1 Samuel 17:12-19

Cooperation in spiritual warfare.

The facts are—

1 . Three of Jesse's sons are with the army opposing the Philistines.

2 . David, being relieved from attendance on Saul, keeps the flock at Bethlehem.

3 . Jesse sends David to the camp with provisions, and instructs him to look after the welfare of his brethren. It is possible that Jesse may have surmised that some considerable developments would soon arise out of Samuel's recent visit to Bethlehem and the wonderful interest taken in young David. At all events, it was providential that he sent him from caring for sheep to care for his brethren on the battlefield. Leaving out of view the moral condition of Israel and its consequences, as dwelt on in the last section, we may regard the army of Saul as being engaged in the service of the living God ( 1 Samuel 17:26 , 1 Samuel 17:36 ), virtually against the foes of the kingdom of the Messiah. David's visit to the army with provisions and messages relating to the welfare of his soldier brothers, therefore, brings out the relation that should subsist between those engaged in open conflict in the service of God and such as are not called to serve in that form.

I. The EXIGENCIES OF THE CHURCH REQUIRE SOME TO BE SPECIALLY ENGAGED IN OPEN CONFLICT WITH SIN . The circumstances of Israel necessitated just then that some of God's people should devote themselves to the campaign as soldiers. Combination under the guidance of skill would effect what isolated private effort could not touch. In the Christian economy every true follower of Christ is a soldier, following the lead of the Captain of our salvation. Nevertheless, the circumstances in which Christians find themselves demand that some should be more emphatically fighting men, to undertake, in combination with others, arduous work which can never be done by Christians in a private and isolated capacity. Hence we have men, separated from various occupations, consecrating all their time and energies not merely in defence of the gospel, but in making war upon the manifold evils which obstruct the triumph of Christ. These sustain a relation to others, whose time is otherwise employed on purely personal pursuits, similar to that of the army at Elah to the Jesses and Davids engaged in domestic and rural occupations.

II. The CONFLICT THUS OPENLY MAINTAINED INVOLVES THE INTERESTS AND CLAIMS THE SUPPORT OF ALL . Obviously every one in Israel was concerned in the issue of the conflict with the Philistines. All that free people hold precious was at stake. If it was in the power of noncombatants to render aid, clearly it ought to be forthcoming. In a higher and wider sense is it true that the business of Christ's soldiers at home and abroad is the business of the entire body of believers, irrespective of age, position, or ability. The Church is one body, and the sufferings or pleasures of one member are of moment to all the members. The feeling which suggests that certain efforts to save men are no concern but to those engaged in them is unintelligent and unchristian. The call to hold forth the word of truth is to the one body of the faithful. Our sympathy with Christ's mission is real only as we identify our hopes, and aspirations, and endeavours with those of all who have the "same mind." Consequently, every consideration of humanity, of brotherly regard, of love for Christ, and joy in his advancing conquests, should stimulate aid to those on the high places of the field.

III. THERE ARE AVAILABLE MEANS BY WHICH EVERY ONE MAY RENDER SUBSTANTIAL AID IN THIS WARFARE . Jesse's forethought and David's readiness contributed to the strength and encouragement of the absent warriors. Likewise every one in Israel could aid in the conflict by contributions of food and clothing, and by cherished sympathy and prayer. In modern nations every member of the community renders assistance in war, by payment of taxes, combination of counsel, deep and variously expressed sympathy, and that quota from each one which makes up the sum of support to be found in public opinion. The means by which the scattered members of Christ's Church can fulfil their duty to their brethren devoted entirely to the campaign against sin are varied and effective.

1 . By loyally bearing the common cause on the heart. This may become a habit if we will but make an intelligent study of what is due from us. Its value to the distant and near soldiers of the cross is clear to the spiritual eye. Moral natures are knit together by subtle bonds.

