2 Samuel 14:17

An all-comprehensive blessing.

"The Lord thy God be with thee" (Revised Version). The "wise woman," in closing her address to David and taking leave, as she thought, of him, pronounces this blessing upon him. It was a usual form of salutation amongst the Israelites; and, like our similar forms ("Adieu," equivalent to "to God [I commend thee];" "Good-bye," equivalent, perhaps, to "God be with thee"), was doubtless often employed without thought or feeling as to its significance. But in its full meaning it is the best blessing we can pronounce on our friends, the most comprehensive prayer we can offer for them. "The Lord Jesus be with thy spirit" ( 2 Timothy 4:22 ) is a similar benediction.

I. IT IS A PRAYER OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP . We can desire nothing more or better for our friends than what these words express. For consider:

1 . What is included in God being "with" men. Not simply his nearness, but:

2 . Whose friendship is thus invoked. That of "Jehovah thy God." The living God, the Eternal, the Almighty, the All-wise, the All-good, etc. Better to have him with us than all the world, all the universe. In fact, if God is with us, all things are really with us (see Romans 8:28 , Romans 8:31-39 ; 1 Peter 3:13 ).

II. IT IS A PRAYER NATURAL TO A PIOUS MAN . Springing from his personal experience of the blessedness of those who have God with them, and his desire that all, and especially those in whom he feels the deepest interest, should be partakers of the same blessedness.

III. IT IS A PRAYER ESPECIALLY SUITABLE TO BE OFFERED ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS . To express feelings of friendship, gratitude, benevolence, affection:

IV. IT IS A PRAYER WHICH WILL BE FULFILLED TO THE RIGHTEOUS . The unrighteous can only secure the blessing for themselves by becoming righteous (see 2 Chronicles 15:2 ), through repentance and faith in Immanuel (equivalent to "God with us").—G.W.