May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you. Sermons
1 Samuel 24:8-12. (ENGEDI.) Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, David seeketh thy hurt? (ver. 9). Saul's hatred and persecution of David were stirred up by slanderers; and, in vindication of himself from the charge of seeking his hurt, David referred to them on this and on a subsequent occasion (1 Samuel 26:19). One of them seems to have been Cush the Benjamite (see Kitto, 'D.B. Illus.'), on account of the calumnies of whom he wrote Psalm 7., 'The righteous judgment of God' (see inscription): - "Jehovah my God, in thee have I found refuge; "Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, I. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST ODIOUS OF VICES. It is "the uttering of false (or equivalent to false, morally false) speech against our neighbour in prejudice to his fame, his safety, his welfare, or concernment in any kind, out of malignity, vanity, rashness, ill nature, or bad design" (Barrow, Ser. 18.); and it is exhibited in an endless variety of ways. 1. It is marked by falsehood, folly, injustice, malice, and impiety. 2. It exerts a most pernicious influence. The tongue on which it dwells is like a fire, which (though at first but a single spark) may set a whole forest in a blaze (James 3:5); is "full of deadly poison," and sends forth "arrows, firebrands, and death." In private reputations, domestic life, social intercourse, the Church and the world, what mischief it works! 3. It is frequently forbidden and condemned in the word of God (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 10:31; 1 Corinthians 6:9). "I say unto you that every idle (empty, insincere, wicked, and injurious) word," etc. (Matthew 12:36, 37). "God is angry (with the wicked) every day" (Psalm 7:11). II. IT OUGHT NEVER TO BE COUNTENANCED. "Wherefore hearest thou?" No one should listen to it; for by doing so - 1. He encourages the wicked in their wickedness (Proverbs 25:23). "When will talkers refrain from evil speaking? When listeners refrain from evil hearing" (Hare). 2. He injures himself; becomes a tool of designing men, and is led to do things which his better nature cannot approve; whilst, at the same time, he manifests his own unreasonableness and sinful disposition. 3. He makes himself "partaker of their evil deeds," and exposes himself to the same condemnation. Although incited by others, Saul was not guiltless in "hunting after" the soul of David "to take it" (ver. 11). III. IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE MET IN A RIGHT MANNER by those who are calumniated; as by - 1. An open assertion of innocence, direct denial and rebuke of false statements, and faithful remonstrance against their being entertained. "Whose mouths" (says Paul concerning unruly and vain talkers and deceivers) "must be stopped" (Titus 1:11). 2. A clear proof of innocence afforded by becoming, righteous, and merciful actions (vers. 10, 11; compare Psalm 7:3, 4). 3. A sincere appeal to God as the Vindicator of the innocent; lowly submission to his will and firm confidence in the manifestation of his righteous judgment. "The justice of God is a refuge and comfort to oppressed innocency" (M. Henry). "The Lord judge between me and thee," etc. (ver. 12). "Jehovah judgeth the people. 1. To use the gift of speech in speaking well, and not ill, of others. 2. To rely on God more than on your own efforts for your vindication when evil spoken of. 3. The blessedness of those against whom men "say all manner of evil falsely" for Christ's sake. - D. I. THANKFULNESS FOR PRESERVATION IN SLEEP. II. ATTENTION TO CONSCIENCE IN LITTLE THINGS. When Saul slept in the cave at Engedi David spared his life, but not the skirt of his robe. That was cut off, to be visible token to the king of his exposure to David's power. It was a little thing to do, and from one urged to a great and deadly. But his "heart smote him." He had a conscience in little things. He must be stringent in obedience to it. Would that he always had been! Little things! So we speak. But these make the staple of life. This is the great need — for Christian men to reverence conscience in so-called little things, in all things. Home life remitter, purer, friendship firmer, business more honest and unselfish — these are "evidences of Christianity" which the enemy cannot gainsay or resist. III. THE CRUELTY OF SLANDER. IV. THE PATIENCE OF FAITH. David "believed God." The crown was Divinely assured him. He could wait God's time for it. V. THE TRUTH OF REPENTANCE. Saul shed tears enough, and made vows enough. But it availed nothing. Quick to repent he was quick to fall into the old sin. Soon, in spite of solemn protestations, we find him again pursuing David. The truth of repentance is not to be read in tears. (G. T. Coster.) People David, SaulPlaces Engedi, Wildgoats' RocksTopics Avenge, Avenged, Judge, Lifted, Rights, Touch, WrongsOutline 1. David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life8. He shows thereby his innocence, 16. Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs. Dictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 24:12 5358 judges Library Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo'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 mayest 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 afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had out off Saul's skirt. 6. And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Exile --Continued. How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished. The Exile --Continued. The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs How those are to be Admonished with whom Everything Succeeds According to their Wish, and those with whom Nothing Does. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 24:12 NIV1 Samuel 24:12 NLT 1 Samuel 24:12 ESV 1 Samuel 24:12 NASB 1 Samuel 24:12 KJV 1 Samuel 24:12 Bible Apps 1 Samuel 24:12 Parallel 1 Samuel 24:12 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 24:12 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 24:12 French Bible 1 Samuel 24:12 German Bible 1 Samuel 24:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |