheard. And will not the Lord hear and answer your prayers, when you call upon him, in the name of Christ, for counsel or aid; for grace or salvation? Hath he not invited you to do so? Hath he not

promised to hear and bless you? Are you anywhere straitened in him? Are you in any way forbidden or discouraged to seek him? Who ever was disappointed, who cast his burden upon the Lord? Whom did he ever send empty away, that came begging at the throne of grace? Whom did he ever spurn from his presence, that pleaded the precious name, and the prevailing merits, of his dear Son Jesus Christ? Consult the records of his grace. Chide your unbelieving fears. Rest assured of the truth of the promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt. vii. 7.)

David's fresh difficulties. Although anointed to the kingdom of Judah, he was not, as yet, king over all Israel. Ten whole tribes were opposed to his authority, and ranged themselves under the house of Saul. This continued for some years, till the whole kingdom quietly submitted to his rule. What does this fact teach us? Do we not see, that, in some shape or other, we must expect trials so long as we are here? If some difficulties cease, others will arise. Saul was dead; but his son reigned in his stead. Let us, then, stand prepared for trials. We live in a changing world. Our whole life, as Christians, is a state of warfare. If the world be silenced,

the flesh will rage. If both be subdued; the devil remains. Put on, then, the whole armour of God; and you will be able to withstand in the evil day. Under the banner of Christ, you may still rejoice. The conflict may last long; but the victory will ultimately be sure. The great captain of your salvation will order all for your good; and make you victorious over all, in the full possession of your heavenly kingdom.

2 ¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

3 And his second, 'Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 6¶ And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.

7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?

8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;

10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.

11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.

12 ¶ And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying, also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.

13 ¶ And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

15 And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.

16 And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

17 And Abner had communication with