2 . By special acts and seasons of prayer. Emphasis given to our general sympathy by special pleading with God on behalf of his faithful servants is the all-powerful means of taking our share in the one great conflict. Even the greatest of apostles felt that he would do his work better if friends would but respond to his appeal, "Brethren, pray for us." This is an aid which may be rendered by young and old, hale and weak, the rich and poor. Only eternity will reveal how much, among the many concurring causes that issue at last in the full triumph of Christ, is due to the prayers even of the helpless invalids, and poor, unheard of saints that dwell in cottage homes.

3 . Moral and material support. We may seize opportunities for assuring our brethren, whose hearts are often faint and weary, that we do carry their cares and sorrows, and do regard their work as ours. We rob devoted men of strength when we are chary of letting them know our deep interest in them. The material support is also within the reach of most. To devote a portion of our means to Christ's cause is a great privilege. Had the Church devoted half on Christian enterprise that has been devoted to questionable self-indulgences, the joys of men and angels would ere this have been doubled.

General lessons : —

1 . We should encourage by example and personal influence in young people an intelligent interest in all Christian work because it is Christian.

2 . Where true love exists, ingenuity will devise means of cheering those engaged in arduous service.

3 . The spiritual unity of the Church may thus be largely realised, notwithstanding diversity of organisations.

HOMILIES BY B. DALE

1 Samuel 17:1-11 . (THE VALLEY OF ELAH.)

Israel smitten with fear.

"They were dismayed, and greatly afraid" ( 1 Samuel 17:11 ).

1 . The renewed attempt of the Philistines to subjugate Israel shows, in comparison with their former invasion, a decrease of power. They did not penetrate into the heart of the land ( 1 Samuel 13:5 ), but advanced only a short distance from their own border, and "pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim," a dozen miles southwest of Bethlehem. They had been driven back and held in check.

2 . It could hardly have been possible, but for the rashness of Saul in "the war of Michmash," by which the opportunity of inflicting a fatal blow was lost. Hearing, perhaps, of his condition, and perceiving signs of the laxity of his rule, they sought to repair their defeat.

3 . It found the people of Israel, notwithstanding their previous success, ill-prepared to repel the aggression. Although they went to meet the enemy, and encamped opposite to them, they did nothing more. In the spirit of a better time they would have immediately fallen upon them in reliance upon "the Lord of hosts" ( Deuteronomy 32:30 ); but now they were paralysed with fear, especially at the appearance of the gigantic champion who came out against them. The Philistines desired to make the issue depend on a single combat between this man and any Israelitish warrior who might be appointed to meet him; and he "drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days" ( 1 Samuel 17:16 ). A similar fear has sometimes pervaded the Christian community in the presence of the enemy.

I. IT IS INSPIRED BY FORMIDABLE OPPONENTS .

1 . Their number is great. They consist not merely of one or two, 'but of a host of giants.

2 . Their appearance is imposing. They seem to be possessed of extraordinary might, and arrayed in terrible armour, and are of great renown. "Am I not that Philistine" ( 1 Samuel 17:8 ), who has exhibited such prowess and slain so many foes? "He arose, and came, and drew nigh, like a stalking mountain, overlaid with brass and iron" (M. Henry).

3 . Their attitude is proud, boastful, defiant, contemptuous, and increasingly confident of victory as day after day the challenge is renewed, and no one dares to answer it. "The first challenge to a duel that we ever find came out of the mouth of an uncircumcised Philistine" (Hall). How often has the contemplation of such adversaries filled even good men with dismay! While we measure our natural strength against the forces of evil our case is hopeless. "Who is sufficient for these things?"

II. IT RESULTS PROM PREVIOUS UNFAITHFULNESS .

1 . Distrust of God and alienation from him. Faith prevents fear. It looks to God, judges of the power of the enemy in the light of his omnipotence, unites to him, and inspires with unbounded courage ( 1 Samuel 14:6 ; 1 Samuel 14:47 ); but unbelief is blind and weak and fearful ( Matthew 8:26 ). And dismay in great emergencies reveals the absence or feebleness of faith in the preceding and ordinary course of life.

2 . Outward acts of disobedience to the Divine will diminishing moral power, and producing inward distraction and dread.

3 . Sympathy with a faithless leader, and participation in the "spirit of fear" ( 2 Timothy 1:7 ) which he possesses. Saul had forsaken the Lord. He had not the presence of Samuel with him; nor, apparently, that of the high priest; nor did he seek the Divine counsel as aforetime. He ruled independently of Jehovah; and the people loved too much "to have it so," sharing in his faithlessness and fear. A faithless and fearful leader cannot have faithful and fearless followers.

III. IT INCURS DESERVED REPROACH ( 1 Samuel 17:8 , 1 Samuel 17:26 )—uttered by the enemy, and echoed in the conscience of the people, on account of—

1 . The cowardice of their conduct.

2 . The inconsistency of their position, as professed servants of the living God: unfaithful to their calling, trembling before the votaries of "gods that were no gods" ( 1 Samuel 17:44 ), and bringing dishonour upon the name of Jehovah. "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you" ( Romans 2:24 ; Proverbs 25:26 ).

3 . The likelihood of their defeat, of which it is a virtual acknowledgment, and to which it must infallibly conduct, unless a better spirit be infused into them. "How is it that ye have not faith?" ( Mark 4:40 ).

Learn that—

1 . The spirit of fear can be expelled only by the spirit of faith.

2 . Fearfulness in conflict, difficulty, and danger indicates a lack of faith, and should constrain to renewed trust in God.

3 . In their greatest extremity God does not abandon his people to despair, but provides for them "a way of escape."—D.

1 Samuel 17:17 , 1 Samuel 17:18 . (BETHLEHEM.)

Parental solicitude.

Family life occupies a prominent place in the Books of Samuel, and the affectionate concern of parents for their children is often mentioned (see 1 Samuel 2:24 ; 1 Samuel 10:2 ). Jesse, who, in consequence of his advanced age ( 1 Samuel 17:12 ), was himself unable to go against the Philistines, had his three elder sons in the army of Israel; and after they had been absent for some weeks, sent their youngest brother with provisions for their need, to make inquiries about their welfare, and "take their token," by which he might be assured thereof. Such solicitude as he displayed is—

I. NATURAL .

1 . Arising out of the instinctive affection which is felt by parents.

2 . Continuing throughout the whole of life.

3 . Commended by the heavenly Father, who puts it into the heart; and often illustrated, directed, and regulated by the teachings of his word ( Genesis 18:19 ; Genesis 22:2 ; 2 Samuel 18:33 ; Ephesians 6:4 ; 1 Timothy 5:8 ).

II. CONSIDERATE .

1 . Of the distance of children from home, and of their deprivation of parental oversight, counsel, and restraint.

2 . Of their need: temporal, spiritual, and eternal.

3 . Of their peril: from their own tendencies, their intimate associations, and their open enemies.

III. PRACTICAL . Expressed—

1 . In sending them presents of that which is best adapted to their wants.

2 . By the hand of a brother ( Genesis 37:14 ; Genesis 43:11 ).

3 . With the request of a token of affectionate regard for the gratification of a heart that desires and seeks their happiness.

IV. ILLUSTRATIVE of "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man" ( Titus 2:4 ). The relation of an earthly father to his children is a shadow of that of the heavenly Father to men; it was doubtless appointed from the first to be such, and the loving care which arises out of it is, in comparison with that of the "Father of spirits," only as a ray of light compared with the sun. This also is—

1 . Natural and spontaneous, for "God is love."

2 . Considerate ( Psalms 103:13 , Psalms 103:14 ). "In thee the fatherless findeth mercy ( Hosea 14:3 ).

3 . Practical. "I have loved you, saith the Lord," etc. ( Malachi 1:2 ; Matthew 7:11 ; John 3:16 ).

Exhortation : —

1 . To parents. Let your kindness to your children be such as accords with that of your heavenly Father to you, and as affords a true image of it.

2 . To children. Show kindness to your parents in return for their kindness to you ( 1 Samuel 22:3 ), as your heavenly Father requires.

3 . To all. "If I be a father, where is mine honour?" ( Malachi 1:6 ).—D.